“HATE the SIN, but LOVE the SINNER”. This is what Spiritual Mentors tell us to understand what Jesus meant when He said: “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance”. (Lk. 5:32).
Reflecting on the said statement, I realized that there must be a difference between the sin and the sinner. Indeed, the difference lies in their sources or authors. The author of sin is man himself. Matthew 5: 19, reads: “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders”. The author of the sinner, however, is God Himself. Genesis 1:27 reads: “God created man in His own image…”.
Sin comes from man when he abuses the gift of freedom by doing something which is not directed towards what is good for himself or for others. It is something, therefore, that is not in accordance with the Will of God. Hence, it is considered evil and in one way or another it must be overcome.
The sinner is a human being who has been created by God Himself. Being a creation of God, he must be respected and loved. Despite all his weaknesses and sinfulness, he remains a creature of God. Since he belongs to God, it is only God who has the right to dispose of him.
It is only God Who can truly judge him and reward or condemn him accordingly. Jesus said: “For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and will then recompense every man according to his deeds”. (Matt. 16:27)
When sin, therefore, is committed, it is the evil or what is wrong that has to be corrected or condemned. But the sinner is someone whose existence is still maintained by the creative power of God and who has the potential of recognizing his mistake to the extent of doing what needs to be done to correct the wrong and become attuned to the Will of God.
This is the phenomenon of what is called “conversion” which has actually brought about the great changes in the lives of thousands of people whom we today venerate as “Saints”. Among the most prominent of them is Saint Paul. He was a persecutor of the Christians. But when through some mysterious event He experienced the reality of Christ, he became the great Apostle to the gentiles. Another great example is Saint Augustine of Hippo. He was actually wallowing in the sins of the flesh, when mysteriously he heard a voice: “take and read”. He read a certain passage in the Bible which started his conversion. From a sinner he made a turn about in his life. He became a priest, a bishop and eventually a Saint.
Sin is the work of man and has to be overcome with something good. We certainly have to do everything we can to correct the wrong. However, the sinner is a human being – the work of God, created in His image and likeness. He is someone in whom we can see the Face of God, so to speak. Hence, he deserves our loving concern, regardless of his sinfulness, for he actually is the object of God’s redeeming grace – the reason for Christ’s coming to this world, so that “whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life”. (John 3:16). With this faith we cannot but give due respect to him and let God do with him as He pleases.
By: Salvador B. Cagurangan
Aug. 23, 2009
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Sunday, August 16, 2009
BREAK THE CYCLE OF EVIL
The Great Challenge of Christianity is “TO BREAK THE CYCLE OF EVIL”.
This, I believe, is what Our Lord Jesus Christ wants us to do when He said: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your friends, hate your enemies.’ But now I tell you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may become the sons of your Father in heaven. For he makes his sun to shine on bad and good people alike, and gives rain to those who do good and to those who do evil. Why should God reward you if you love only the people who love you? Even the tax collectors do that! And if you speak only to your friends, have you done anything out of the ordinary? Even the pagans do that!
You must be perfect just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Matt. 5:43-48)
“An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.” (Matt.5:38) This is how we, as human beings, usually react to any harm done to us. We tend to return evil for evil, or do harm to those who do harm to us. In other words, we want to retaliate. Hence, there is a Cycle of Evil. In our world today we are experiencing the great sufferings brought about due to this attitude of vengeance.
Looking at Christ hanging on the Cross, I believe that He could have easily annihilated all those who were torturing Him, because He is God. But why did He not use His power to do so? Instead He prayed: “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do”.
This, I believe, is one of the reasons why Christ became man, so He could show us how to break the cycle of evil by not retaliating, but instead be forgiving to those who hurt us.
We must admit, however, that to do this act of forgiveness requires a strong conviction that the one being forgiven is a creature made in the image and likeness of God that deserves our loving concern and respect. It requires seeing God Himself in the person He created. This is the great dignity of every man in this world. It is because of this dignity that Christ said: “Now I give you a new commandment: love one another as I have loved you”. (John 13:34) In other words, Christ is now the New Standard for love.
Humanly speaking, this command is something beyond our comprehension and even beyond our human capacity to fulfill. It is something that man cannot do without a special help from God. Hence, in order to fulfill it man has to humbly pray to seek God’s grace. For what may seem impossible for man is possible with God.
