My eldest child, Josephine (Jojo) E. Cagurangan, texted to me the following:
“The Lord hides Everything in Nothing.
He hides a tree in a seed.
He hides a King in a Shepherd Boy.
He hides a Savior in a Baby.
Aren’t you excited to see what He is hiding in you?
Be prepared for the Big Blessings
that God will provide You in the coming year.
Just Believe.”
Reflecting on what she said I added further:
“God hides Himself in a small bread –
the Sacred Host.”
For several days I have been pondering on the veracity of the above statements.
I zeroed in on what is most familiar to me, the SEED.
The seed, indeed, is very small. But when planted in a soil, watered and fertilized, it grows into a big tree. What man does is just to plant, water and fertilize it. But who makes it grow? Is this not a proof of the hidden power of God?
When I visit the Lord Jesus Christ at the Adoration Chapel, I try to imagine the Greatness of God hidden in that small Sacred Host. Seeing Him with the eyes of Faith I then genuflect with both knees and bow my head till it reaches the floor to manifest my humble homage and complete surrender to Him as my Lord and Creator; for it is said that “actions speak louder than words”.
This mystery of God’s Hidden Power is actually the theme of a song entitled: “How Great Thou Art”. The first stanza of the song says: “Oh Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder; consider all the world Thy hands have made. I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder; Thy power throughout the universe displayed.” The refrain: “Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee. How great Thou art, how great Thou art.”
Truly, the whole of creation is a manifestation of God’s infinite Power. Nobody and nothing can exist even for a moment without the creative power of God. Hence, as I look at the visible world – the people now living in it, and all the creatures, animate or inanimate, I cannot but be awed at the Greatness of God whose personality, I believe, is hidden in His creation.
This, I would say, is the function of Faith – to see the INVISIBLE GOD in this VISIBLE WORLD.
During our lifetime it is thru the gift of Faith that we can communicate with the HIDDEN GOD – through “PRAYER”. In the next life, however, spiritual writers tell us that we shall be blessed with the gift of “BEATIFIC VISION”, which would enable us to “SEE GOD FACE TO FACE”.
This “BEATIFIC VISION” is the greatest blessing that God would bestow on us, His
creatures. His infinite BEAUTY and GREATNESS would certainly fill us with an indescribable happiness that will last forever – the fulfillment of God’s design in creating us, which is TO SHARE WITH US HIS INFINITE HAPPINESS.
by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
January 9, 2011
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Sunday, December 26, 2010
GOD’S SERVANT
“GOD’S SERVANT” This is how I consider myself in relation to God.
In a book entitled: “Introduction to Teilhard de Chardin”, written by Hugh McElwain, OSM, he said: “A second important point must be kept in mind when approaching a theology of salvation history, that is not to make the mistake of understanding revelation somehow simply as God’s whispering to man who he is, by way of propositional statements about Himself primarily, and about other things in relation to Himself. It might be much more realistic to approach revelation as man’s understanding of who he is in relation to God. That is man’s understanding of himself in his fullest dimensions.”
The foregoing statement made me reflect on the question: “Who am I in relation to God?”.
For several days, as I visited the Lord Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament, I pondered on how I should answer the question.
Based on what our Catholic Faith Catechism says, I am a child of God, an heir in God’s eternal Kingdom, the crown and key to God’s creation. While these answers are worth considering, I have, however, been more inclined to see myself as a “SERVANT OF GOD”.
The reality that God is the Supreme Being in this world, Who knows everything, can do everything, and on Whom all of creation depends for its existence, cannot but fill my whole being with awesome wonder at the immensity of God’s greatness. Hence, when I see my nothingness and complete dependence on Him, I can only beg for an opportunity to manifest my deep gratitude by serving Him in any way He wants. To be God’s servant would be a great privilege for me.
This reflection is corroborated by a song entitled: SERVICE, whose lyrics are:
“We are made for service to care for all men,
We are made for love both time and again,
A love that will live thru sorrow and pain,
A love that will never die with strain.
God sent His Son to show us the way,
One Who gave His love every minute of the day,
One Who gave His life that we might live,
And His Spirit to help us thru the years.
Life can be so lonely when nobody cares,
Life can be so empty when nobody shares,
But if man gives himself to help other men,
The happiness of Christ shall live within him.
