GOD’S PRESENCE

             “I AM ONE OF GOD’S PRESENCE IN THIS WORLD”.  This thought came to me when I attended a funeral Mass for the repose of the soul of Kuya Jay-R Quimado, a PREX (Parish Renewal Experience) Graduate.

            At first I was reluctant to attend the funeral due to the time involved and the lined up activities I had to accomplish.  However, I had a feeling of awareness of God’s Will for me to be an instrument in showing His love to Jay-R, his family, relatives and friends who were grieving deeply especially as Jay-R was just 27 years old.

            This made me reflect further on how God makes Himself present in this world. I recalled that recently I wrote an article “Enjoy Your Life” wherein I acknowledged what spiritual writers say that God’s methods are people and events.  I realized the truth of that statement as I experienced in my daily life God’s love through the people I am living with in the present.  This time, however, I focused on the fact that God is using me as His instrument to manifest His love through my presence.  I realized I am very much a Channel of God’s love.  I felt this as I felt the deep appreciation and gratitude expressed especially by Jay-R’s sister “Ate” Abie and her mother.  It dawned on me that this is precisely what St. Francis of Assissi wanted to convey in the Prayer he composed which runs thus:

            Make me a channel of your peace,

            Where there is hatred let me bring your love;

            Where there is injury your pardon, Lord,

            Where there is doubt true faith in you.

            Make me a channel of your peace,

            Where there is despair in life let me bring your hope,

            Where there is darkness only light;

            And where there is sadness ever joy.

            Refrain: O Master, grant that I may never seek

                           So much to be consoled, as to console,

                          To be understood, as to understand,

                          To be loved as to love with all my soul.

            Make me a channel of your peace,

            It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

            In giving to all men that we receive; and

            In dying that we are born to eternal life.

            I now realize as I conclude that, indeed, I am one of God’s methods in making Himself present in this world.  Hence, I humbly pray that God will continue to enlighten me on how I should conduct myself so as to manifest His loving presence in whatever situation I find myself.  I more fully acknowledge the wisdom of getting involved as much as possible in projects or activities in my community which would redound to God’s Glory.

by: Buddy Cagurangan

September 11, 2011

WHERE IS HEAVEN?

“HEAVEN IS ALREADY HERE”. These were the words of Most Rev. Sergio L. Utleg in a homily he delivered during a Eucharistic Celebration at the Metropolitan Cathedral after his installation as the new Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao on August 12, 2011.

This made me ponder on what heaven really means. As has often been said, “meaning is in people”. Hence, ‘heaven’ can have different meanings as people have different viewpoints. Truth, they say, is the whole of reality, and only God knows the whole of reality. Whatever we, human beings, know is just a ‘point of view’.

In the Catechism For Filipinos, we read: “Filipinos usually speak of heaven as if it were a ‘place’, but only because, since we live in time and space, we imagine everything as a place. Actually, heaven means the state of ‘being with the Lord’ (cf. 1Thes. 4:17 living in Him in whom the blessed find the perfection of their identity and the perfect consummation of their earthly lives. We often call this state of seeing God “face to face” (cf. 1 Cor. 13:12) the “beatific vision” because it causes unspeakable joy and happiness in communion with all the saints.”

From the foregoing, I now consider heaven as ‘where God is’. To my mind, this presence of God is manifested in His Holy Will. Being the Supreme Being in this world, He certainly wants everything to be done according to His Will.

Christ Himself taught us to pray: “Thy Will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” He further stated during His agony in the garden of Gethsemane: “Not My Will but Your Will be done.” Therefore, of paramount importance to God is His Holy Will.

On the whole, for me then, the essence of heaven is “BEING WITH GOD”. I can think of no other better way to be with God than to earnestly strive to DO HIS HOLY WILL. I believe that when I, in all sincerity, place myself in God’s hands, depend on His indispensable grace and do all I can to carry out whatever He wants me to do under the concrete circumstances of my life, God is pleased with me and gives me joy. This to me is HEAVEN – simply DOING THE WILL OF GOD.

by: Buddy Cagurangan
September 4, 2011

HASTE MAKES WASTE

“HASTE MAKES WASTE”. This for me is wise saying.

Almost everyday we hear of car accidents. In most cases the cause is ‘over-speeding’.
In every car accident, damage is done not only to vehicles or properties but especially to the people who are injured or even lose their lives. And then much time is spent to investigate the accident and attend to its consequences. This, indeed, is a great loss in time, treasure and human life – a waste due to haste.