This grace that enables man to forgive is actually what Christ is offering to anyone who believes in Him. When one receives this grace and puts it into practice, he then becomes an instrument of God “TO BREAK THE CYCLE OF EVIL” and thus help to make this world a better place to live in.
By: Salvador B. Cagurangan
Aug. 16, 2009
This, I believe, is what Our Lord Jesus Christ wants us to do when He said: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your friends, hate your enemies.’ But now I tell you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may become the sons of your Father in heaven. For he makes his sun to shine on bad and good people alike, and gives rain to those who do good and to those who do evil. Why should God reward you if you love only the people who love you? Even the tax collectors do that! And if you speak only to your friends, have you done anything out of the ordinary? Even the pagans do that!
You must be perfect just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Matt. 5:43-48)
“An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.” (Matt.5:38) This is how we, as human beings, usually react to any harm done to us. We tend to return evil for evil, or do harm to those who do harm to us. In other words, we want to retaliate. Hence, there is a Cycle of Evil. In our world today we are experiencing the great sufferings brought about due to this attitude of vengeance.
Looking at Christ hanging on the Cross, I believe that He could have easily annihilated all those who were torturing Him, because He is God. But why did He not use His power to do so? Instead He prayed: “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do”.
This, I believe, is one of the reasons why Christ became man, so He could show us how to break the cycle of evil by not retaliating, but instead be forgiving to those who hurt us.
We must admit, however, that to do this act of forgiveness requires a strong conviction that the one being forgiven is a creature made in the image and likeness of God that deserves our loving concern and respect. It requires seeing God Himself in the person He created. This is the great dignity of every man in this world. It is because of this dignity that Christ said: “Now I give you a new commandment: love one another as I have loved you”. (John 13:34) In other words, Christ is now the New Standard for love.
Humanly speaking, this command is something beyond our comprehension and even beyond our human capacity to fulfill. It is something that man cannot do without a special help from God. Hence, in order to fulfill it man has to humbly pray to seek God’s grace. For what may seem impossible for man is possible with God.
This grace that enables man to forgive is actually what Christ is offering to anyone who believes in Him. When one receives this grace and puts it into practice, he then becomes an instrument of God “TO BREAK THE CYCLE OF EVIL” and thus help to make this world a better place to live in.
By: Salvador B. Cagurangan
Aug. 16, 2009
Sunday, August 9, 2009
FOCUS ON YOUR DESTINY
“FOCUS ON YOUR DESTINY” urged our Preacher, Rev. Fr. Jose Hugo Aggabao, in a homily during a Eucharistic Celebration at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Tuguegarao City.
He shared a personal experience of how he learned to ride on a bicycle. His father advised him not to look at his feet on the pedals but to look forward towards where he wants to go. Not heeding his father’s advise he at first tried several times to balance himself on the bike looking at his feet, but miserably failed. So, following his father’s advise, he focused his eyes on the road towards his destination which eventually enabled him to drive the bicycle. This experience taught him a practical lesson - “Focus on your Destiny”.
As a seminarian he applied this lesson during the long trying years of priestly training and thus, among a class of 30, he was the only who made it to the priesthood.
He further exhorted us to apply this lesson particularly to our life destiny. For Christ has said: “.. what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world but forfeits his life.” (Matt. 16:26)
Reflecting on this statement of Our Lord Jesus Christ when He talked to the apostles at Caesarea Philippi, I could not but ask the question: ‘What is this life that is so valuable that it is worth more than the whole world?’
The answer to this question is a matter of Faith. For it is something that cannot be the subject of a scientific research. It is something that cannot be proven by logical reasoning. It is something beyond man’s capacity to fully understand. It is a great mystery.
For those, however, who believe in the Divinity of Christ, it must be something that is true and real; for Christ, Who is God, cannot deceive nor can He be deceived.
Hence, we have to see what our Christian Faith tells in answering this question.
St. John in his First Letter (3:1) says: “See how great a love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God; and such we are.”
For me, this is our DESTINY – to become children of God. To be a child of God means to be united with Him. And to be united with God means to live with Him for all eternity, because God’s life is forever without end.
To make our life meaningful we should “FOCUS ON OUR DESTINY”. For if we fail to attain this Destiny, our life on earth would all be in vain. And that, I believe, is the warning of our Lord Jesus Christ when He uttered those words to His apostles.
