I have been planning to go to confession in a while. I thought it would be nice to go for a clean start on Ash Wednesday. I went to the church near where I used to teach since I know they hear confession at different times.
When I got to church, the Eucharist was expsosed for benediction and adoration. I thought that would be a nice way to prepare for confession. After half an hour, I recognized a lady two pews in front of me as a former colleague in the nautical school. I don't want to disturb her as she has been reading a prayer book. After a while, she walked to the picture of Our Lady of Perpetual Help near the altar. As she walked back to leave, I waved at her and she recognized me. I wanted to catch up on our other colleagues though I thought it inappropriate to talk in church. She told me she will just check someone at the back of the church and will be right back. I noticed more people standing in line at the confessional.
I thought I should remain seated and wait until the people are done. She went back to me with another colleague, a new face. Obviously, he didn't recognize me as he joined the school a few years after I have left.
It has been 12 years since I was with the school. I asked my friend to go out so we can talk. We sat by the concrete planters as we talked about our other colleagues. I realized we had so much to talk about. I felt sad that some of my colleagues had passed away. There were a few who are still there but most of them have moved on for better opportunities.
We had a nice time sharing our lives. I checked on the time as I feel that there will be a mass to start soon. And right on, it has just started when we came in. I saw the confessional lights still on. After a few minutes it was out.
As we stepped out of the church and bid our goodbye, I gave her my card. I was not able to confess as planned. However, deep inside I feel that somehow she felt better seeing me and sharing her deep longings. In her 50s she has not married.
Friends lift us up when we are down. There are times when unexpectedly we bump into them. Or could it be God telling us something?
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Monday, February 19, 2007
For a few coins
As I stopped for the red light on my way to church early Sunday morning, I was struck by this young man maybe 17 or 18 and no more than 20 wiping the windshields of cars in front of me. I know this is a familiar scene during rainy season when boys or young men carrying buckets of water would wash your windshield and ask for a few coins.
I don't usually let them wash my windshield since I don't think it is right for them to be doing that in the middle of the street during a stop. It endangers their lives and often when the light turns green, they would hurriedly run to the sidewalk.
However, it was a beautiful sunny morning about a few minutes after six. He was not able to get near my car as the light turned green though I was thinking that if he did, I would let him and give him a few of my spare coins.
I don't know why I changed my views. Probably it was unusual for a teenage boy to be up that early just to earn some money. It seems to me that there is something special about this teen doing that when most people are still in bed. Could it be that he needed money for school and that Sunday being off is the only time he could do something for some spare change?
Also, most boys who do that during the rainy season are in pairs or groups unlike this young man who's alone in an intersection where one would not likely see them.
As he walked away to the sidewalk, I said to myself that I will offer prayers for his intentions. Perspectives change. Sometimes, there's just that voice within you that tells you to do something good for others even if it is just by way of prayers. I just finished the Chaplet of Mercy for him. God certainly knows his intentions.
I don't usually let them wash my windshield since I don't think it is right for them to be doing that in the middle of the street during a stop. It endangers their lives and often when the light turns green, they would hurriedly run to the sidewalk.
However, it was a beautiful sunny morning about a few minutes after six. He was not able to get near my car as the light turned green though I was thinking that if he did, I would let him and give him a few of my spare coins.
I don't know why I changed my views. Probably it was unusual for a teenage boy to be up that early just to earn some money. It seems to me that there is something special about this teen doing that when most people are still in bed. Could it be that he needed money for school and that Sunday being off is the only time he could do something for some spare change?
Also, most boys who do that during the rainy season are in pairs or groups unlike this young man who's alone in an intersection where one would not likely see them.
As he walked away to the sidewalk, I said to myself that I will offer prayers for his intentions. Perspectives change. Sometimes, there's just that voice within you that tells you to do something good for others even if it is just by way of prayers. I just finished the Chaplet of Mercy for him. God certainly knows his intentions.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Valentine
Love is in the air. Wherever you go people are excited about Valentine's day except probably those who are single as it is often considered a day for lovers. Flower shops and restaurants are probably making huge money with most couples taking time off to be with each other. I don't think we need to wait for this once in a year occasion. Everyday should be an opportunity for us to show our love. Love is not
only about couples but for everyone who has a heart. It's not also just about flowers, chocolates and expensive gifts.
If only we could be filled with love everyday for others, I am sure there would be less conflict, strife and suffering. There is no need for anything spectacular. All we need is to show that we really care. Simple gestures that will make people around us special and cared for. Would you take up the challenge?
only about couples but for everyone who has a heart. It's not also just about flowers, chocolates and expensive gifts.