On further reflection, I recalled that Christ Himself said: “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…” (Matt. 20:28). In doing God’s Will on earth Christ considered Himself a SERVANT. Hence, I believe that SERVICE is the best way to manifest one’s love for God and men; it is simply doing what pleases God for men. It is a self sacrificing act which says: “Lord, not my will but Your Will be done.”
Consequently, enlightened by my belief that I am God’s servant, whenever I visit the Lord Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament I always pray: “Here I am Lord, I come to do Your Will.” And whatever comes to my mind as what God wants me to do during the day I pray for the grace to be able to do it in the best way I can so I can be truly “GOD’S SERVANT”.
In a book entitled: “Introduction to Teilhard de Chardin”, written by Hugh McElwain, OSM, he said: “A second important point must be kept in mind when approaching a theology of salvation history, that is not to make the mistake of understanding revelation somehow simply as God’s whispering to man who he is, by way of propositional statements about Himself primarily, and about other things in relation to Himself. It might be much more realistic to approach revelation as man’s understanding of who he is in relation to God. That is man’s understanding of himself in his fullest dimensions.”
The foregoing statement made me reflect on the question: “Who am I in relation to God?”.
For several days, as I visited the Lord Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament, I pondered on how I should answer the question.
Based on what our Catholic Faith Catechism says, I am a child of God, an heir in God’s eternal Kingdom, the crown and key to God’s creation. While these answers are worth considering, I have, however, been more inclined to see myself as a “SERVANT OF GOD”.
The reality that God is the Supreme Being in this world, Who knows everything, can do everything, and on Whom all of creation depends for its existence, cannot but fill my whole being with awesome wonder at the immensity of God’s greatness. Hence, when I see my nothingness and complete dependence on Him, I can only beg for an opportunity to manifest my deep gratitude by serving Him in any way He wants. To be God’s servant would be a great privilege for me.
This reflection is corroborated by a song entitled: SERVICE, whose lyrics are:
“We are made for service to care for all men,
We are made for love both time and again,
A love that will live thru sorrow and pain,
A love that will never die with strain.
God sent His Son to show us the way,
One Who gave His love every minute of the day,
One Who gave His life that we might live,
And His Spirit to help us thru the years.
Life can be so lonely when nobody cares,
Life can be so empty when nobody shares,
But if man gives himself to help other men,
The happiness of Christ shall live within him.
On further reflection, I recalled that Christ Himself said: “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…” (Matt. 20:28). In doing God’s Will on earth Christ considered Himself a SERVANT. Hence, I believe that SERVICE is the best way to manifest one’s love for God and men; it is simply doing what pleases God for men. It is a self sacrificing act which says: “Lord, not my will but Your Will be done.”
Consequently, enlightened by my belief that I am God’s servant, whenever I visit the Lord Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament I always pray: “Here I am Lord, I come to do Your Will.” And whatever comes to my mind as what God wants me to do during the day I pray for the grace to be able to do it in the best way I can so I can be truly “GOD’S SERVANT”.
by: Salvador 'Birung' Cagurangan
Dec. 26, 2010
Dec. 26, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
A WORLD OF MYSTERIES
”A WORLD OF MYSTERIES”. This is the thought that kept lingering in my mind in the past few days. Kneeling before the Blessed Sacrament in the Adoration Chapel I cannot but be awed by the Great Mystery of God’s Presence in the appearance of a very small bread. Then I began to widen my horizon and try to see the world at large. Realizing the immensity of the world I considered myself just like a small dot.
While meditating on this insight, I came across an article published by the Philippine Star (a Daily Newspaper) on December 9, 2010 entitled “When Life Is Too Big”. The last sentence of the said article reads: “Recognizing our own smallness can cause us to embrace God’s greatness.”
I now begin to see the greatness of God manifested in a world that is full of mysteries. Starting with my own self, I realize that my very being is a mystery. I simply cannot fully understand how I came into existence, how I grew up to become what I am now and how all the vital organs in my body are working to keep me alive up to this time. I believe it is only God Who created me that can fully explain who and how I am. This holds true, I suppose, to every human being in this world.
