LIFE IS A CHALLENGE

            “LIFE IS A CHALLENGE.”   This is the thought that keeps lingering in my mind as I go through the duties and responsibilities entrusted to me.

            I have often heard that ‘LIFE is a GIFT’.  Yes, indeed, it is a gift, because it comes from God without even our asking for it.  Every human being is given this gift at the time of conception.  However, how one uses or spends this gift depends a lot on the circumstances of his life.

            Looking back at my past life,  I could see that this gift is full of challenges.  The challenges of sickness came to me as early as at the age of five years old when I together with my elder sister and younger brother were victims in an epidemic of “measles”.  I was the only one who  survived.  Then at age fourteen up to twenty I was afflicted with a lingering sickness called “osteomylitis”.  I had to undergo two major operations and one year of clay treatment to overcome it.

  In the field of education, I was beset with were several challenges.  I did not meet the challenges of the priesthood and hence, I opted to leave the seminary when I was about to finish Theology.  However, I succeeded in finishing Philosophy at the University of Santo Tomas, and  Master in Business Administration  at the Ateneo de Manila University.

  In the field of employment,  I went through several challenges – salesmanship, office work, public service, and education.

  In the field of evangelization,  I was challenged with the task of being an Archdiocesan Catechetical Coordinator for eighteen years.

  As a family man, I was challenged with the task of providing for the needs  and education of eight living children.

            All these experiences corroborate my viewpoint that LIFE is a CHALLENGE.

            God, in his infinite wisdom, has given the Gift of Life to every man in this world.  It is a Gift, however, that, in general, poses a threefold challenge: the challenge of FAITH, HOPE, and LOVE.

 

            The challenge of FAITH – is the challenge to believe that there is a God, the Creator of the Universe, despite all the destructions being done by mankind.

            The challenge of HOPE – is the challenge to trust in God’s providence which assures an everlasting peace and joy for all his creatures, despite all the machinations of the evil one.

            The challenge of LOVE – is the challenge to have a personal relationship with God and with one’s fellowmen, despite all the human travails caused by men’s imperfections in this world.

            I pray for the grace to be able to meet all these challenges and thus give back to God the GIFT of LIFE, FULLY ACCOMPLISHED.

by: Buddy Cagurangan

April 15, 2012

TIME - THE GREATEST GIFT

               “The greatest gift you can give to someone is your time.”   This is what Most Rev. Juan de Dios M. Pueblos, DD, Bishop of Butuan, said in his Letter of Endorsement to the booklet ‘Pondering the Word of God – the Anawim Way’.     

      

            I used to think of Time as the least valuable of the three (3) things (time-talent-treasure) that we can offer to manifest love.  The statement of Bishop Pueblos, however, makes me reconsider my viewpoint.

            Bishop Pueblos says: “When you give someone your time, you are giving a portion of your life that will never get back.” His statement made me realize that, indeed, of all the three gifts, time given or spent will never come back while talents can still be retained or even developed when given and treasure can in some way or another be repaid or returned.  Verily, Time will never come back.  In whatever way one spends it it will remain in the annals of history and stay there forever.  So, time spent with someone is a Gift whose value is in the way it is given.

            How we spend time, therefore, is what gives it its worth.  When time is spent for one’s selfish interests, its value is limited to one’s own good; but when time is spent to serve others in love, its value is spread to those who are served – and it thus becomes a GIFT FOR OTHERS.  Hence,  for Time to be a Gift, it has to be spent for the good of others.  In this way, it will be a portion of one’s life that is given away because of one’s love for others.  This is what makes it the GREATEST GIFT that one can offer to someone he loves.

            Bishop Pueblos  further said: “As Christians, we need to strengthen and deepen our relationship with Christ by spending time with Him through prayer and to ponder His words.”  Therefore, the greatest Gift  that we can offer to our Lord Jesus Christ, is Time spent in Prayer and in pondering His words.  This reinforces what spiritual writers say about the value of  having  a QUIET TIME with the LORD everyday.

By: Buddy Cagurangan

April 8, 2012

            

THE MORAL LIFE

            THE MORAL LIFE according to Pre-Vatican II concepts is Authority-Centered, Law-Centered, Sin-Centered, and Guilt-Centered.

            Vatican II Council, however, in its paradigm-shifts on Theology, has stressed a Growth-Centered concept.  This new concept states: “We change not because of our sins, but because we are loved by God.  We become aware of our potentials; that we are lovable. We celebrate our original blessings.  Morality is being true to our own humanity.”