Personally, I started driving way back in 1956. From then on I continued driving up to 2006, or a period of fifty (50) years to several places in Luzon. I thank and praise God that I have never featured in a car accident where people get hurt or properties are damaged. I attribute this to my so-called philosophy in driving – “Enjoy driving, relax, drive with a regular speed of 60 to 80 kilometers per hour, be very cautious in overtaking, and be a defensive driver.”
This saying may also apply to eating, drinking and praying.

In several articles that I have read, I have come across the advise to ‘eat slowly’. This is done by chewing well the food before swallowing it. In drinking, it is also advised to just ‘sip’ the water instead of gulping it.

In praying, we read in 1 Thess. 5:17: ‘pray without ceasing’ For me, this means not to hurry in praying, but to take time in putting mind and heart in the presence of God, Who is within me, and enjoy the grace of being able to converse with Him, the Supreme Being in this world.

In Sacred Scriptures we read the following passages:

“There is an appointed time for everything” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

“He who makes haste to be rich will not go unpunished” (Proverbs 28:20)

“An inheritance gained hurriedly at the beginning will not be blessed” (Proverbs 20:21)

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There is, indeed, wisdom in taking time to enjoy the activities of daily living and not to hurry in doing them, for “HASTE MAKES WASTE”.

by: Buddy Cagurangan
August 28, 2011

ENJOY YOUR LIFE

“ENJOY YOUR LIFE”. This is the thought that has been running in my mind for the past few days. Hence, I asked myself the question – How am I to enjoy life?

In answer to the said question, I was confronted by two other questions, namely:

1. WHO IS THE SOURCE OF TRUE JOY?
2. HOW IS TRUE JOY GIVEN?

To the first question, I readily answer “GOD”. God created man, and therefore, only God can truly satisfy and make man happy.

To the second question, I have learned from spiritual writers that “GOD’S METHODS ARE PEOPLE AND EVENTS”. To me this means that God acts through people and events to manifest His love and care for us.

Upon further reflection, I see the significance of Christ’s command: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you”. (John 13:34). Love is something that can be given only by people, because it is only people who are bestowed with the gift of freedom which enables them to make a decision; for Love, in the last analysis, is a Decision.

Looking at my own life, the people who in one way or another filled my heart with joy were my parents, my brothers and sisters, relatives and friends. Right now I am experiencing great joy in my own home, where true love is manifested by my wife, Ofel, my mother-in-law, Roberta, and my sisters-in-law, Lou, Evie and Cherry. Likewise, my children and grandchildren, though all are miles away, fill me with joy as we have regular contact thru texting, email and facebook. Great joy also fills my heart as I encounter friends, relatives and acquaintances in the community with whom I have some personal relationships.

Events are also occasions where God manifests His loving concern for us. Celebrations to highlight significant events or commemorate birthdays, anniversaries, feasts, and the like are, indeed, occasions where people come together and give joy to each other with their presence.
TO ENJOY LIFE, therefore, I only have to be open and gratefully acknowledge God’s manifestation of His love through people and events, and respond with all the love I can give; for verily LOVE CAN BE REPAID BY LOVE ALONE.

by: Buddy Cagurangan
August 28, 2011

FAITH – A PARTICIPATION IN GOD’S POWER

“FAITH IS A PARTICIPATION IN GOD’S POWER”. These words, coming from Rev. Fr. Macario Malano, Parochial Vicar of the St. Peter’s Parish, Tuguegarao City, struck me as a new way of looking at faith. Father Mac, as we fondly call him, said those words when he delivered a homily on the Gospel of Matthew 15:21-28, which tells of the story of a Canaanite woman whom Jesus praised for her great faith.

It is narrated in the said Gospel that when Jesus answered: “It is not right to throw the children’s bread to the dogs”, the woman replied: “It is true, Sir, but even the dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their master’s table.” Then Jesus said: “ Woman, great is your faith! So be it as you want.”

I used to think of faith only as an assurance and a conviction; for in the Letter to the Hebrews, 11:1, we read: “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” The words, however, of Father Mac corroborated what Jesus Christ said in Matthew 21:21-22, “Truly I say to you, if you have faith, and do not doubt, you shall not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea, it shall happen’. And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive.” One, therefore, who has true faith, participates in the Power of God, Who can do all things, for with Him nothing is impossible.