The existence of evil in this world is to me also a great mystery. For, if the whole of creation came from One Supreme Being - “GOD”, Who is infinitely Good, then where does evil come from? I believe it is also only God who can answer this question satisfactorily.
As of today, no one can yet give any scientific explanation of how this whole world came into being and how it is going to be in the future. A great thinker, Rev. Teilhard de Chardin, S.J., has presented the Theory of Evolution. But it is only a kind of viewpoint that cannot give an adequate complete answer to all the mysteries happening in this world.
As a Christian, I am awed by the great Mystery of “Incarnation”, God becoming Man. I simply cannot fathom the unconditional love of God that made Him like one of us, so we could become like Him. I am likewise overwhelmed when I think of the other Mysteries of Christ during His historical life here on earth, such as His Suffering and Death, and His RESURRECTION. Even with all the readings I had, with all the homilies I heard, and with all the renewal programs I attended, I still cannot fully understand these mysteries in the Life of Christ.
Hence, I see myself like a small dot living in a world full of mysteries. In all humility I acknowledge my total dependence on GOD who created me and say: “Lord, do with me as You please. You are the only One who really knows Who I am and Why I am. To do Your Holy Will is the reason for my existence. I, therefore, entrust myself fully to You.”
While meditating on this insight, I came across an article published by the Philippine Star (a Daily Newspaper) on December 9, 2010 entitled “When Life Is Too Big”. The last sentence of the said article reads: “Recognizing our own smallness can cause us to embrace God’s greatness.”
I now begin to see the greatness of God manifested in a world that is full of mysteries. Starting with my own self, I realize that my very being is a mystery. I simply cannot fully understand how I came into existence, how I grew up to become what I am now and how all the vital organs in my body are working to keep me alive up to this time. I believe it is only God Who created me that can fully explain who and how I am. This holds true, I suppose, to every human being in this world.
The existence of evil in this world is to me also a great mystery. For, if the whole of creation came from One Supreme Being - “GOD”, Who is infinitely Good, then where does evil come from? I believe it is also only God who can answer this question satisfactorily.
As of today, no one can yet give any scientific explanation of how this whole world came into being and how it is going to be in the future. A great thinker, Rev. Teilhard de Chardin, S.J., has presented the Theory of Evolution. But it is only a kind of viewpoint that cannot give an adequate complete answer to all the mysteries happening in this world.
As a Christian, I am awed by the great Mystery of “Incarnation”, God becoming Man. I simply cannot fathom the unconditional love of God that made Him like one of us, so we could become like Him. I am likewise overwhelmed when I think of the other Mysteries of Christ during His historical life here on earth, such as His Suffering and Death, and His RESURRECTION. Even with all the readings I had, with all the homilies I heard, and with all the renewal programs I attended, I still cannot fully understand these mysteries in the Life of Christ.
Hence, I see myself like a small dot living in a world full of mysteries. In all humility I acknowledge my total dependence on GOD who created me and say: “Lord, do with me as You please. You are the only One who really knows Who I am and Why I am. To do Your Holy Will is the reason for my existence. I, therefore, entrust myself fully to You.”
by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
December 12, 2010
December 12, 2010
Sunday, November 21, 2010
LIVE FOR GOD
“LIVE FOR GOD”. This is the thought that has been occupying my mind for the past several days. Hence, I have been reflecting on “WHY” and “HOW” I could put this into practice.
First is the “WHY?”
I believe that life is a gift from God. It is given to every human being who comes into this world. Since it is a gift, I have to accept, treasure and use it according to what may be called “Manual for Operations”. This manual comes from God Himself Who in His infinite wisdom has designed every human being in a unique way which gives him a unique personality that is different from every other human being. Hence, it is but proper to always consider God’s Will in the way I live.
Second is the “HOW?”
How to live according to the Will of God is now the question.
First of all, I have to know the Will of God. This requires my sincere desire to know God’s Will and to search for it in the many different ways by which God manifests His Will. Some of the ways by which God manifests His Will are:
1. The Holy Scripture. This is the written Word of God which if I properly and regularly reflect upon always gives me a direction for my actions.
2. Spiritual Writings. Reading spiritual books gives much enlightenment on how I can tackle problems or difficulties that come to my life.