            Pondering on this new way of looking at morality, I could see the relevance of a theory postulated by Rev. Fr. Teilhard de Chardin, SJ, in his book “The Phenomenon of Man”.  He said that everything in this world is in ‘EV0LUTION’.  The whole world is in the process of changing, and in the long run it will be changing for the better despite all the evils that seem to thwart this process.  “ Man himself is Evolution being conscious of himself.”

            Looking at what is actually happening in the world today,  I could see that, indeed, as a whole, we are experiencing many things that have changed for the better. In the field of communication, for instance, the science of computerization has certainly made a great change for a better and faster way of giving and getting information.  In the field of transportation,  the advent of cars and airplanes have made a tremendous change in our mobility in this world.  In the field of infrastructure,  we see a great change in the building of roads, bridges, building, etc.  In socialization, there is  a movement towards the unification of mankind despite the still many misunderstandings that tend to divide the world.  These are some indications that this world is, indeed, in the process of changing for the better.

            For mankind this process of change depends a lot on the gift of freedom which God, in His infinite goodness, has bestowed on man to enable him to respond to his love.  When man uses this gift to do something good, then he contributes towards making this world a better place to live in.  But when man abuses this gift and does something wrong,  then he somehow obstructs the movement of change for the better.  For man, therefore, morality is using the gift of freedom in order to become a better person.   Hence, it is GROWTH-CENTERED.

            This paradigm shift in understanding the Moral Life is for me a challenge to use the Gift of Freedom and do what I am convinced to do to have a personal relationship with God and thus become a better person.

By: Buddy Cagurangan 

April 1, 2012  

ACT ALWAYS WITH LOVE

            “ACT ALWAYS WITH LOVE.”  This is the insight that came to me after reading a message from Pope Paul VI on a Lenten Meditation which was published in the Vatican II Daily Missal.  It reads as follows: “Our actions acquire value thru the thought which accompanies them, that is, thru the intention which ennobles them.”

            After pondering on what this message means to me,  I realized that any action of mine should be motivated by a purpose or reason, and it is this purpose that can spell the difference between what is good and what is bad.

            After reflecting on all the possible reasons that can motivate my actions, I considered just one reason which could serve as the ultimate purpose for all my actions, and that is: LOVE.  I do believe that if  I do anything out of love of God or love of my neighbor,  my action becomes meaningful and pleasing in the eyes of God. 

            Love, of course, is, as they say, a “Many Splendored Thing”.   It can be manifested in many different ways.  It can be expressed in Thought, Word, or Deed.  It has, however, only one objective – the GOODNESS of another – either of God or a fellowman – for God’s Glory or for a fellowman’s welfare. 

            To act with love, however, is not automatic.  It requires some moments of deliberation and decision before the action.  This for me is a challenge that poses some difficulty, due to previous behaviors wherein I acted without first considering any motives or the consequences of my actions.   There were times when I acted at the spur of the moment, oftentimes moved by anger or hatred instead of love. 

            I, therefore, pray that God will give me the graces I need to be patient and give myself time to deliberate on what could be a loving response to any situation before I decide on any action.  

            “TO ACT ALWAYS WITH LOVE”  shall be a continuing challenge for me for the rest of my life.  I believe, however, that this is what God wants me to do, and relying on His infinite Goodness and overflowing graces, I shall be able to make it the GUIDING PRINCIPLE OF MY LIFE.

By: Buddy Cagurangan 

March 11, 2012

SELF-SURRENDER TO GOD

             SELF-SURRENDER TO GOD.  This is the thought that came to me as I kept reflecting on what a sister of the SERRA Club of Singapore said: “It is not so much what you do but what God wants to do to you and through you.”   She narrated during a Regional Convention of the SERRA Club in Singapore that in one of her visits to the Blessed Sacrament this is the inspiration that she got from the Lord JESUS CHRIST.

          Now and then these words ring in my ears, so to say, and I have tried to discern the message that these convey.  Let me share my reflections:

          First of all, I acknowledge that God is the Creator of the Universe  and everything depends on Him for existence.    God, in His infinite wisdom, has a reason or purpose for every creature in this universe Hence, every creature should be attuned to whatever God wants to do.

          For creatures that are simply guided by the law of nature compliance to the Will of God is done without any problem or hindrance.  However, for creatures, like human beings,  who are endowed with the gift of freedom,  there poses a challenge which calls for a decision.  The challenge is whether to exercise this gift of freedom  to follow God’s Will or to deny it and live according to one’s  own will.

          Self-surrender to God to me, therefore, means allowing God to be God in my life and thus following  His Holy Will.  It means letting God do what He wants to do to  me and through me. 

          This act of self-surrender requires some quiet time to commune with God to place myself at His disposal and sincerely ask  for enlightenment on what He wants to be done under the concrete circumstances of my life. 