From the foregoing then, my belief in “Divine Healing” is reinforced. We hear of people who have administered this power and have obtained the cure of many sick people, like Sister Bridgit McKenna, Rev. Fr. Leonardo Polinar, Rev. Fr. Corsie Legaspi, and several others. I, myself, have witnessed the healing of some people who asked to be prayed over by me and my companions in the Charismatic Renewal Movement.

One such case which I consider an answer to a prayer for healing is the case of a lady, who suffered severe burns on her two legs caused by an accident from a liquefied gas. For six months she was treated at the Cagayan Provincial Hospital, which was situated then in Tuguegarao. When I visited her, I was informed that the doctors had already given up hope for the healing of the ulcers that covered her two legs and so, she was advised to go home. Visiting her in their home I asked her if she believes in the power of prayer. Nodding with her head, we prayed together for healing. Upon returning the following day, she told me that the pain that she had been feeling had subsided. Taking this as a sign that our prayers were being heard, we again prayed together and I told her to continue praying. A month after this, when I went to visit her, I saw her two legs completely healed. She told me that after I left, a woman went to her and advised her to wash her legs with water that has been boiled with guava leaves. This healed all her ulcers.

God, in His infinite goodness, really shares with us His Divine Power when with true faith in Him we pray for something which is in accordance with His Holy Will. With this faith we participate in His power.

by: Buddy Caguragan
August 21, 2011

FORGIVENESS - A TWO-WAY ACTION

FORGIVENESS IS A TWO-WAY ACTION. This is how I see the lesson that our Lord Jesus Christ wants to convey in the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant, which was the Gospel reading in Matthew 18:21-35, last Thursday, August 11, 2011,

In the act of forgiveness there are two persons involved. The one who seeks forgiveness on one hand and the one to give forgiveness on the other hand. The first move comes from the one who wants to be forgiven. He acknowledges whatever failures or wrongdoing he has committed, is sorry for it and humbly asks for pardon. The one offended opens his mind and heart, welcomes the contrition and extends his forgiveness.

In the parable, the unmerciful servant was forgiven by God because he begged to be forgiven. When, however, a fellow servant, asked him for mercy and pardon, he denied the request and did not extend his forgiveness.

This two-way transaction is clearly seen in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The penitent who goes to Confession, usually starts by saying: “Father, forgive me for I have sinned.” After telling what sins he has committed, he says: “Father, I am sorry for all these sins, and I ask for pardon.” The priest, then, after giving some advice and penance gives the absolution saying: “I, in the name of Christ, now forgive you.”

Forgiveness, therefore, can be given if the one who committed something wrong first acknowledges the wrong he has done, is sorry for it, and asks for forgiveness. Then the victim, moved by compassion, responds with the act of forgiveness.

The act of forgiveness is not easy. As they say: “To err is human, to forgive is divine.” Thus, one needs the grace from God to enable him to forgive. Inevitably, it is necessary that the offended party prays for God’s help, so that he will be empowered to forgive.

In my own life, I have been hurt by several people, most of whom are close to me. Each time this happened, I prayed for them and asked for the grace to be able to forgive. I actually lift up to God not only the person but my own hurts so as to unburden myself. I leave all these to God Who knows what is best for all. In my memory, there were two who humbly acknowledged the wrong they have done and made efforts to repair the action. The others, however, seem not to be aware of the hurts they have caused but I still pray for them. By God’s grace, I am prepared to extend my forgiveness if they come to ask for it.

by: Buddy Cagurangan
August 14, 2011

GOD'S SERVANT

“I AM GOD’S SERVANT.” This is how I consider myself after reflecting on what Rev. Fr. Teilhard de Cardin, SJ, has said about REVELATION. According to him Revelation is “MAN’S UNDERSTANDING OF WHO HE IS IN RELATION TO GOD.” He further said that in approaching a theology of salvation history “We should not 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.”

For quite some time I have been asking myself the question: ”WHO AM I IN RELATION TO GOD?”

In the ‘Catechism for Filipino Catholics’ I have learned that by the grace of the Sacrament of Baptism I have become an ADOPTED SON of GOD. This, indeed, is the dignity bestowed on all baptized persons which make them all equal in the eyes of God.

On further reflection, when I consider my relationship with God from the viewpoint of the task that I should undertake according to HIS HOLY WILL, I prefer to look at myself as GOD’S SERVANT.

Christ Himself stated in Matthew 20:28 “…the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

It is also said that the reason for Lucifer’s Downfall is because he did not like to serve (‘Non Serviam’) when he was given a task to undertake.

