INSPIRATIONS FROM A DISABLED PERSON

JOSEPH MARIE B. CAGURANGAN, fondly called JOJO, is a disabled person whose earthly journey here ended last Feb. 3, 2010 Three years ago, at the age of 37 he delivered a speech during the celebration of National Disability Prevention Week in Tuguegarao City. The speech was so inspiring that when his father, Cornelio, read it after his funeral Mass, many of us were in tears. Hence, I deem it worthwhile to share it with the public at large.

“I am very happy that our government is celebrating this National Disability Prevention Week and I am also equally happy that I, as a disabled person, have been invited to speak to you.

The theme of the celebration is “Disability Prevention”. However, I am not in a position to talk to you about disability prevention because I am an accountant by profession.

But I am here to share with you my experiences, my life as a disabled person. How I was able to survive for the past 37 years. How one lives with disability. I believe this is more important to talk about because disability is a done deal and living with disability is another deal.

When I was two or three years old, my father referred me to a specialist at the UST Hospital to diagnose my disability for possible cure. The medical term of my disability is MORQUIOS but my father did not allow any operation because I was given a 50/50 chance of survival. And the doctor said that without operation I could live up to 35 years.

So, here am I, still alive and kicking and I am already 37 years old, two years bonus from God and or which I am deeply grateful.

MY life span as a disabled person could be attributed to the following factors:
The first factor, is the care and concern of my parents, most especially our mother who died about two years ago. Without the love, care and concern of my mother, I would not be here with you now.

The second factor, is my education. I had a comparatively good education from elementary to college. I finished my BS Accountancy at St. Paul University in Tuguegarao. I took the CPA exams but unfortunately I was not able to make it.

The third factor, is my cordial relationship with my family, relatives, friends and other people that I meet. My being a friendly person.

The fourth factor, is my mental attitude and firm determination to go on living and working despite my physical disability and weakness. My sincere thanks and deep gratitude to Dr. Albert de Leon for having employed me as bookkeeper of their hospital for the past nine or ten years up to the present. Maraming salamat Doc.

The fifth factor, is my great trust in the love and care of Almighty God, the source and giver of everything. He gave me this life and I am sure he will sustain me till death. Lord, thy will be done.

These are the factors that have sustained my life up to this time. These are the factors that helped me to think, act, work and talk like any normal person.

I share these thoughts with you especially the disabled people like me so that you will not get desperate in life. Life is a wonderful gift of God. We should treasure and live it. Disability should not be a hindrance to success. On the contrary, disability should be the key or the striking force to attain our goals in life, especially to be with God forever after our earthly life.

Remember, life is temporary. Everything and all our sufferings will come to an end. What counts most is how we live with our fellowmen and to be with God forever.”

May these words of JOJO inspire us to live our life in whatever situation we may be, ever conscious that our destiny is to “be with God, our Father, forever”.

By: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
February 7, 2010

FORGIVENESS

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO FORGIVE?

This is a question that has been going round and around in my mind for quite some time now. While some say that to forgive is to forget I simply cannot agree “en toto” to this statement, for I believe that forgiveness to be total goes through a process. First, to pray for self to be able to give forgiveness and also to pray for the person who has wronged me so that he will also be blessed to acknowledge his wrongdoing. Then, by God’s grace if the wrong done has been repaired then reconciliation follows and forgiveness is experienced.

During my quiet time I asked the Lord to enlighten me on this matter. The answer I got was the example of St. Peter.

We read in Matthew 27: 69-75 that Peter denied our Lord Jesus Christ three times. First to a servant girl, second to another servant girl, and third to some bystanders. When Peter, however, remembered what Jesus said to him: “Before a cock crows you will deny Me three times”, he wept bitterly.

It is also narrated in John 21:15-17 that when Our Lord Jesus Christ appeared to the apostles after His resurrection at a seashore, He asked Peter three times “Do you love Me”. Peter then professed his love to the Lord also three times.

This example of St. Peter tells me that to forgive means to give someone the opportunity to admit the wrong he has done and ask for forgiveness. When this is done then the wrong done can be forgiven and a reconciliation can follow suit.

In the Sacrament of Reconciliation this is what actually takes place. The penitent admits the sins he has committed, feels sorry for them and asks to be forgiven. Only then can the priest give the absolution.

Another example was the ‘good’ thief who was crucified together with our Lord Jesus Christ. Luke in 24:41-43 narrates that this thief admitted the wrong he has done and then asked the Lord for pardon when he said: “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom”. And Jesus said to him: “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.”

A prerequisite, therefore, for forgiveness is an Act of Contrition. One has to humbly acknowledge the wrong he has done and ask for pardon. Only then can forgiveness be given and reconciliation can take place.

With this enlightenment I now realize that when one wants to forgive he should pray for the one who hurt him that he be given an opportunity to admit his mistake and the grace to ask for pardon.

I also realize the wisdom of lifting up to the Lord Jesus whatever hurts one may have following His admonition in Matthew 12:28: “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest”.

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
January 31, 2010

BLOOM WHERE PLANTED

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

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

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

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

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

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

EMMANUEL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan

January 17, 2010

AN AUDIENCE WITH GOD

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

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

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

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

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

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

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan

January 11, 2010

MARY, OUR MODEL OF FAITH

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan

January 1, 2010

THE MYSTERY OF CHRISTMAS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan

Dec. 18, 2009

MARTIAL LAW IN MAGUINDANAO

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EVOLUTION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by: Salvador 'Buddy' Cagurangan
December 6, 2009

The Greatest Story Ever Told

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Salvador "Buddy" Cagurangan

Date: Nov. 29, 2009