By: Salvador B. Cagurangan
Aug. 9, 2009
He shared a personal experience of how he learned to ride on a bicycle. His father advised him not to look at his feet on the pedals but to look forward towards where he wants to go. Not heeding his father’s advise he at first tried several times to balance himself on the bike looking at his feet, but miserably failed. So, following his father’s advise, he focused his eyes on the road towards his destination which eventually enabled him to drive the bicycle. This experience taught him a practical lesson - “Focus on your Destiny”.
As a seminarian he applied this lesson during the long trying years of priestly training and thus, among a class of 30, he was the only who made it to the priesthood.
He further exhorted us to apply this lesson particularly to our life destiny. For Christ has said: “.. what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world but forfeits his life.” (Matt. 16:26)
Reflecting on this statement of Our Lord Jesus Christ when He talked to the apostles at Caesarea Philippi, I could not but ask the question: ‘What is this life that is so valuable that it is worth more than the whole world?’
The answer to this question is a matter of Faith. For it is something that cannot be the subject of a scientific research. It is something that cannot be proven by logical reasoning. It is something beyond man’s capacity to fully understand. It is a great mystery.
For those, however, who believe in the Divinity of Christ, it must be something that is true and real; for Christ, Who is God, cannot deceive nor can He be deceived.
Hence, we have to see what our Christian Faith tells in answering this question.
St. John in his First Letter (3:1) says: “See how great a love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God; and such we are.”
For me, this is our DESTINY – to become children of God. To be a child of God means to be united with Him. And to be united with God means to live with Him for all eternity, because God’s life is forever without end.
To make our life meaningful we should “FOCUS ON OUR DESTINY”. For if we fail to attain this Destiny, our life on earth would all be in vain. And that, I believe, is the warning of our Lord Jesus Christ when He uttered those words to His apostles.
By: Salvador B. Cagurangan
Aug. 9, 2009
Sunday, August 2, 2009
THE GLORY OF GOD
During the Bible Service on Holy Saturday, the verse that struck me most is:
“Through him we obtain this favour in which we remain and we even rejoice in the expectation of sharing the Glory of God.” (Romans 5:2)
There were two questions that I asked myself.
1. What is the Glory of God?
2. How may I share in this Glory of God?
To the first question, the inspiration that came to me is: “The Glory of God is UNITY.”
God’s Glory in Himself is the Great Mystery of the Blessed Trinity – where there are Three Divine Persons, each of them a God, but who are so united that they become just ONE GOD.
To the second question, however, I am reminded of what St. Athanasius said: “The Glory of God is Man Fully Alive.”
God’s Glory in man is also his Unity, or his Oneness with God, with his fellowmen, with his own self, and with the laws of nature.
Unity with God is what we may call “Spiritual Unity”.
Unity with one’s fellowmen is what we may call “Social Unity”
Unity with oneself is what we may call “Personal Unity”
Unity with nature is what we may call “Ecological Unity”
When man attains this fourfold Unity, then he becomes “Fully Alive” and he shares in the Glory of God, because he becomes One with God spiritually, socially, personally and ecologically.
But what is it that can bring about this Unity with God, with our fellowmen, with oneself, and with nature? The answer to this question, I believe, is LOVE. The great thinker and palaeontologist, Rev. Fr. Teilhard de Chardin, SJ, said that “the only force that can unite men without destroying them is Love.” True love of God, of our fellowmen, of oneself, and of nature is the Way that can make a Man Fully Alive, the Glory of God.
By: Salvador B. Cagurangan
Aug. 2, 2009
“Through him we obtain this favour in which we remain and we even rejoice in the expectation of sharing the Glory of God.” (Romans 5:2)
There were two questions that I asked myself.
1. What is the Glory of God?
2. How may I share in this Glory of God?
To the first question, the inspiration that came to me is: “The Glory of God is UNITY.”
God’s Glory in Himself is the Great Mystery of the Blessed Trinity – where there are Three Divine Persons, each of them a God, but who are so united that they become just ONE GOD.
To the second question, however, I am reminded of what St. Athanasius said: “The Glory of God is Man Fully Alive.”
God’s Glory in man is also his Unity, or his Oneness with God, with his fellowmen, with his own self, and with the laws of nature.
