BLOOM WHERE PLANTED

“BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED”. This was the message of Most Rev. Teodoro Bacani, D.D., a bishop from the Archdiocese of Manila, in a Conference of Lay People a few years ago.

He narrated a story of four people, a bishop, a priest, a catechist and a driver who figured in a car accident. All of them died and all of them were to be brought to heaven. They, however, have to stay first in a waiting station and one by one to be picked up by a vehicle. This first vehicle to arrive was a jeep and the one picked up was the priest. Then came a Ford Fiera and it took the driver. The third vehicle was an airconditioned Toyota Tamaraw and the one chosen to ride on it was the catechist. The bishop then thought to himself that perhaps the fourth vehicle will be an airconditioned Cadillac. An hour has already passed and there was no vehicle yet on sight. After more than two hours of waiting, he heard the sound of a motorcycle. Then he saw a tricycle coming. Deep in his mind he questioned why he, a bishop, was being fetched only by a tricycle.

Bishop Bacani then said: “It is not because I am a bishop that my place in heaven will be higher than any of you.” He explained further that holiness depends not on what position you hold but on how well and with how much love you have accomplished your specific responsibilities; that you may just be a mere laborer, a messenger, a tricycle driver, or a street cleaner, but if you do your job in the best way you can and with all the love you can give, then your degree of holiness can be greater than one who may be a director, a chief executive, a priest, or even a bishop.

He further cited the example of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, who as a Carmelite nun, entered the convent at an early age of 16 and died at the age of 24. She was a simple nun whose duties were confined to the ordinary household chores, like sweeping, washing clothes ,cooking and gardening, but whatever task was assigned to her she did it with all the love she could give, dedicating everything to the glory of God. The simplicity of her life style was the secret of her childlike relationship with God which obtained for her Sainthood.

Bishop Bacani then exhorted each and everyone to just “BLOOM WHERE WE ARE PLANTED”; meaning, if you are a teacher, be the best teacher that you can be, if you are a student, be the student that you can be, if you are an office worker, be the office worker that you can be, if you are the father of a family, be the best father that you can be, if you are the mother of a family be the best mother that you can be, dedicating everything that you do to the greater Glory of God, ever conscious that whatever may be the task you are undertaking, it is what God wants you to do.

By: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
Jan. 24, 2010

EMMANUEL

“EMMANUEL” is a Hebrew word which means “GOD IS WITH US”. This is the name given by the prophet Isaiah to the infant whose birth he announced when he said: “Therefore the Lord himself gives you a sign. The Virgin is with child and bears a son and calls his name Emmanuel”. (Isaiah 7:14)

In his book ‘JESUS OF NAZARETH’, Pope, Benedict XVI, asked the question: “What did Jesus actually bring, if not world peace, universal prosperity and a better world? What has he brought? The answer is very simple: GOD… He has brought GOD, and now we know his face, now we can call upon him. Now we know the path that we human beings have to take in this world.”

Reflecting on the answer of the Holy Father to his own question, I realize that indeed what Jesus has brought into this world is the PRESENCE OF GOD, for He is the ONLY BEGOTTEN SON OF THE LIVING GOD. As the song entitled: SERVICE goes: “God sent His Son to show us the way. One who shared His love every minute of the day. One who gave His life that we might live, and His Spirit to help us through the years.”

This I believe is the significance of the great mystery of the INCARNATION – GOD BECOMING MAN, so Man can become like God.

If God is present in this world, where is He? I may say that His presence can be recognized in every creature in this world, for the whole of creation can only exist through His creative power. However, it is in human beings, considered His masterpiece, that He is present in a very special way.

This special presence of God in man is recognized whenever a priest who presides in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass greets the congregation by saying: “The Lord be with you”, and vis-à-vis, the assembly replies “And also with you”.

In the Sacred Scriptures, man is considered a “Temple of God”.

In 1 Cor. 3:16 we read: “Do you not know that you are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?”In John 14:23 Jesus said: “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and my Father will love him, and We will come to him, and make Our abode with him.”

Word has it that a certain Rabbi has asked his students: “When do you know morning has come?” The answers given were: “When I see the sun rising in the east”; “When I hear the cock crow”; When I can distinguish a cow from a carabao”. The Rabbi, however, said that the right answer is: “When I begin to see the face of Christ in every person I meet”.

In a very special way, too, it is in the Holy Eucharist, the consecrated Bread and Wine, that our Christian Faith tells us Christ is truly present substantially as God and Man in His Risen State.

This, I believe, is the greatest phenomenon in our world – the Mystical Presence of God in our midst, our EMMANUEL.

