ACT ALWAYS WITH LOVE

            “ACT ALWAYS WITH LOVE.”  This is the insight that came to me after reading a message from Pope Paul VI on a Lenten Meditation which was published in the Vatican II Daily Missal.  It reads as follows: “Our actions acquire value thru the thought which accompanies them, that is, thru the intention which ennobles them.”

            After pondering on what this message means to me,  I realized that any action of mine should be motivated by a purpose or reason, and it is this purpose that can spell the difference between what is good and what is bad.

            After reflecting on all the possible reasons that can motivate my actions, I considered just one reason which could serve as the ultimate purpose for all my actions, and that is: LOVE.  I do believe that if  I do anything out of love of God or love of my neighbor,  my action becomes meaningful and pleasing in the eyes of God. 

            Love, of course, is, as they say, a “Many Splendored Thing”.   It can be manifested in many different ways.  It can be expressed in Thought, Word, or Deed.  It has, however, only one objective – the GOODNESS of another – either of God or a fellowman – for God’s Glory or for a fellowman’s welfare. 

            To act with love, however, is not automatic.  It requires some moments of deliberation and decision before the action.  This for me is a challenge that poses some difficulty, due to previous behaviors wherein I acted without first considering any motives or the consequences of my actions.   There were times when I acted at the spur of the moment, oftentimes moved by anger or hatred instead of love. 

            I, therefore, pray that God will give me the graces I need to be patient and give myself time to deliberate on what could be a loving response to any situation before I decide on any action.  

            “TO ACT ALWAYS WITH LOVE”  shall be a continuing challenge for me for the rest of my life.  I believe, however, that this is what God wants me to do, and relying on His infinite Goodness and overflowing graces, I shall be able to make it the GUIDING PRINCIPLE OF MY LIFE.

By: Buddy Cagurangan 

March 11, 2012

SELF-SURRENDER TO GOD

             SELF-SURRENDER TO GOD.  This is the thought that came to me as I kept reflecting on what a sister of the SERRA Club of Singapore said: “It is not so much what you do but what God wants to do to you and through you.”   She narrated during a Regional Convention of the SERRA Club in Singapore that in one of her visits to the Blessed Sacrament this is the inspiration that she got from the Lord JESUS CHRIST.

          Now and then these words ring in my ears, so to say, and I have tried to discern the message that these convey.  Let me share my reflections:

          First of all, I acknowledge that God is the Creator of the Universe  and everything depends on Him for existence.    God, in His infinite wisdom, has a reason or purpose for every creature in this universe Hence, every creature should be attuned to whatever God wants to do.

          For creatures that are simply guided by the law of nature compliance to the Will of God is done without any problem or hindrance.  However, for creatures, like human beings,  who are endowed with the gift of freedom,  there poses a challenge which calls for a decision.  The challenge is whether to exercise this gift of freedom  to follow God’s Will or to deny it and live according to one’s  own will.

          Self-surrender to God to me, therefore, means allowing God to be God in my life and thus following  His Holy Will.  It means letting God do what He wants to do to  me and through me. 

          This act of self-surrender requires some quiet time to commune with God to place myself at His disposal and sincerely ask  for enlightenment on what He wants to be done under the concrete circumstances of my life. 

          It is for this reason that spiritual writers see the need for  a “Quite Time” in which one would set aside some time everyday to have a ‘heart to heart’ conversation with God, Who is present everywhere. (Ps.139:7-10).

By: Buddy Cagurangan

March 4, 2012

TO LOVE IS PERSONAL

          TO LOVE IS PERSONAL.  This is the insight that came to my mind when I observed how the TITHING SYSTEM is being implemented in our Barangay, Centro 07, Tuguegarao City.

                                         

          At the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines, held in 1991, it was decreed that the ‘Tithing System’ be adapted in lieu of the present ‘Stole Fees System’.  The rationale behind this is to make the people understand that the administration of the Sacraments are not for sale.  Hence, the system of charging fees when the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Matrimony are administered should be eliminated and substituted with the Tithing System.

          The Tithing System is a way by which the parishioners are invited to voluntarily offer some amount regularly to the Church as an Act of Thanksgiving  to God for blessings received.  This love offering of the parishioners will then become the main source of funds to defray Church expenditures. 

          Since June of 2011, our Barangay (Centro 07) has been giving the biggest amount of Tithes  which has been offered during the celebration of monthly Community Mass at our Barangay.  This was gratefully acknowledged by our Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Gerard Ariston P. Perez.