If only we could be filled with love everyday for others, I am sure there would be less conflict, strife and suffering. There is no need for anything spectacular. All we need is to show that we really care. Simple gestures that will make people around us special and cared for. Would you take up the challenge?
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Motivations
Our actions and words are determined to a large extent by our motivations. In our everyday lives, some things become routine that we don't get to wonder about why we are doing those things. If we are to make the most of our lives, we should learn to set our priorities in order. Are we spending our energy on those that really count? Or are the less important ones taking up much of our time?
Some people are quick to question other people's motivations when we need not look further than ourselves. Are you where you wanted to be? Obviously, taking the time to plan our daily activities that should make us closer to our goals would be useful.
Start now. What do you seek to accomplish in the next few hours, days, weeks or months. Then work on the ones that mean more to you. You will be surprised by the progress you have accomplished instead of worrying about what other people's agenda are.
Some people are quick to question other people's motivations when we need not look further than ourselves. Are you where you wanted to be? Obviously, taking the time to plan our daily activities that should make us closer to our goals would be useful.
Start now. What do you seek to accomplish in the next few hours, days, weeks or months. Then work on the ones that mean more to you. You will be surprised by the progress you have accomplished instead of worrying about what other people's agenda are.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Humility
Humility is getting to be a lost virtue. In a world of materialism, people who have more are better regarded than those without. So, people flaunt whatever they have: money, possessions, talent and skills. What we lack in one thing could easily be made up for by having money and possessions. The rich seem to dictate what is happening in our society as people look up to them. The ones with talents or skills also get their share of the limelight.
Not that these are bad in itself. But when we start behaving like little gods and treating people like they are inferior, whatever blessings that we have become our downfall. People with a lot of money and possessions outdo each other. Or in some cases look on people like they are things that can be bought.
The ones who know more or skillful in certain aspects become obsessed about being the best. They are threatened when there are new and upcoming people that could kick them off their thrones. Some begin to think that they are self-sufficient and won't hear a word from those below.
If we are one of the above, let us pause for a while and think that everything is a gift from God. These are all to be used for His purpose. Only when we have this in mind can we truly give the glory to God. It is difficult not to feel confident when we are successful and on top of the world. Let us strive to put God before ourselves in everything. By becoming man, Jesus has claimed the victory for us. It's our turn now to die to ourselves. How?
DYING TO SELF (Source Unknown)
When you are forgotten, or neglected, or purposely set at naught, and you don't sting and hurt with the insult or the oversight, but your heart is happy, being counted worthy to suffer for Christ.
THAT IS DYING TO SELF
When your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed, your advice disregarded, your opinions ridiculed, and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart, or even defend yourself, but take in all in patient, loving silence.
THAT IS DYING TO SELF
When you lovingly and patiently bear any disorder, any irregularity, any impunctuality, or any annoyance; when you stand face-to- face with waste, folly, extravagance, spiritual insensibility-and endure it as Jesus endured.
THAT IS DYING TO SELF
When you are content with any food, any offering, any climate, any society, any raiment, any interruption by the will of God.
THAT IS DYING TO SELF
When you never care to refer to yourself in conversation, or to record your own good works, or itch after commendations, when you can truly love to be unknown.
THAT IS DYING TO SELF
When you can see your brother prosper and have his needs met and can honestly rejoice with him in spirit and feel no envy, nor question God, while your own needs are far greater and in desperate circumstances.
THAT IS DYING TO SELF
When you can receive correction and reproof from one of less stature than yourself and can humbly submit inwardly as well as outwardly, finding no rebellion or resentment rising up within your heart.
THAT IS DYING TO SELF
Are you dead yet?
Not that these are bad in itself. But when we start behaving like little gods and treating people like they are inferior, whatever blessings that we have become our downfall. People with a lot of money and possessions outdo each other. Or in some cases look on people like they are things that can be bought.
The ones who know more or skillful in certain aspects become obsessed about being the best. They are threatened when there are new and upcoming people that could kick them off their thrones. Some begin to think that they are self-sufficient and won't hear a word from those below.
If we are one of the above, let us pause for a while and think that everything is a gift from God. These are all to be used for His purpose. Only when we have this in mind can we truly give the glory to God. It is difficult not to feel confident when we are successful and on top of the world. Let us strive to put God before ourselves in everything. By becoming man, Jesus has claimed the victory for us. It's our turn now to die to ourselves. How?