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan

January 17, 2010

AN AUDIENCE WITH GOD

“AN AUDIENCE WITH GOD” is how I would define PRAYER.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines Prayer as “the raising of one’s mind and heart to God”. It also further describes Christian Prayer as “the personal and living relationship of the children of God with their Father, who is infinitely good, with the Son, Jesus Christ, and with the Holy Spirit who dwells in their hearts”.

From the definition above, I recall a personal experience of having been given an opportunity to meet the late President Corazon Aquino in a formal audience which was arranged by Mrs. Henrietta T. De Villa, who was then the President of the Council of the Laity of the Philippines. That was way back in 1990 almost twenty years ago, but up to now whenever I recall the event, I could not but relive in my memory how excited I was then, and how I prepared myself physically as well as mentally in order to put my best foot forward in meeting the Highest Official of our country.

With that experience it dawned on me the reality that when I pray I am actually having an AUDIENCE with GOD, the Lord of Lords the Supreme Being in the whole universe. It is GOD with whom I am conversing and so, I must prepare all the more physically and mentally. Since then, I would usually start praying by putting myself “in the presence of God”.

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From that realization, I deduced that the way we see things in life makes a difference in the way we behave. When with the eyes of Faith, we see GOD Himself when we pray, we certainly are excited, filled with awesome wonder at the immense greatness of a Being, who is all knowing, all loving and all powerful whom we call GOD. Focused on God, on the great Mystery of His Presence in us, our prayer becomes God-centered and it makes a big difference in the way one prays. When on the other hand our dialogue with God is focused on one’s self and on what one wants, it is self-centered.

Hence, to be GOD-centered in prayer, I conclude that I should endeavor to treat Prayer as an AUDIENCE with GOD. wherebyI should always try to be still and really put myself in His HOLY PRESENCE, and in the silence of my heart allow Him to speak.

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan

January 11, 2010

MARY, OUR MODEL OF FAITH

On New Year’s Day, January 1, 2010, we celebrated the SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD. In the SAMBUHAY Fr. James H. Kroeger, M.M., describes the FAITH of MARY, with three words: FIAT, STABAT, MAGNIFICAT, thus making her the MODEL of FAITH.

I would like to share my personal reflections on these three words which describe Mary’s Faith.

1. FIAT – means “Let it be done”. This is a COMMITMENT of surrender to God’s Holy Will. It is a manifestation of TRUST in the Goodness and INFINITE POWER of an ALMIGHTY and LOVING GOD. Hence, it is telling God that as His creature our pleasure is to be His instrument in doing whatever He wills.

2. STABAT – means “She stood”. It is narrated in John 19:14 that “Near the cross of Jesus, stood his mother…”. Mary stood faithful to her Son despite all the atrocities, false accusations, and cruelties that sinful men heaped upon him, denying his divinity as the Son of God.

3. MAGNIFICAT – means “My soul proclaims the Goodness of the Lord”. These were the first words uttered by Mary when her cousin Elizabeth praised her for having been chosen to be the Mother of the Lord God. (Lk.1:41-45). She, in other words, immediately attributed to God whatever blessings she has received, praising Him for His goodness.

For me, Faith in God should have these threefold characteristics.

First, it is a Faith that puts complete trust in the Goodness of God. God’s Will should always be my focus in life. Hence, my concern is that in every decision I make it must always be in accordance with the Holy Will of God. My constant prayer therefore is: “Not my will, but Your Will be done, Oh Lord God”.

Second, ,it is a Faith that remains steadfast despite all the problems and difficulties that I may encounter in daily life. Like Mary, I try to stand firm in my commitment to do God’s Will, regardless of the trials that come my way.

Third, it is a Faith that praises God for His goodness. Deep in my heart I should always try to acknowledge that the Source of all that I am and all that I have is GOD. Everything comes from Him. There is nothing that I own except my sinfulness. Hence, it is but proper that I give to GOD all praises that come from the lips of men.

This is what I believe that I must develop this kind of Faith and follow the example of Blessed Mother Mary. It is certainly not easy to achieve. It takes a life-long process. Everyday of my life is an opportunity to grow in my Faith. Hence, I should welcome everyday anything that may challenge my Faith in the Goodness and Loving Presence of God in this world. I am sure that there is a God Who knows everything and can do anything towards what is best for me, and this I believe is true for all of us, His children.

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan

January 1, 2010

THE MYSTERY OF CHRISTMAS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan

Dec. 18, 2009

MARTIAL LAW IN MAGUINDANAO

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EVOLUTION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
December 6, 2009

The Greatest Story Ever Told

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Salvador "Buddy" Cagurangan

Date: Nov. 29, 2009

THE VISION OF THE CHURCH

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

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

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

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

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

This is what the Church should be.

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

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

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

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

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

DESTINY – A CHOICE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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