          I have observed, however, that many of those who gave their love offerings were not present at the celebration of the Holy Mass.  They just gave their ‘tithe’ to an Area Coordinator, who in turn submitted these tithes at the Offertory during the Mass. 

          Reflecting on this observation, I asked myself if God would be pleased by this way of giving something to Him through someone else.  Since tithing is an act of love, manifesting one’s gratitude to God, I believe it should be done personally, because love is a person to person relationship.  One cannot love God through someone else, just as one cannot eat through another one.  In other words, LOVE cannot be delegated.  It has to be done personally. Hence, I believe that those who want to offer their tithes to God should be present during the celebration of the Holy Mass and give their love offering personally during the Offertory.

          For the proper implementation of the Tithing System I, therefore, see the need for some catechetical instruction so that it be correctly understood.  The emphasis should be made on the motive for this system, which is a grateful manifestation of love to God in response to His Unbounded Love.

By: Buddy Cagurangan 

February 26, 2012

DOING GOD'S WILL NOW

            DOING GOD’S WILL NOW MAKES ME HAPPY.  This is how I feel whenever I become aware that what I am doing is what God wants me to do now.

            In the Gospel today, Feb. 17, 2012, JESUS says: “If a man wishes to come after me, he must deny his very self, take up his cross and follow in my steps.  Whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it.”(Mark 8:34).

           For the past several days I have been experiencing real peace and joy whenever I am doing something that I believe is what God wants me to do.  It is a joy that comes from a conviction that it is God’s Will and, therefore,  it is an activity that pleases Him which gives me  an opportunity  to serve Him and thus manifest my deep gratitude for all the blessings He has bestowed on me.

              To paraphrase the words of Jesus in Mark 8:34, “TOTAL SELF-SURRENDER TO GOD IS WHAT PLEASES HIM”.  To me, this means:

1.  To sincerely desire to know what God really wants in any given situation.

2.    To be willing to do whatever needs to be done.

3.    To do it in the best way possible.

    While meditating on these words of our Lord Jesus Christ,  I was

 looking at the crucifix, and somehow I saw how in His crucifixion, death and resurrection He exemplified what He meant.

              Before His crucifixion Our Lord Jesus Christ prayed: “Lord, not my will but your will be done.”(Mark 14:36).  And so, despite all the sufferings that He had to undergo, He surrendered Himself to those who wanted to crucify Him.  He even prayed: “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.”(Luke 23:34). 

             After his crucifixion and death, however, came the RESURRECTION.

This is the great mystery of God’s omnipotence which can overcome any evil and which is beyond the power of anyone to disregard.  Hence, to the total self-surrender that Our Lord Jesus Christ manifested God’s response was a GLORIOUS LIFE. 

             For me, therefore, I believe that a total surrender of myself to the Will of God now shall blossom into a Glorious Life of UNION WITH GOD FOREVER.

By: Buddy Cagurangan

February 19, 2012

JUST DO WHAT YOU CAN

            “JUST DO WHAT YOU CAN AND LET GOD DO THE REST”.  This is an advice I heard several times in the years past.   At present it is still ringing in my ears.   I believe there is much wisdom in it.

            Now and then I feel that my hands are full of several duties, assignments and commitments that I am expected to do or comply with.  Human as I am, I realize that I am finite and limited in my capacities to fulfill these tasks.  Even with my wholehearted willingness to do the best I can,  I realize that I can do only so much and the end result of my performance may not be always satisfactory. 

            I am reminded, however, by what I heard from a CICM priest, Rev. Fr. Clement Daelman: “God does not expect us to be successful, but He expects us to be always faithful.”   These words have, indeed, encouraged me to really just do what I can possibly do and leave the rest to God.

            Looking back at the past,  I realize that one’s productivity  and capacity to engage in various activities depends much on his physical fitness and strength.   While proper food, exercise, vitamins and a healthy style of living may help to maintain one’s vigor of life,  I have to admit that the phenomenon of aging has a toll of its own.  Hence, as I am now at the age bracket of Senior Citizens, being already 83 years old,  I feel that I am no longer as strong as I used to be at a younger age.

            Be that as it is,  I take to heart what the advise says: “JUST DO WHAT YOU CAN AND LET GOD DO THE REST”.  Therefore, everyday I size up myself and ask: “What is it that I still can do today to fulfill whatever task has been entrusted to me?”  Answering this question, taking into account my present capabilities, I then pray:  “Here I am, Oh Lord God, I come to do your Will.  You know me more than I know myself.   Help me to do the best I can with all the strength that you are giving me now.  I leave to You the rest.”

