OUR DAILY BREAD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan

May 16, 2010

EQUALITY IN DIGNITY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
May 9, 2010

LET GOD BE GOD

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

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

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

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

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

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

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan

April 19, 2010

EVERYDAY IS A NEW DAY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BY: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
April 4, 2010

WALK WITH FAITH

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
March 28, 2010

The Good Samaritan

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

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

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

I would like to share my reflection on this parable.

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

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

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

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

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

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

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Caguranganb

March 21, 2010

GOOD FRIDAY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan

March 14, 2010

GOD IS ALIVE

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

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

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

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

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

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

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
March 7, 2010

Kinds of Love

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan

February 28, 2010

THE JOY OF GOD'S PRESENCE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan

February 21, 2010