Unity with God is what we may call “Spiritual Unity”.
Unity with one’s fellowmen is what we may call “Social Unity”
Unity with oneself is what we may call “Personal Unity”
Unity with nature is what we may call “Ecological Unity”
When man attains this fourfold Unity, then he becomes “Fully Alive” and he shares in the Glory of God, because he becomes One with God spiritually, socially, personally and ecologically.
But what is it that can bring about this Unity with God, with our fellowmen, with oneself, and with nature? The answer to this question, I believe, is LOVE. The great thinker and palaeontologist, Rev. Fr. Teilhard de Chardin, SJ, said that “the only force that can unite men without destroying them is Love.” True love of God, of our fellowmen, of oneself, and of nature is the Way that can make a Man Fully Alive, the Glory of God.
By: Salvador B. Cagurangan
Aug. 2, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
SARI-SARI, SALU-SALO,SAMA-SAMA
“SARI-SARI” (diverse); “SALU-SALO”(sharing); “SAMA-SAMA”(together) – This is the remedy recommended by the Silsilah Media Center for Dialogue and Peace in Zamboanga City.
In building a society for the common good, the Silsilah Summer Special Course of 2009 endorsed a culture of dialogue as the more sustainable path to peace.
In a dialogue, the participants are actually searching for “WHAT” is right and not for “WHO” is right. This spells the right attitude in any meeting or confrontation of human beings towards resolving any issue or conflict that may impede the attainment of a peaceful relationship.
I do believe that this is a remedy that could be applied to our everyday life in whatever community we may be.
“SARI-SARI” – acknowledges the fact that we see things from different points of view, and so we have different opinions or viewpoints.
“SALU-SALO” – encourages us to share sincerely whatever viewpoints we may have, but with an open mind to also listen to the viewpoints of others.
“SAMA-SAMA” – focuses on the end objective of our dialogue, which is to accept whatever differences we may have but capitalize on the points where there is agreement and come to an understanding which enables us to respect each other despite our differences, and thus live peacefully with each other.
Starting with our FAMILY, the basic unit of society, this process of sari-sari, salu-salo, and sama-sama, could very well make it a HOME where everyone feels comfortable and at peace with one another.
In our NEIGHBORHOOD or the community where we live, a peaceful environment could be created if everyone would give due respect to each other despite any differences in opinion, culture, religion. or political affiliation.
In our NATION at large, the CYCLE OF EVIL could be broken and PEACE could reign throughout the land if we could truly regard each other as all creatures of one the same God, travellers in this world, with one and the same destiny –TO BE UNITED WITH GOD FOR ALL ETERNITY
May this serve as a FOOD FOR THOUGHT that can inspire a COURSE OF ACTION and thus bring about a lasting PEACE IN OURSELF, IN OUR FAMILY, IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD, AND IN OUR COUNTRY.
By: Salvador "Buddy" Cagurangan
July 26, 2009
In building a society for the common good, the Silsilah Summer Special Course of 2009 endorsed a culture of dialogue as the more sustainable path to peace.
In a dialogue, the participants are actually searching for “WHAT” is right and not for “WHO” is right. This spells the right attitude in any meeting or confrontation of human beings towards resolving any issue or conflict that may impede the attainment of a peaceful relationship.
I do believe that this is a remedy that could be applied to our everyday life in whatever community we may be.
“SARI-SARI” – acknowledges the fact that we see things from different points of view, and so we have different opinions or viewpoints.
“SALU-SALO” – encourages us to share sincerely whatever viewpoints we may have, but with an open mind to also listen to the viewpoints of others.
“SAMA-SAMA” – focuses on the end objective of our dialogue, which is to accept whatever differences we may have but capitalize on the points where there is agreement and come to an understanding which enables us to respect each other despite our differences, and thus live peacefully with each other.
Starting with our FAMILY, the basic unit of society, this process of sari-sari, salu-salo, and sama-sama, could very well make it a HOME where everyone feels comfortable and at peace with one another.
In our NEIGHBORHOOD or the community where we live, a peaceful environment could be created if everyone would give due respect to each other despite any differences in opinion, culture, religion. or political affiliation.