To my mind, the reason for my existence is TO DO THE WILL OF GOD. This is evident from what Christ Himself said in the Prayer He taught us: ‘Thy Will be done on earth as it is in heaven’.

When performing a task I choose to have the attitude of a true servant rather than that of a child for the following reasons:

1. A servant is focused on his job, while a child may be over conscious of his closeness to his parents which may somehow affect his effectiveness in doing the job.

2. A servant is conscious of his responsibility to do the job well in order to earn the approval of his master. A child, on the other hand, may take it easy, aware that his parents will always love him, even if the job is not done well.

3. A servant is aware that his task is TO SERVE, while a child may be basking on his personal relationship with his parents and thus relegate as secondary whatever he may be asked to do.

In short, a child may be more status oriented while a servant is more job oriented.

While I do value my status as a Child of God, I, nevertheless, consider it a great privilege to be used by God as His instrument in Doing His Holy Will. Hence, for me, I consider it a greater joy to be God’s Servant by Doing His Holy Will now and for all eternity.

by: Buddy Cagurangan
August 7, 2011

THE GREATEST WONDER of the WORLD

THE GREATEST WONDER of the WORLD to my mind is a HUMAN BEING. Time and again men have been searching for the Great Wonders in this world. Among those that have been considered in the Top Ten are the ‘Rice Terraces in Ifugao’ and the ‘Niagara Falls in Canada’. Recently, one of the entries in the list is the ‘Underground River’ in Palawan. From the point of view of physical beauty, these, indeed, are wonderful to see. Lately, however, a question propped up in my mind: ‘Of all the creatures in this world, which is really the GREATEST?’

Man is a Mystery. Up to this day no human being can fully understand the life-giving principle in man. Hence, there is no man who can be a master of his own life. All are subject to the phenomenon of death. In spite of all the researches conducted by men from time immemorial nothing has been discovered to make men live without end in this world.

From Sacred Scripture we read the following passages:

Genesis 2:27-28 – “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God he created him, male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number, fill the earth and subdue it, rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the sky, over every living creature that moves on the ground.”

Psalm 139: 14 – “I will give thanks to Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…”

Matthew 25: 46 – “And these will go into eternal punishment, but the just to eternal life.”

2 Corinthians 4: 16 – “Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.”

Isaiah 43: 7 – “Everyone who is called by My name, and whom I have created for My glory.”

From the above cited scriptural passages, man is considered as having the following attributes:
1.Created in the image of God
2.Has dominion over all creatures on earth
3.Is wonderfully made
4.Is endowed with an everlasting life
5.Is created for God’s glory

The image of God, I believe, is beyond man’s imagination. Hence, this attribute of man as being “created in the image of God” can only be seen from the characteristics that distinguishes man from all the other creatures in this world, namely: his ability to think, to make choices, and to love. These are characteristics which are inherent in the Gift of Freedom which enables man to think, to make decisions, to hate or to love. This Gift of Freedom is, therefore, what makes man like God, being bestowed with some measure of intelligence and a will power to decide.

What also makes man different from all the other creatures is his everlasting life. All creatures on this earth will, sooner or later, pass away with the passage of time. Man, however, is destined to live forever. This is what our Christian Faith tells us based on the Word of God in Sacred Scriptures. In John 10:28 Christ said: “…I give eternal life to them, and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of My hand.” Also in John 11:25 Jesus said to Martha: “I am the resurrection and the life, he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies.”

This GIFT OF EVERLASTING LIFE is what makes man greater than any other creature in this world. The other so-called Wonders in this world may have amazing attributes in size, power and beauty, but all of them have a temporary existence. Man, however, is destined to live forever in the next life – a great privilege bestowed on him for God’s glory.

by: Buddy Cagurangan
July 31, 2011

Sergeant Calaguas

SERGEANT CALAGUAS is a World War 2 Hero who was honored with a Medal that is considered the HIGHEST AWARD that could be given to an enlisted man. It is said that if he wears the Medal and he meets a General, the General should salute him first. Why? The following is his story, published in the Philippine Star several years ago, which had deeply impressed me.

Sgt. Calaguas was a Mess Sergeant when the Japanese soldiers attacked their barrack in Bataan, and their Machine Gunner was shot dead. The Captain ordered Sgt. Calaguas to take over. Immediately responding to the order, Sgt. Calaguas took hold of the machine gun and just fired and fired without any let up. The Japs were taken aback and had to retreat. Thus Sgt. Calaguas saved his Company from a Japanese onslaught on that day. After the world war, Sgt. Calaguas who was then residing in the United States came back as a ‘balikbayan’ to the Philippines. He was met by media men at the international airport and one praised him saying: “Sgt. Calaguas you must be very brave”. In reply Sgt. Calaguas said: “No, I was also afraid. But when it comes to serving my country I give all I have got.”