3. Viewpoints of others. Listening to oral deliveries of the viewpoints of others also give inspiring thoughts that can serve as guidelines for my actions.
4. Observations. My observations of actual happenings in life can likewise give important insights in understanding some mysteries of life.
5. Personal Experiences. My personal experiences further strengthen my convictions on the REALITIES that provide the basic values that should govern my life.
After knowing the Will of God, I always PRAY for enough courage to pursue it in the best way I can and with all the love I can give. This to me is the test of my sincerity in trying to LIVE FOR GOD. This is also when my attitude is tested on whether I am really GOD CENTERED or SELF CENTERED. This, I believe, is what Our Lord Jesus Christ meant when He said: “He who wants to be my disciple must deny himself, take up his cross daily and come follow Me.” (Lk. 9:23)
To LIVE FOR GOD, then, means to me “TO BE GOD CENTERED”.
by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
Nov. 21, 2010
Sunday, November 14, 2010
HOLD GOD'S HAND
“WE OUGHT TO GO THROUGH LIFE HOLDING GOD’S HAND.” This is the first line of a Meditation For Spiritual Growth contained in the Vatican II Weekday Missal on page 1568.
The image of one holding God’s Hand flashed in my mind and it made me reflect on how I could be holding God’s Hand. “HOLDING GOD’S HAND” is of course an idiomatic expression – a kind of metaphor. I believe, however, that the real meaning is “TO BE UNITED WITH GOD”.
To further understand what it means to be united with God I pondered on the human experience of an electric current coming from a generator. The electric current is power provided by the generator. To use this power one has to have his electric appliances connected to the generator, otherwise there would be no current at all. And thus one would experience what they call “brown out”.
After typhoon Juan, we have actually gone through a long period of brown out. Everyone waited anxiously for power to be restored. Meanwhile we have to bear with so many inconveniences due to no electric power.
Somehow this experience enlightened me on what it means to be united with God. I see God as the Generator that provides the power I need to live in His love. “Holding God’s Hand” is to me living in the state of grace wherein I would be “doing the Will of God” and thus uniting with Him.
The meditation further states: “There is much suffering that has to be gone through in this life, and it makes all the difference of pleasure or pain, whether we have our hand in God’s or not….Try and love God. He wants us all to be saints. It is our own fault if we are not. In spite of darkness and despondency we must keep on asking Him to be with us.”
When one is united with God, sufferings and difficulties that are inevitable in his life can be born with joy. So, I believe that God, indeed, is our Father, and He will provide each of us with all the power and strength that we need to overcome all kinds of trials. Hence, we have to be always united with Him by sincerely doing what our conscience tells us as His Holy Will.
The only evil that can separate us from God is SIN – a mortal sin – because this is an act that deliberately prefers to please oneself and make himself his own God instead of acknowledging the Sovereignty of God and His Dominion over all creation – He, being the Supreme Being in this world – the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and End of the whole universe.
The image of one holding God’s Hand flashed in my mind and it made me reflect on how I could be holding God’s Hand. “HOLDING GOD’S HAND” is of course an idiomatic expression – a kind of metaphor. I believe, however, that the real meaning is “TO BE UNITED WITH GOD”.
To further understand what it means to be united with God I pondered on the human experience of an electric current coming from a generator. The electric current is power provided by the generator. To use this power one has to have his electric appliances connected to the generator, otherwise there would be no current at all. And thus one would experience what they call “brown out”.
After typhoon Juan, we have actually gone through a long period of brown out. Everyone waited anxiously for power to be restored. Meanwhile we have to bear with so many inconveniences due to no electric power.
Somehow this experience enlightened me on what it means to be united with God. I see God as the Generator that provides the power I need to live in His love. “Holding God’s Hand” is to me living in the state of grace wherein I would be “doing the Will of God” and thus uniting with Him.
The meditation further states: “There is much suffering that has to be gone through in this life, and it makes all the difference of pleasure or pain, whether we have our hand in God’s or not….Try and love God. He wants us all to be saints. It is our own fault if we are not. In spite of darkness and despondency we must keep on asking Him to be with us.”