            With this frame of mind I feel at peace and no matter what may be the result of my endeavors I  pray : “Lord God, you know whatever I have done with all the graces You have given me.  I lift up to You everything.  If there are failures on my part, please forgive me.  If there is anything good that I have contributed through Your help, I offer it unto You for your greater honor and glory.” 

By: Buddy Cagurangan

February 5, 2012

THE IMPORTANCE OF PREPARATION

“Failure to prepare is preparing to fail”.  These were the words of wisdom from Ms. Tina M. Palma,  TV Announcer of ABS/CBN.   She make the remark after observing what transpired at the opening of the Impeachment trial of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona.

Her words made me reflect on the importance of PREPARATION.

Indeed, for any event, big or small, preparation is needed, for  the success of any endeavor or  event depends much on the preparation  undertaken.

Looking back at past events, I could say that when time, talent and treasure were invested on the needed preparation, the expected event has been very successful.

Applying this in my own life, I consider my entire life time on earth as a preparation for the next life. I do believe that the next life is an intimate personal relationship of love with God as our Father.  To prepare for this kind of relationship, I believe that here on earth all my activities should be motivated by an unselfish love of God and geared towards the goal of being truly united with God.

There are certainly many different ways through which this personal relationship of love can be achieved.  For me, however, the simple way is to consider myself as God’s servant and all that I have to do under the various circumstances of my life should always be a service of love, in accordance with God’s Holy Will.

Hence, everyday, as I wake up in the morning, I pray: “Lord, God, what is it that You want me to do today.  Grant me all the graces I need to be able to serve You today with all the love I can give and in the best way I can, all for your greater honor and glory.”

By: Buddy Cagurangan

January 29, 2012

A STREET CLEANER’S REMARK

        A street cleaner’s remark made me reflect on the need for evangelizers.

         

      One day as I saw a street cleaner sweeping the road I made an observation: “Everyday there is always some dirt for you to clean.”  Then he remarked: “Well, if there is no more dirt there would be no more need of street cleaners.”

    

      The truth of this remark made me ponder on the mystery of evangelization.  Indeed, if this world were a perfect world where everyone is good and there would be no evil deeds, then there would have been no need for the Lord Jesus Christ to have come for the work of Redemption.  There would be no need for a Church to do the task of evangelization.

    

    The reality, however, is that there is so much evil in this world.  Men, abusing the gift of freedom are doing things that separate them from the love of God, focusing on their selfish interests instead of responding to God’s love by living according of God’s Holy Will.  Hence, the need for evangelizers to sow the good seeds of love and overcome the bad seeds of evil.

     That there is evil in this world created by God is, indeed, a mystery – a reality beyond human understanding.  Hence, the need for God Himself to redeem mankind from this sinful evil in this world – the reason for the Son of God, JESUS CHRIST, to become Man in order to break the cycle of evil and enable men to be reconciled with God thru the grace of Redemption.

      While JESUS initiated and continuous to provide through the Holy Spirit the graces necessary to enlighten and empower men to be redeemed, He, however, has instituted a Church , a community of believers, to carry out throughout the whole world the task of spreading the Good News, which is called “EVANGELIZATION”. 

      Hence, the need for EVANGELIZERS – people dedicated to the task of overcoming evil in this world through the Gospel of LOVE.

By: Buddy Cagurangan

January 22, 2012

HEAVEN IS SERVING GOD NOW

        “HEAVEN IS SERVING GOD NOW.”  This is my present concept of HEAVEN.

            

     The Catechism for Filipino Catholics (CFC) (No. 2102) says: “Heaven means the state of “being with the Lord” (cf. 1 Thes 4:17), enjoying the “depths of God,” the Father, the Risen Christ, our Savior, in their Holy Spirit, in the presence of the whole Church in glory.  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.  “Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor has it so much as dawned on man what God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Cor 2:9).

        

        When I asked myself, however, the question: “What is it that would really fill my heart with the greatest joy?” my simple answer is: “TO SERVE GOD”.   This is premised on the following convictions:

1.   God is the Supreme Being in this world.

2.  God is the ‘Alpha and Omega’, the beginning and the end of everything  in this world.

3.  God is the Creator of the Universe, and everything depends on His creative power for its existence.

4.  God is LOVE  and He created the world, men in particular, to share His love and infinite happiness.

5.  God is the Source of all true joy.

6.  Serving God  is the best way for me to manifest my heartfelt gratitude for all the blessings He has bestowed on me and for all the other blessings He will bestow on me.