In our NATION at large, the CYCLE OF EVIL could be broken and PEACE could reign throughout the land if we could truly regard each other as all creatures of one the same God, travellers in this world, with one and the same destiny –TO BE UNITED WITH GOD FOR ALL ETERNITY
May this serve as a FOOD FOR THOUGHT that can inspire a COURSE OF ACTION and thus bring about a lasting PEACE IN OURSELF, IN OUR FAMILY, IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD, AND IN OUR COUNTRY.
By: Salvador "Buddy" Cagurangan
July 26, 2009
Sunday, July 19, 2009
THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST
Of all the people who have lived in our planet, the earth, JESUS CHRIST, I believe, is the Most Outstanding Person that requires some serious consideration from every human being who has been apprised of His existence.
For us Christians we have been told of some extraordinary events in the life of Christ, namely, His Incarnation, Crucifixion, Resurrection and Ascension. The two last events (Resurrection and Ascension) are unique to Christ, for no other person has ever risen from the dead and ascended into heaven.
As a Christian my faith in Christ is based on the teachings of the Catholic Church which originated from the apostles. The veracity of these teachings have been validated by the life witnessing of some persons who have been canonized as Saints, as well as by some miraculous events in places like Lourdes at France, Guadalupe at Mexico and Fatima at Portugal.
To simplify my Faith I have asked myself a few questions.
First, “WHO IS CHRIST?”
This was answered by Peter when Christ Himself asked the question: “Who do you say I am?” Peter then answered: “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matt. 16:16)
Second, “WHY DID CHRIST BECOME MAN?”
This is the Mystery of Christ which is called “INCARNATION” – Christ, Who is God, becomes a Man. Why? The answer is given in John 3:16 which says: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him, should not perish, but have eternal life.” Furthermore, Christ said in John 10:10: “I came that they might have life, and have it abundantly.”
Third, “WHAT IS THIS ETERNAL LIFE, AND HOW DO WE RECEIVE IT?”
Eternal life, I believe, is the Life of God Himself – the Divine Life. Ordinarily, this participation in the divine life of God is given to someone who gets baptized through the Sacrament of Baptism. In this sacrament one professes faith in Christ either personally or thru a representative, a parent or sponsor. We are told, however, that for one who may not have heard about Christ but who longs to do God’s Will may also be blessed with this divine life thru the so-called ‘Baptism of Desire’. Likewise, for one who gives up his life for Christ’s sake, may also be blessed with this divine life thru the so-called ‘Baptism of Blood’.
Fourth, “WHAT IS THE CONSEQUENCE OF RECEIVING THE DIVINE LIFE?”
Receiving the Divine Life makes one an adopted Child of God, or another Christ. This is precisely what Christ would want all men to be – to be like Him, live like Him, so as to attain the Destiny that God has planned for them, which is “to be happy with Him for all eternity”.
Fifth, “WHAT THEN DOES IT MEAN TO BE ANOTHER CHRIST?”
To be another Christ means to be a Disciple of Christ. And Christ said: “If anyone wants to be my disciple, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and come follow Me.” (Lk. 9:23). He further said: “I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.” (John 14:6)
These reflections tell me that my life can only be meaningful if I become another Christ, a Child of God. To be a child of God means to be always ready to do the Will of God at any cost, even at the cost of giving up ones life, if necessary. It means a total surrender of oneself to the Will of God. It means allowing Christ to live and reign in oneself, just as St. Paul said: “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me.” (Gal. 2:20)
This, therefore, is what the Mystery of Christ means for me – the Mystery of becoming Another Christ – a Child of God – so as to be happy with God forever.
By: Salvador B. Cagurangan
July 19, 2009
For us Christians we have been told of some extraordinary events in the life of Christ, namely, His Incarnation, Crucifixion, Resurrection and Ascension. The two last events (Resurrection and Ascension) are unique to Christ, for no other person has ever risen from the dead and ascended into heaven.
As a Christian my faith in Christ is based on the teachings of the Catholic Church which originated from the apostles. The veracity of these teachings have been validated by the life witnessing of some persons who have been canonized as Saints, as well as by some miraculous events in places like Lourdes at France, Guadalupe at Mexico and Fatima at Portugal.
To simplify my Faith I have asked myself a few questions.
First, “WHO IS CHRIST?”