When one is united with God, sufferings and difficulties that are inevitable in his life can be born with joy. So, I believe that God, indeed, is our Father, and He will provide each of us with all the power and strength that we need to overcome all kinds of trials. Hence, we have to be always united with Him by sincerely doing what our conscience tells us as His Holy Will.
The only evil that can separate us from God is SIN – a mortal sin – because this is an act that deliberately prefers to please oneself and make himself his own God instead of acknowledging the Sovereignty of God and His Dominion over all creation – He, being the Supreme Being in this world – the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and End of the whole universe.
by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
Nov. 14, 2010
Nov. 14, 2010
Sunday, November 7, 2010
SHARE WHAT YOU HAVE
“SHARE WHAT YOU HAVE” is an afterthought that came to my mind when I attended a Reunion of Thomasians (Alumni of the University of Santo Tomas). While I did participate in the open forum by asking a couple of questions, I became just a spectator during the Fellowship Program in the evening. I had in mind to share my concern for the unabated deforestation of Sierra Madre Mountain and sing a song “The Trees”, but my timidity got the better of me and I just kept to myself my idea.
After the program, I felt somehow a guilty conscience for not having taken advantage of the occasion to share something that could help make this world a better place to live in. It is a kind of sin of omission.
This made me reflect further that one should dare share what he has whenever there is an opportunity to do so. What one has, materially as well as spiritually, should be shared with others and not kept for oneself.
Materially I do not have much to share. But spiritually there is, I believe, much that I can share based on some wonderful personal experiences and an accumulated store of knowledge from readings and studies.
Scripture says: “When much has been given a man, much will be required of him. More will be asked of a man to whom more has been entrusted” (Lk. 12:48)
The task of evangelization is, indeed, a sharing of one’s Faith. The faith I have in God’s infinite wisdom, infinite goodness, infinite power and unconditional love is something I should not keep for myself but should share with others whenever there is an opportunity to do so. This, I believe, is God’s Will which is the reason for my existence in this world.
After the program, I felt somehow a guilty conscience for not having taken advantage of the occasion to share something that could help make this world a better place to live in. It is a kind of sin of omission.
This made me reflect further that one should dare share what he has whenever there is an opportunity to do so. What one has, materially as well as spiritually, should be shared with others and not kept for oneself.
Materially I do not have much to share. But spiritually there is, I believe, much that I can share based on some wonderful personal experiences and an accumulated store of knowledge from readings and studies.
Scripture says: “When much has been given a man, much will be required of him. More will be asked of a man to whom more has been entrusted” (Lk. 12:48)
The task of evangelization is, indeed, a sharing of one’s Faith. The faith I have in God’s infinite wisdom, infinite goodness, infinite power and unconditional love is something I should not keep for myself but should share with others whenever there is an opportunity to do so. This, I believe, is God’s Will which is the reason for my existence in this world.
by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
Nov. 7, 2010
Nov. 7, 2010
Sunday, October 31, 2010
FAITH TESTED BY FIRE
“FAITH TESTED BY FIRE” This scriptural phrase flashed in my mind as I reflected on a Prayer for Eucharistic Adoration by the SERRA Club of Singapore which reads: “Jesus, my God, I adore You, here Present in the Blessed Sacrament of the altar, where You wait day and night to be our comfort while we await Your unveiled Presence in Heaven.”
The Presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is, indeed, a great Mystery which requires a strong Faith to enable one to really adore Him and visit Him at the Adoration Chapel where He in Blessed Sacrament is exposed.
I have made a Commitment to visit Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament everyday for at least one hour. In general, faithfulness to this commitment poses no difficulty. There are times, however, when this commitment becomes hard to comply due to some circumstances, such as when the weather is not fair or when one feels weak and exhausted. It is then that one’s Faith is tested.
When I am faced with this difficulty, this prayer of St. Ignatius of Loyola helps me to be faithful to my commitment: “Lord Jesus, teach me to be generous, teach me to serve You as You deserve, to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, to labor and not to seek reward, except that of knowing that I do Your will. Amen.”
Faith, indeed, is like Gold that is tested by fire. Like Gold that remains solid despite the heat caused by fire, so too is True Faith that remains steadfast regardless of all the trials or difficulties that have to be overcome.