Time and again this reply of Sgt. Calaguas rings in my ears. It comes especially in those moments when I am faced with some difficulties in doing a given task. Human as I am, I am inclined to take it easy, consider what is most convenient for me, or take the least resistance. But the words of Sgt. Calaguas “I am also afraid, but when it comes to serving my country I give all I have got” keep on challenging me. For if he can say that, I ask myself the question – “When it comes to serving the Lord God, can I not also give all that I have got?”

The said question is, indeed, a Challenge to my Faith in Christ Jesus. If truly I consider the Lord Jesus Christ as God, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, to whom I owe everything that I am, then I must serve Him with all the love and strength that I can give. He deserves no less than the best that I can possibly do.

Being able to serve God is, indeed, a great privilege. When I consider the infinite Goodness and Greatness of God I cannot but be filled with joy when He gives me an opportunity to serve Him. I believe that God has created me so He could use me in His work of creation. No human being can ever fathom the great mystery of God’s Creation. It is, I believe, something without end, which shall continue in the life hereafter. As God uses me now in my earthly life, I do believe that He will continue to use me in the next life. How He will use me will most likely depend on how I cooperate with His grace in serving Him here on earth.

The example of Sgt. Calaguas continues to inspire me to really serve the Lord God with all the love I can give and in the best way I can do. This certainly requires my wholehearted commitment to share my time, talents and treasure in performing whatever task is entrusted to me. It is a tall order, realizing my limitations and imperfections, but I totally depend on God’s constant graces for WITHOUT HIM I CAN DO NOTHING, BUT WITH HIM NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE.

by: Salvador 'Birung' Cagurangan

July 24, 2011

Today Is Not Yesterday

“TODAY IS NOT YESTERDAY.” This statement of Rev. Fr. Horacio de la Costa, SJ, in one of his articles, made me ponder on its significance in my daily life. He further proposes the following attitudes to cope with life in a changing world, namely: openness to change, adaptability and discernment.

1. Openness to Change
I, indeed, realize the truth of what Rev. Fr. Teilhard de Chardin,SJ, said in his book, ‘The Phenomenon of Man’ that this world is constantly in the process of evolution, that the Church itself is in evolution, and that man himself is ‘Evolution becoming conscious of himself’. This reality calls for constant RENEWAL – to make things new again.
I, for one, have undergone the following Renewal Programs: The Life in the Spirit Seminar (LSS), the Marriage Encounter (ME) and the Parish Renewal Experience (PREX) Seminar. The said programs have renewed my Christian Faith, particularly in the way I should relate to God and my fellowmen. These have made me aware of God’s unconditional love for men, and of all men’s equality in dignity in the eyes of God. While we still have to give due respect especially to those in authority, we, nevertheless, have to maintain our dignity as children of God, which is the same for all men, regardless of their positions in this world.

2. Adaptability
Adaptations have to be made to conform to changes in perceptions or present realities. As an example, the Church itself has made an adaptation in the way the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is celebrated. Years back, the Priest Celebrant has his back turned to the people during the celebration of the Holy Mass. Since 1965, after Vatican II, which views the Church as the People of God, the Priest Celebrant now faces the people, signifying his being one with them. Now therefore, knowing that the Holy Mass is a Community Public Worship of God, I participate in the Mass by praying and singing together with the people instead of doing my own private prayers. I also strive to see how I could help in my own community, since this is where God wants me to serve as a member of a Basic Ecclesial Community.

3. Discernment
In any situation one could be faced with several options as a course of action. Hence, one needs to discern which course of action he should take to address the situation. As for me, the process of discernment usually begins with a prayer, asking for enlightenment from the Holy Spirit. Then, after sizing up the situation, and motivated by the desire to always do whatever would be in accordance with the Will of God, I make a decision which enables me to do what I could possibly do under the circumstances and leave to God the rest.

We, indeed, live in a CHANGING WORLD. so I see the wisdom of Fr. Horacio de la Costa’s advice to cope with change, by OPENNESS TO CHANGE, TO ADAPT TO THE CHALLENGES OF CHANGE, and TO DISCERN THE BEST OPTION TO MEET THE REALITY OF CHANGE.

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
July 17, 2011