          It is for this reason that spiritual writers see the need for  a “Quite Time” in which one would set aside some time everyday to have a ‘heart to heart’ conversation with God, Who is present everywhere. (Ps.139:7-10).

By: Buddy Cagurangan

March 4, 2012

TO LOVE IS PERSONAL

          TO LOVE IS PERSONAL.  This is the insight that came to my mind when I observed how the TITHING SYSTEM is being implemented in our Barangay, Centro 07, Tuguegarao City.

                                         

          At the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines, held in 1991, it was decreed that the ‘Tithing System’ be adapted in lieu of the present ‘Stole Fees System’.  The rationale behind this is to make the people understand that the administration of the Sacraments are not for sale.  Hence, the system of charging fees when the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Matrimony are administered should be eliminated and substituted with the Tithing System.

          The Tithing System is a way by which the parishioners are invited to voluntarily offer some amount regularly to the Church as an Act of Thanksgiving  to God for blessings received.  This love offering of the parishioners will then become the main source of funds to defray Church expenditures. 

          Since June of 2011, our Barangay (Centro 07) has been giving the biggest amount of Tithes  which has been offered during the celebration of monthly Community Mass at our Barangay.  This was gratefully acknowledged by our Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Gerard Ariston P. Perez.

          I have observed, however, that many of those who gave their love offerings were not present at the celebration of the Holy Mass.  They just gave their ‘tithe’ to an Area Coordinator, who in turn submitted these tithes at the Offertory during the Mass. 

          Reflecting on this observation, I asked myself if God would be pleased by this way of giving something to Him through someone else.  Since tithing is an act of love, manifesting one’s gratitude to God, I believe it should be done personally, because love is a person to person relationship.  One cannot love God through someone else, just as one cannot eat through another one.  In other words, LOVE cannot be delegated.  It has to be done personally. Hence, I believe that those who want to offer their tithes to God should be present during the celebration of the Holy Mass and give their love offering personally during the Offertory.

          For the proper implementation of the Tithing System I, therefore, see the need for some catechetical instruction so that it be correctly understood.  The emphasis should be made on the motive for this system, which is a grateful manifestation of love to God in response to His Unbounded Love.

By: Buddy Cagurangan 

February 26, 2012

DOING GOD'S WILL NOW

            DOING GOD’S WILL NOW MAKES ME HAPPY.  This is how I feel whenever I become aware that what I am doing is what God wants me to do now.

            In the Gospel today, Feb. 17, 2012, JESUS says: “If a man wishes to come after me, he must deny his very self, take up his cross and follow in my steps.  Whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it.”(Mark 8:34).

           For the past several days I have been experiencing real peace and joy whenever I am doing something that I believe is what God wants me to do.  It is a joy that comes from a conviction that it is God’s Will and, therefore,  it is an activity that pleases Him which gives me  an opportunity  to serve Him and thus manifest my deep gratitude for all the blessings He has bestowed on me.

              To paraphrase the words of Jesus in Mark 8:34, “TOTAL SELF-SURRENDER TO GOD IS WHAT PLEASES HIM”.  To me, this means:

1.  To sincerely desire to know what God really wants in any given situation.

2.    To be willing to do whatever needs to be done.

3.    To do it in the best way possible.

    While meditating on these words of our Lord Jesus Christ,  I was

 looking at the crucifix, and somehow I saw how in His crucifixion, death and resurrection He exemplified what He meant.

              Before His crucifixion Our Lord Jesus Christ prayed: “Lord, not my will but your will be done.”(Mark 14:36).  And so, despite all the sufferings that He had to undergo, He surrendered Himself to those who wanted to crucify Him.  He even prayed: “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.”(Luke 23:34). 

             After his crucifixion and death, however, came the RESURRECTION.

This is the great mystery of God’s omnipotence which can overcome any evil and which is beyond the power of anyone to disregard.  Hence, to the total self-surrender that Our Lord Jesus Christ manifested God’s response was a GLORIOUS LIFE. 

             For me, therefore, I believe that a total surrender of myself to the Will of God now shall blossom into a Glorious Life of UNION WITH GOD FOREVER.

By: Buddy Cagurangan

February 19, 2012

JUST DO WHAT YOU CAN

            “JUST DO WHAT YOU CAN AND LET GOD DO THE REST”.  This is an advice I heard several times in the years past.   At present it is still ringing in my ears.   I believe there is much wisdom in it.