This was answered by Peter when Christ Himself asked the question: “Who do you say I am?” Peter then answered: “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matt. 16:16)
Second, “WHY DID CHRIST BECOME MAN?”
This is the Mystery of Christ which is called “INCARNATION” – Christ, Who is God, becomes a Man. Why? The answer is given in John 3:16 which says: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him, should not perish, but have eternal life.” Furthermore, Christ said in John 10:10: “I came that they might have life, and have it abundantly.”
Third, “WHAT IS THIS ETERNAL LIFE, AND HOW DO WE RECEIVE IT?”
Eternal life, I believe, is the Life of God Himself – the Divine Life. Ordinarily, this participation in the divine life of God is given to someone who gets baptized through the Sacrament of Baptism. In this sacrament one professes faith in Christ either personally or thru a representative, a parent or sponsor. We are told, however, that for one who may not have heard about Christ but who longs to do God’s Will may also be blessed with this divine life thru the so-called ‘Baptism of Desire’. Likewise, for one who gives up his life for Christ’s sake, may also be blessed with this divine life thru the so-called ‘Baptism of Blood’.
Fourth, “WHAT IS THE CONSEQUENCE OF RECEIVING THE DIVINE LIFE?”
Receiving the Divine Life makes one an adopted Child of God, or another Christ. This is precisely what Christ would want all men to be – to be like Him, live like Him, so as to attain the Destiny that God has planned for them, which is “to be happy with Him for all eternity”.
Fifth, “WHAT THEN DOES IT MEAN TO BE ANOTHER CHRIST?”
To be another Christ means to be a Disciple of Christ. And Christ said: “If anyone wants to be my disciple, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and come follow Me.” (Lk. 9:23). He further said: “I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.” (John 14:6)
These reflections tell me that my life can only be meaningful if I become another Christ, a Child of God. To be a child of God means to be always ready to do the Will of God at any cost, even at the cost of giving up ones life, if necessary. It means a total surrender of oneself to the Will of God. It means allowing Christ to live and reign in oneself, just as St. Paul said: “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me.” (Gal. 2:20)
This, therefore, is what the Mystery of Christ means for me – the Mystery of becoming Another Christ – a Child of God – so as to be happy with God forever.
By: Salvador B. Cagurangan
July 19, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
THE VIRUS OF SIN
daily As I was denying access to a Virus that wants to enter my computer it dawned on me that something similar happens to a person when confronted with the evil of sin.
Reflecting further on this similarity, the following insights came to me.
1. A Virus is destructive.
Sin, indeed, is destructive of a person’s health, physically as well as spiritually. Physically, sin can cause sickness in one’s body. Spiritually, sin can destroy one’s relationship with God.
2. A Virus can cause destruction only if allowed to enter a computer. Sin, likewise, can ruin a person physically and spiritually only if one yields to the temptation and willingly does something against the dictates of his conscience.
3. The destruction caused by a Virus to a computer could be total or partial. Similarly, sin can ruin a person partially or totally depending on its gravity, wether venial or mortal.
Now, how can we prevent the entry of any Virus to our computer?
There are two commands we can use: Deny Access or Delete.
In like manner one can protect himself from sin by denying access to it or deleting it.
So, the question is how to deny access or delete the virus of sin.
The essence of sin is disobedience to the Will of God. A person is usually made aware of the Will of God through his conscience, which is considered the “Voice of God” in oneself. Hence, sin comes in when a person would prefer to do his own will rather than follow what his conscience tells him.
In every situation, therefore, a person is confronted with the question: “Whose will shall I follow – my will or God’s Will.?” This is where one’s decision would greatly depend on one’s orientation or attitude in his relationship with God.
One’s relationship with God is a matter of Faith. Faith in God is what we accept of what we know about God. Faith, however, is manifested in the way we live. If we live what we believe, it becomes a Living Faith. But if our Faith is only with our lips and we do not put it into practise, then our Faith is dead.
A strong faith in God is, therefore, the antidote to the virus of sin.
Faith is a Gift of God that one receives when he acknowledges the Reality of a Supreme Being Who is the Creator of the whole universe. This faith, however, is like a seed that needs to be watered and cultivated in order to grow. It is watered by one’s sincere search for more and more understanding of the Mystery of God, and it is cultivated by one’s daily and meaningful practise of one’s faith.