This, I believe, is the kind of Faith that our Lord Jesus Christ wants when He said: “Anyone who wants to be My disciple must deny himself, take up his cross daily and come follow Me”.(Lk.9:23).
The Presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is, indeed, a great Mystery which requires a strong Faith to enable one to really adore Him and visit Him at the Adoration Chapel where He in Blessed Sacrament is exposed.
I have made a Commitment to visit Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament everyday for at least one hour. In general, faithfulness to this commitment poses no difficulty. There are times, however, when this commitment becomes hard to comply due to some circumstances, such as when the weather is not fair or when one feels weak and exhausted. It is then that one’s Faith is tested.
When I am faced with this difficulty, this prayer of St. Ignatius of Loyola helps me to be faithful to my commitment: “Lord Jesus, teach me to be generous, teach me to serve You as You deserve, to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, to labor and not to seek reward, except that of knowing that I do Your will. Amen.”
Faith, indeed, is like Gold that is tested by fire. Like Gold that remains solid despite the heat caused by fire, so too is True Faith that remains steadfast regardless of all the trials or difficulties that have to be overcome.
This, I believe, is the kind of Faith that our Lord Jesus Christ wants when He said: “Anyone who wants to be My disciple must deny himself, take up his cross daily and come follow Me”.(Lk.9:23).
by: Salvador "Buddy" Cagurangan
October 31, 2010
October 31, 2010
Friday, October 15, 2010
NADA TE TURBE
“NADA TE TURBE” – “LET NOTHING DISTURB YOU”. This is the first line of a poem written by St. Teresa of Avila whose feast we celebrate today – October 15, 2010.
This piece of advice came to me as I was disturbed by something that irked me as I was praying the Liturgy of the Hours. The tone of my voice actually became lower and I was a bit distracted in my prayers. However, as I reflected on what St. Teresa said I regained my composure and continued with my prayers focused on God’s presence in my heart.
This experience made me further reflect on the wisdom of this piece of advice.
Almost everyday we encounter problems or difficulties as we go about doing things for our living or for carrying out certain responsibilities entrusted to us. Sometimes we get worried or are disturbed when things happen which are not in accordance with our expectations. Somehow it affects our peace of mind.
A reading from the Vatican II Weekday Missal which dwells on the Veneration of Saints says: “Charity is the saints’ signature. For it is one talent they uniformly share. Nor do they mind whether or not their good works are appreciated. Saints squander their love on the undeserving and ungrateful. They ask for nothing, not even appreciation, in return.”
Meditating on this reading I now see the basic attitude of the saints which makes them undisturbed and remaining peaceful despite the troubles, problems, difficulties or sufferings that may cross their way.
Looking back at my past experiences, I realize that very often I got disturbed with feelings of resentment or vengeance when what I have done were not appreciated or when I was misunderstood and even became a victim of injustice.
The basic attitude, I believe, is simply to do things according to the will of God with all the love we can give and offer everything to Him. If with a clear conscience we have done this, then we do not have to worry about anything. Whatever others may do or think of us should not disturb us.
If, however, we are troubled by a guilty conscience, then we should take the necessary steps to be pardoned and reconciled with God and our fellowmen. This should bring us peace of mind and live in the grace of God.
This piece of advice came to me as I was disturbed by something that irked me as I was praying the Liturgy of the Hours. The tone of my voice actually became lower and I was a bit distracted in my prayers. However, as I reflected on what St. Teresa said I regained my composure and continued with my prayers focused on God’s presence in my heart.
This experience made me further reflect on the wisdom of this piece of advice.
Almost everyday we encounter problems or difficulties as we go about doing things for our living or for carrying out certain responsibilities entrusted to us. Sometimes we get worried or are disturbed when things happen which are not in accordance with our expectations. Somehow it affects our peace of mind.
A reading from the Vatican II Weekday Missal which dwells on the Veneration of Saints says: “Charity is the saints’ signature. For it is one talent they uniformly share. Nor do they mind whether or not their good works are appreciated. Saints squander their love on the undeserving and ungrateful. They ask for nothing, not even appreciation, in return.”
Meditating on this reading I now see the basic attitude of the saints which makes them undisturbed and remaining peaceful despite the troubles, problems, difficulties or sufferings that may cross their way.