            Now and then I feel that my hands are full of several duties, assignments and commitments that I am expected to do or comply with.  Human as I am, I realize that I am finite and limited in my capacities to fulfill these tasks.  Even with my wholehearted willingness to do the best I can,  I realize that I can do only so much and the end result of my performance may not be always satisfactory. 

            I am reminded, however, by what I heard from a CICM priest, Rev. Fr. Clement Daelman: “God does not expect us to be successful, but He expects us to be always faithful.”   These words have, indeed, encouraged me to really just do what I can possibly do and leave the rest to God.

            Looking back at the past,  I realize that one’s productivity  and capacity to engage in various activities depends much on his physical fitness and strength.   While proper food, exercise, vitamins and a healthy style of living may help to maintain one’s vigor of life,  I have to admit that the phenomenon of aging has a toll of its own.  Hence, as I am now at the age bracket of Senior Citizens, being already 83 years old,  I feel that I am no longer as strong as I used to be at a younger age.

            Be that as it is,  I take to heart what the advise says: “JUST DO WHAT YOU CAN AND LET GOD DO THE REST”.  Therefore, everyday I size up myself and ask: “What is it that I still can do today to fulfill whatever task has been entrusted to me?”  Answering this question, taking into account my present capabilities, I then pray:  “Here I am, Oh Lord God, I come to do your Will.  You know me more than I know myself.   Help me to do the best I can with all the strength that you are giving me now.  I leave to You the rest.”

            With this frame of mind I feel at peace and no matter what may be the result of my endeavors I  pray : “Lord God, you know whatever I have done with all the graces You have given me.  I lift up to You everything.  If there are failures on my part, please forgive me.  If there is anything good that I have contributed through Your help, I offer it unto You for your greater honor and glory.” 

By: Buddy Cagurangan

February 5, 2012

THE IMPORTANCE OF PREPARATION

“Failure to prepare is preparing to fail”.  These were the words of wisdom from Ms. Tina M. Palma,  TV Announcer of ABS/CBN.   She make the remark after observing what transpired at the opening of the Impeachment trial of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona.

Her words made me reflect on the importance of PREPARATION.

Indeed, for any event, big or small, preparation is needed, for  the success of any endeavor or  event depends much on the preparation  undertaken.

Looking back at past events, I could say that when time, talent and treasure were invested on the needed preparation, the expected event has been very successful.

Applying this in my own life, I consider my entire life time on earth as a preparation for the next life. I do believe that the next life is an intimate personal relationship of love with God as our Father.  To prepare for this kind of relationship, I believe that here on earth all my activities should be motivated by an unselfish love of God and geared towards the goal of being truly united with God.

There are certainly many different ways through which this personal relationship of love can be achieved.  For me, however, the simple way is to consider myself as God’s servant and all that I have to do under the various circumstances of my life should always be a service of love, in accordance with God’s Holy Will.

Hence, everyday, as I wake up in the morning, I pray: “Lord, God, what is it that You want me to do today.  Grant me all the graces I need to be able to serve You today with all the love I can give and in the best way I can, all for your greater honor and glory.”

By: Buddy Cagurangan

January 29, 2012

A STREET CLEANER’S REMARK

        A street cleaner’s remark made me reflect on the need for evangelizers.

         

      One day as I saw a street cleaner sweeping the road I made an observation: “Everyday there is always some dirt for you to clean.”  Then he remarked: “Well, if there is no more dirt there would be no more need of street cleaners.”

    

      The truth of this remark made me ponder on the mystery of evangelization.  Indeed, if this world were a perfect world where everyone is good and there would be no evil deeds, then there would have been no need for the Lord Jesus Christ to have come for the work of Redemption.  There would be no need for a Church to do the task of evangelization.

    

    The reality, however, is that there is so much evil in this world.  Men, abusing the gift of freedom are doing things that separate them from the love of God, focusing on their selfish interests instead of responding to God’s love by living according of God’s Holy Will.  Hence, the need for evangelizers to sow the good seeds of love and overcome the bad seeds of evil.

     That there is evil in this world created by God is, indeed, a mystery – a reality beyond human understanding.  Hence, the need for God Himself to redeem mankind from this sinful evil in this world – the reason for the Son of God, JESUS CHRIST, to become Man in order to break the cycle of evil and enable men to be reconciled with God thru the grace of Redemption.

      While JESUS initiated and continuous to provide through the Holy Spirit the graces necessary to enlighten and empower men to be redeemed, He, however, has instituted a Church , a community of believers, to carry out throughout the whole world the task of spreading the Good News, which is called “EVANGELIZATION”. 

      Hence, the need for EVANGELIZERS – people dedicated to the task of overcoming evil in this world through the Gospel of LOVE.

By: Buddy Cagurangan

January 22, 2012