For us Christians who believe in the Reality of Christ as the Son of the Living God, Christ challenges us if we wish to grow in our faith by these words: “If anyone wants to be my disciple, he must deny himself, take up his cross , and come follow Me”. (Lk. 9:23).
By: Salvador "Buddy" Cagurangan
July 12, 2009
Reflecting further on this similarity, the following insights came to me.
1. A Virus is destructive.
Sin, indeed, is destructive of a person’s health, physically as well as spiritually. Physically, sin can cause sickness in one’s body. Spiritually, sin can destroy one’s relationship with God.
2. A Virus can cause destruction only if allowed to enter a computer. Sin, likewise, can ruin a person physically and spiritually only if one yields to the temptation and willingly does something against the dictates of his conscience.
3. The destruction caused by a Virus to a computer could be total or partial. Similarly, sin can ruin a person partially or totally depending on its gravity, wether venial or mortal.
Now, how can we prevent the entry of any Virus to our computer?
There are two commands we can use: Deny Access or Delete.
In like manner one can protect himself from sin by denying access to it or deleting it.
So, the question is how to deny access or delete the virus of sin.
The essence of sin is disobedience to the Will of God. A person is usually made aware of the Will of God through his conscience, which is considered the “Voice of God” in oneself. Hence, sin comes in when a person would prefer to do his own will rather than follow what his conscience tells him.
In every situation, therefore, a person is confronted with the question: “Whose will shall I follow – my will or God’s Will.?” This is where one’s decision would greatly depend on one’s orientation or attitude in his relationship with God.
One’s relationship with God is a matter of Faith. Faith in God is what we accept of what we know about God. Faith, however, is manifested in the way we live. If we live what we believe, it becomes a Living Faith. But if our Faith is only with our lips and we do not put it into practise, then our Faith is dead.
A strong faith in God is, therefore, the antidote to the virus of sin.
Faith is a Gift of God that one receives when he acknowledges the Reality of a Supreme Being Who is the Creator of the whole universe. This faith, however, is like a seed that needs to be watered and cultivated in order to grow. It is watered by one’s sincere search for more and more understanding of the Mystery of God, and it is cultivated by one’s daily and meaningful practise of one’s faith.
For us Christians who believe in the Reality of Christ as the Son of the Living God, Christ challenges us if we wish to grow in our faith by these words: “If anyone wants to be my disciple, he must deny himself, take up his cross , and come follow Me”. (Lk. 9:23).
By: Salvador "Buddy" Cagurangan
July 12, 2009
Sunday, June 14, 2009
THE MYSTERY OF THE CROSS
The greatest event in salvation history is the RESURRECTION OF CHRIST, THE LORD. This event, however, was preceded by CRUCIFIXION.
God in His infinite wisdom has allowed His Only Begotten Son , JESUS CHRIST, to undergo the greatest pain that a human being could ever endure – DYING on a CROSS. It was a pain that Our Lord Jesus wanted to avoid, and so He prayed: “Abba Father all things are possible to Thee; remove this cup from me; yet not what I will, but what Thou wilt” (Mk. 14:36)
In spite of Jesus’ prayer, God still allowed Christ to undergo CRUCIFIXION. WHY?
There must be something good to come out of this crucifixion. This must be the reason why the day on which Jesus, our Lord, was crucified is called “GOOD FRIDAY”.
Good is the manifestation of God’s infinite Power to overcome evil – to overcome Death with a New Life, and thus the RESURRECTION.
Reflecting on our life here on earth, I realize that everyone has to bear crosses (great or small) that bring sufferings and pains. If possible everyone would like to be spared of these crosses and to have all their loved ones be spared of them. And so, Jesus taught us to pray to God: “Do not bring us to the test, but deliver us from evil”, but also included: “Thy Will be done on earth as it is in heaven”. This is the prayer that tells me how to bear the crosses that come during our life here on earth. It is the prayer that shows the right attitude towards whatever crosses may come our way.
Wherefore, I believe that when we are faced with trials, difficulties or problems, it is then that our Faith in God is tested; it is then that we feel and experience our helplessness and our complete dependence on God, Who alone can give the power to endure all these crosses and to hope for something good to come out of the ordeal.
God, Who is All Knowing and All Powerful will certainly bring about something good and wonderful in all the crosses we carry - our own RESURRECTION.