Looking back at my past experiences, I realize that very often I got disturbed with feelings of resentment or vengeance when what I have done were not appreciated or when I was misunderstood and even became a victim of injustice.
The basic attitude, I believe, is simply to do things according to the will of God with all the love we can give and offer everything to Him. If with a clear conscience we have done this, then we do not have to worry about anything. Whatever others may do or think of us should not disturb us.
If, however, we are troubled by a guilty conscience, then we should take the necessary steps to be pardoned and reconciled with God and our fellowmen. This should bring us peace of mind and live in the grace of God.
by: Salvador "Buddy" Cagurangan
October 15, 2010
October 15, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
A PARTICULAR VOCATION
“Everyone has a Particular Vocation”. This is a message of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. He said: “Within the universal call to holiness is found the particular vocation to which God summons every individual.” (Quoted from Prayers for Eucharistic Adoration for Vocations – Volume II, compiled by the Serra Club of Singapore)
Pondering on this statement that everyone has a particular vocation I asked myself these three (3) questions.
1. Why is there a particular vocation for everyone?
2. How can one discern his particular vocation?
3. How should one fulfill his particular vocation?
After much prayerful reflection, I came out with these answers.
1. There is a particular vocation for everyone because:
Everyone has been created unique, with unique talents and gifts.
Everyone has his own particular place in this world.
Everyone lives in this world during a certain period of time.
God, in His infinite wisdom, wants everyone to do something at a particular place and time, using the gifts that He bestowed on him. This is the particular vocation of everyone.
2. One’s particular vocation can be discerned by getting in touch with God thru prayer. God speaks to each one in the silence of his heart. Hence, one has to be still, put himself in God’s presence and allow God to make His Will known thru His special ways - an inspiring thought, a particular event, a spark of wisdom, a friend or a situation.
3. One’s particular vocation can be fulfilled by responding in the best way he can and with all the love he can give. Vocation is a Call from God, the Supreme Being, the Creator of the Universe, on whom everybody and everything depend for their existence. Hence, He deserves the best.
With these thoughts in mind I undertook the processing of papers for the sale of a piece of land which we inherited from our parents, Tomas M. Cagurangan and Toribia C. Birung. For a period of about five months I had to go thru a lot of paper work, travel from one Office to another, pay all required fees and spend long hours and days waiting for the accomplishment of the required documents.
Of the six brothers and sisters still living, I am the only one left in our hometown, Tuguegarao. Hence, it fell on me the lot to make all the necessary transactions with the Government regarding the sale of our land. I, therefore, considered this as my particular vocation at this point in time in my life.
I thank God for the inspiration given me in undertaking this particular task, for I was given all the patience and competence to go thru all the difficulties of complying with all the requirements involved for this transaction.
by: Salvador "Buddy" Cagurangan
Sept. 26, 2010
Pondering on this statement that everyone has a particular vocation I asked myself these three (3) questions.
1. Why is there a particular vocation for everyone?
2. How can one discern his particular vocation?
3. How should one fulfill his particular vocation?
After much prayerful reflection, I came out with these answers.
1. There is a particular vocation for everyone because:
Everyone has been created unique, with unique talents and gifts.
Everyone has his own particular place in this world.
Everyone lives in this world during a certain period of time.
God, in His infinite wisdom, wants everyone to do something at a particular place and time, using the gifts that He bestowed on him. This is the particular vocation of everyone.
2. One’s particular vocation can be discerned by getting in touch with God thru prayer. God speaks to each one in the silence of his heart. Hence, one has to be still, put himself in God’s presence and allow God to make His Will known thru His special ways - an inspiring thought, a particular event, a spark of wisdom, a friend or a situation.
3. One’s particular vocation can be fulfilled by responding in the best way he can and with all the love he can give. Vocation is a Call from God, the Supreme Being, the Creator of the Universe, on whom everybody and everything depend for their existence. Hence, He deserves the best.
With these thoughts in mind I undertook the processing of papers for the sale of a piece of land which we inherited from our parents, Tomas M. Cagurangan and Toribia C. Birung. For a period of about five months I had to go thru a lot of paper work, travel from one Office to another, pay all required fees and spend long hours and days waiting for the accomplishment of the required documents.