7. Right NOW, God is giving me an opportunity to SERVE HIM, by simply doing whatever I am expected to do in the particular circumstances of my life.

Hence, for me HEAVEN is simply SERVING GOD NOW, by doing everything

that I have to do in the best way I can according to His Holy Will.

By: Buddy Cagurangan

January 15, 2012

FOCUS ON THE WILL OF GOD

          “FOCUS ON THE WILL OF GOD.”  These are the words that came to my mind in answer to my longing for something that would simplify my life as I go about doing things, big or small, significant or insignificant, challenging or routine.

      The words of our Lord Jesus Christ then also flashed in my mind as I further pondered on the veracity or truthfulness of the said answer: “Whoever does the will of God is brother and sister and mother to me.”  (Mark 3:35)

         Life on earth is, indeed, a series of activities.  Day in and day out I do a lot of things, some planned, others unplanned.  Knowing why I should do each activity is important, for without an appreciation of the purpose I would be just like a robot doing things not knowing why I do them.  I realize then that ‘focusing on the Will of God’ is a simple way of making every act in  my life significant.

    This, however, requires an Act of Faith arising from the following convictions:

1.    That God is the Supreme Being who created everything in this world, and that without Him nothing can exist.

2.   That God is all- knowing and all-powerful, so that for Him nothing is impossible.

3.  That God is the ‘Alpha and Omega’, the Beginning and the End of everything in this world.

4. That God created the world out of love, so He can share His everlasting happiness to all those who would love Him in return.

5.    That Jesus Christ is God’s Son Who became Man to redeem men from sin and enable them to be reconciled with God.

With these convictions I base the rationale of focusing on the Will of God as a simple way of unifying all my actions towards a grateful response to the love of God for me.  When in all sincerity I do everything in accordance with the Will of God, I believe this is what pleases God, and this is my humble response to God’s love for me.

        In the past few days I have tried to be more conscious of focusing on the Will of God.  So, every now and then I ask myself: “Is this what God wants me to do?”  When I realize and accept that it is what God wants me to do, I then  try to do it in the best way I can to please Him.  This simplifies my life.


By: Buddy Cagurangan
Jan. 9, 2012

GIVE IT TO JESUS

               “GIVE IT TO JESUS.”  These were the words that came to my mind when a little boy extended his hand to me and begged for some money.  I then opened my wallet and gave a coin.  A further reflection on the said words brought to my mind the words of Jesus to those gathered on his right at the last judgment: “Truly I say to you: whenever you did this to one of the least, to my brothers, you did it to me.”  (Matt. 25: 40) These words of our Lord Jesus Christ is to me  the great challenge of Christianity.

The Great Challenge is, I believe, THREEFOLD. A challenge to my mind, to my heart, and to my hand.

1.    It challenges my mind because it demands a conviction that, indeed, every human being I meet is Christ’s representative.   Somehow I need to see in every person the face of Christ.  This requires from me a great act of Faith,  especially with those who cause some difficulties and sorrows in life, the so-called ‘unlovable’.

2.    It challenges my  heart for it demands a willingness to serve the needs of others.  In other words, it requires from me an unselfish generosity  in giving anything to anyone in need.

3.    It challenges my hand to be open and ready to act and do whatever is directed by my mind and heart.  A wholehearted decision should be put into action.

            The words “Give it to Jesus” made me recall also what is stated in the National Catechetical Directory of the Philippines (NCDP): “The heart of catechesis is not a doctrine, or a moral principle, or an act of worship, but a Person, the Person of Jesus of Nazareth”. (CT5)  This means, therefore, trying to see the “Face of Jesus” in every person I meet and serve him in whatever way I can.  How can this be done?

 How really could I render service?  The repeated 3 Ts – of Time, Talent, and Treasure, came to my mind.  Yes, I could serve someone by sharing my time – by simply making him aware of my love thru my presence.  I could serve by sharing my talent – doing whatever I could do within my competence.  I could serve by sharing my treasure – offering whatever I could give from whatever I have.

To be able to meet this great Challenge of Christianity I must humbly

 acknowledge my dependence on God’s grace.  I must admit that without the   grace of God I simply cannot meet the demands of those three challenges. 

By: Buddy Cagurangan 

January 1, 2012