Salvador "Buddy" Cagurangan
June 14, 2009
God in His infinite wisdom has allowed His Only Begotten Son , JESUS CHRIST, to undergo the greatest pain that a human being could ever endure – DYING on a CROSS. It was a pain that Our Lord Jesus wanted to avoid, and so He prayed: “Abba Father all things are possible to Thee; remove this cup from me; yet not what I will, but what Thou wilt” (Mk. 14:36)
In spite of Jesus’ prayer, God still allowed Christ to undergo CRUCIFIXION. WHY?
There must be something good to come out of this crucifixion. This must be the reason why the day on which Jesus, our Lord, was crucified is called “GOOD FRIDAY”.
Good is the manifestation of God’s infinite Power to overcome evil – to overcome Death with a New Life, and thus the RESURRECTION.
Reflecting on our life here on earth, I realize that everyone has to bear crosses (great or small) that bring sufferings and pains. If possible everyone would like to be spared of these crosses and to have all their loved ones be spared of them. And so, Jesus taught us to pray to God: “Do not bring us to the test, but deliver us from evil”, but also included: “Thy Will be done on earth as it is in heaven”. This is the prayer that tells me how to bear the crosses that come during our life here on earth. It is the prayer that shows the right attitude towards whatever crosses may come our way.
Wherefore, I believe that when we are faced with trials, difficulties or problems, it is then that our Faith in God is tested; it is then that we feel and experience our helplessness and our complete dependence on God, Who alone can give the power to endure all these crosses and to hope for something good to come out of the ordeal.
God, Who is All Knowing and All Powerful will certainly bring about something good and wonderful in all the crosses we carry - our own RESURRECTION.
Salvador "Buddy" Cagurangan
June 14, 2009
Sunday, June 7, 2009
SOLO DIOS BASTA
“SOLO DIOS BASTA” (GOD ALONE SUFFICES). This comes from a Doctor of the Church, St. Teresa of Avila, the last verse of a short poem she wrote entitled: “Nada Te Turbe”.
Amidst the ups and downs of life, this verse kept on ringing in my ears. Hence, I have prayed and asked for further enlightenment on what it really means. After a long period of reflection I wish to share my humble thoughts to those who may lend me their ears.
Last year, on September 29, 2008, I have celebrated my 80th birthday. I thank the Lord for all the blessings He has poured on me during those 80 years of my life. Today as I reminisce the past I could not but ask these questions: “Why, Lord, have you brought me into existence? Why all the joys, sufferings, problems, difficulties, temptations, humiliations, exaltations, and all the events, joyful or sorrowful, that came into my life? Would it not have been better if I had not existed at all so as not to have gone through all these events? What after all have I been created for? Is it just to live here on earth for several years, 80 or more, and then vanish away when death comes?
Indeed, the vanities of life here on earth seems to have no meaning at all if after all “to dust I shall return”.
These thoughts kept lingering in my mind until the words of St. Teresa of Avila reached my ears: “Nada te turbe … Solo Dios Basta”. “Let nothing disturb you … God alone suffices”.
Who, then, is this God Who Alone suffices?
Who, then, is this God Who Alone suffices?
This, indeed, is the Greatest Mystery of life here on earth. Men, perhaps, can try to understand and fathom the significance of so many phenomena in this world, but the greatest of all the challenges that the human mind can ever explore is the identity and reality of GOD.
Our Christian Faith tells us that God Himself, in the Person of Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, Who became Man, said: “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but suffers the loss of his own soul”. (Matthew 16:26).
This statement reveals to us that man has a soul and that this soul is of more value than the whole visible world. If so, what is this soul?
In John 3:16 it is said: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” This means that there must be something in man which cannot be destroyed by death and is destined to live forever. This something must be what our Lord Jesus Christ is referring to, which is the soul.
If man’s life is forever, where is the Source of the Power that can give him a life without end? And what kind of life shall await him forever? The answers to these questions, I believe, can only be found in that Greatest of All Mysteries, GOD Himself.
And so, while man can never fully understand the REALITY OF GOD, I in all humility must acknowledge together with St. Augustine: “Man has been created for GOD, and his heart is restless until it rests in GOD.” – “S0LO DIOS BASTA”.
By: Salvador B. Cagurangan
Jun. 7, 2009
Jun. 7, 2009
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