Of the six brothers and sisters still living, I am the only one left in our hometown, Tuguegarao. Hence, it fell on me the lot to make all the necessary transactions with the Government regarding the sale of our land. I, therefore, considered this as my particular vocation at this point in time in my life.
I thank God for the inspiration given me in undertaking this particular task, for I was given all the patience and competence to go thru all the difficulties of complying with all the requirements involved for this transaction.
by: Salvador "Buddy" Cagurangan
Sept. 26, 2010
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Still Imperfect
“STILL IMPERFECT” is the thought that came to me while serving at a Eucharistic Celebration. It dawned on me that all of us who were serving as Ministers in the Mass, including the Presider, can make some mistakes. It could be in the way we talk, mispronounce words, or in the way we act, not bowing or genuflecting in the right way.
Pondering further on the significance of this observation, I realize that, indeed, I should accept the fact that I myself am STILL IMPERFECT. There are still a lot to do to overcome my imperfections. Throughout my whole life I have to struggle towards perfection. This perfection, I believe, can be attained only with the Grace of God and only when one is already fully united with God in a state of being we call HEAVEN.
This reflection made me consider my relationship with my fellowmen. Aware of my own imperfections, should I not see that others too have their own imperfections. Hence, if they do something that may not be right, is that not part of their imperfection. If so, should I not be more tolerant with them and make allowance for their imperfection by being patient and slow to anger?
With this reflection I now see the wisdom of “FORGIVENESS”. In the prayer that our Lord Jesus Christ taught us, He emphasized the act of forgiving others, so we too could be forgiven. This act of forgiveness is based on the fact that all men are born imperfect, except Our Blessed Mother Mary, who was already Perfect from the moment of her conception, for which reason she is called THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION. Since all men are imperfect, or sinners as we often hear, there is a need to bear with one another’s imperfection and help one another towards the pursuit of perfection.
With the grace of God I have now come to see even those who have hurt me with a forgiving heart. Actually as I was walking towards my residence this morning, my eyes met the eyes of someone who has badly hurt me and I managed to greet him raising my hand and with a smile on my face. Inwardly I gave allowance for his imperfection and prayed that somehow he will cooperate with the grace of God to overcome his defects and become less and less imperfect.
I am STILL IMPERFECT. To become less and less imperfect, I have formulated this prayer: “Lord God, may everything I do begin with You, continue with You, and end for You.” I trust that with this prayer I shall be given the grace to overcome my imperfections and be more tolerant to the imperfections of others.
Pondering further on the significance of this observation, I realize that, indeed, I should accept the fact that I myself am STILL IMPERFECT. There are still a lot to do to overcome my imperfections. Throughout my whole life I have to struggle towards perfection. This perfection, I believe, can be attained only with the Grace of God and only when one is already fully united with God in a state of being we call HEAVEN.
This reflection made me consider my relationship with my fellowmen. Aware of my own imperfections, should I not see that others too have their own imperfections. Hence, if they do something that may not be right, is that not part of their imperfection. If so, should I not be more tolerant with them and make allowance for their imperfection by being patient and slow to anger?
With this reflection I now see the wisdom of “FORGIVENESS”. In the prayer that our Lord Jesus Christ taught us, He emphasized the act of forgiving others, so we too could be forgiven. This act of forgiveness is based on the fact that all men are born imperfect, except Our Blessed Mother Mary, who was already Perfect from the moment of her conception, for which reason she is called THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION. Since all men are imperfect, or sinners as we often hear, there is a need to bear with one another’s imperfection and help one another towards the pursuit of perfection.
With the grace of God I have now come to see even those who have hurt me with a forgiving heart. Actually as I was walking towards my residence this morning, my eyes met the eyes of someone who has badly hurt me and I managed to greet him raising my hand and with a smile on my face. Inwardly I gave allowance for his imperfection and prayed that somehow he will cooperate with the grace of God to overcome his defects and become less and less imperfect.
I am STILL IMPERFECT. To become less and less imperfect, I have formulated this prayer: “Lord God, may everything I do begin with You, continue with You, and end for You.” I trust that with this prayer I shall be given the grace to overcome my imperfections and be more tolerant to the imperfections of others.
by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
September 19, 2010
September 19, 2010
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