DYING TO SELF (Source Unknown)
When you are forgotten, or neglected, or purposely set at naught, and you don't sting and hurt with the insult or the oversight, but your heart is happy, being counted worthy to suffer for Christ.
THAT IS DYING TO SELF
When your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed, your advice disregarded, your opinions ridiculed, and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart, or even defend yourself, but take in all in patient, loving silence.
THAT IS DYING TO SELF
When you lovingly and patiently bear any disorder, any irregularity, any impunctuality, or any annoyance; when you stand face-to- face with waste, folly, extravagance, spiritual insensibility-and endure it as Jesus endured.
THAT IS DYING TO SELF
When you are content with any food, any offering, any climate, any society, any raiment, any interruption by the will of God.
THAT IS DYING TO SELF
When you never care to refer to yourself in conversation, or to record your own good works, or itch after commendations, when you can truly love to be unknown.
THAT IS DYING TO SELF
When you can see your brother prosper and have his needs met and can honestly rejoice with him in spirit and feel no envy, nor question God, while your own needs are far greater and in desperate circumstances.
THAT IS DYING TO SELF
When you can receive correction and reproof from one of less stature than yourself and can humbly submit inwardly as well as outwardly, finding no rebellion or resentment rising up within your heart.
THAT IS DYING TO SELF
Are you dead yet?
Friday, February 9, 2007
Life
The death of Anna Nicole Smith at age 39 came as a surprise to everybody. I guess it reminds us once again of tomorrow's uncertainty. In 1994, she married the 89-year old J. Howard Marshall II, owner of Great Northern Oil Co. In 1995, Marshall died at age 90. This set off a feud between Smith and her stepson E. Pierce Marshall, whether she has a right to his estate.
This is tragic as money is of no use in eternity. Her stepson died in June 20 at age 67. Now she has passed away. She was awarded $474M by a federal court in California but was later overturned. In May, the US Supreme Court revived her case.
It is important that we have the right priorities in life. One just never know when it is the end. We cannot bring anything from this world. Relationships should come first before anything. I wonder if they just came up with a reasonable settlement.
This is tragic as money is of no use in eternity. Her stepson died in June 20 at age 67. Now she has passed away. She was awarded $474M by a federal court in California but was later overturned. In May, the US Supreme Court revived her case.
It is important that we have the right priorities in life. One just never know when it is the end. We cannot bring anything from this world. Relationships should come first before anything. I wonder if they just came up with a reasonable settlement.
Thursday, February 8, 2007
Like Deers
I got an unexpected call today from my sister. She needed help immediately because her car's stuck in the highway with an engine trouble. So I had to find a mechanic and drove there as quickly as I can hoping it was nothing really serious.
When I got to her, her husband was already there and they had managed to pull over a narrow passageway. Life brings unexpected turns. I have made other plans for the day. However, it wouldn't be right to let her deal with this problem by herself.
Did you know that when deers need to cross a river, each one of them carries on its back the head of the one behind while it rests its head on the back of the one in front? In this way, they are able to safely cross wide rivers until they get to the other side.
This came to my mind as the three of us drove our cars one before the other to bring my sister's car to the shop. The day didn't go as planned but I still managed to do the things I needed to do.
When I got to her, her husband was already there and they had managed to pull over a narrow passageway. Life brings unexpected turns. I have made other plans for the day. However, it wouldn't be right to let her deal with this problem by herself.
Did you know that when deers need to cross a river, each one of them carries on its back the head of the one behind while it rests its head on the back of the one in front? In this way, they are able to safely cross wide rivers until they get to the other side.
This came to my mind as the three of us drove our cars one before the other to bring my sister's car to the shop. The day didn't go as planned but I still managed to do the things I needed to do.
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
On Penance
In two weeks, we will start Lent. Catholics are to abstain from meat every Friday and observe fasting during Lent. These are little sacrifices compared to the punishments we deserve for our sins and the suffering Jesus went through for us.
God is merciful and He forgives our sins every time we come to Him in the sacrament of reconciliation. However, let us not forget that sins have consequences both here on earth and in eternity. Just as an apology is necessary, we are also to make amends for whatever we have done.
Have you ever thought about the penances your confessor impose on you? A few "Our Fathers", "Hail Marys" or maybe a rosary. Do you honestly believe these are sufficient? In purgatory, we get to spend time for these sins. Would you not think about starting right now when there are opportunities that will even help you to totally conquer these sins?
Let us learn from St. John Marie Vianney:
Choose those which suit your case best. If you have the misfortune to be someone who gives scandal, you should make yourself so watchful of your behaviour that your neighbour will not be able to see anything in your life which would give him anything but good example; you should show by your conduct that your life is truly Christian. If you are one of those unhappy people who sin against the holy virtue of purity, you should mortify that sinful body with fasting, giving it only what it needs to sustain life and to fulfil its functions, from time to time making it sleep upon bare boards. If you are one of those who has to have something to eat which will gratify your gluttony, you should refuse this to your body and despise it as much as you previously loved it. When your body wants to cost you your soul, you must punish it. Your heart, which must often have thought of impure things, has carried your thoughts into Hell, which is the place reserved for the unchaste.
If you are attached to the things of this earth, you should give alms sufficient to enable you to punish your avarice by depriving yourself of all that is not absolutely necessary for life.
If we have been negligent in the service of God, let us impose upon ourselves the penance of assisting at all the exercises of piety which are going on in our parish. I would advise Mass, Vespers, catechism, prayers, the Rosary, so that God, seeing our eagerness, may be good enough to pardon us all our negligences. If we have spare time between the services, let us do some spiritual reading, which will nourish our souls -- above all, some reading of the lives of the saints wherein we may see how they behaved in order to sanctify themselves. That will encourage us. Let us make some short visit to the Blessed Sacrament during the week to ask God to pardon the sins we have committed. If we feel ourselves guilty of some fault, let us go and get rid of it so that our prayers and all our good works may be pleasing to God and more advantageous to our souls. Have we the habit of swearing or of flying into rages? Let us go down on our knees to say again this holy prayer: "My God, may your holy name be blessed for ever and ever! My God, purify my heart, purify my lips so that they may never pronounce words which would outrage you and separate me from you!"
Any time that you fall into this sin, you should immediately either make an act of contrition or give away something to the poor. Have you been working on Sunday? Have you been buying or selling without necessity in the course of this holy day?
Give to the poor some alms which will exceed the profit you have made. Have you been eating or drinking to excess? In all your meals you should deprive yourself of something.
You can think about other ways to impose on yourself hoping that you be better persons after Lent. Or you might as well continue with your self-imposed penance until you see Christ in you while still here on earth.
God is merciful and He forgives our sins every time we come to Him in the sacrament of reconciliation. However, let us not forget that sins have consequences both here on earth and in eternity. Just as an apology is necessary, we are also to make amends for whatever we have done.
Have you ever thought about the penances your confessor impose on you? A few "Our Fathers", "Hail Marys" or maybe a rosary. Do you honestly believe these are sufficient? In purgatory, we get to spend time for these sins. Would you not think about starting right now when there are opportunities that will even help you to totally conquer these sins?
Let us learn from St. John Marie Vianney:
Choose those which suit your case best. If you have the misfortune to be someone who gives scandal, you should make yourself so watchful of your behaviour that your neighbour will not be able to see anything in your life which would give him anything but good example; you should show by your conduct that your life is truly Christian. If you are one of those unhappy people who sin against the holy virtue of purity, you should mortify that sinful body with fasting, giving it only what it needs to sustain life and to fulfil its functions, from time to time making it sleep upon bare boards. If you are one of those who has to have something to eat which will gratify your gluttony, you should refuse this to your body and despise it as much as you previously loved it. When your body wants to cost you your soul, you must punish it. Your heart, which must often have thought of impure things, has carried your thoughts into Hell, which is the place reserved for the unchaste.
If you are attached to the things of this earth, you should give alms sufficient to enable you to punish your avarice by depriving yourself of all that is not absolutely necessary for life.
If we have been negligent in the service of God, let us impose upon ourselves the penance of assisting at all the exercises of piety which are going on in our parish. I would advise Mass, Vespers, catechism, prayers, the Rosary, so that God, seeing our eagerness, may be good enough to pardon us all our negligences. If we have spare time between the services, let us do some spiritual reading, which will nourish our souls -- above all, some reading of the lives of the saints wherein we may see how they behaved in order to sanctify themselves. That will encourage us. Let us make some short visit to the Blessed Sacrament during the week to ask God to pardon the sins we have committed. If we feel ourselves guilty of some fault, let us go and get rid of it so that our prayers and all our good works may be pleasing to God and more advantageous to our souls. Have we the habit of swearing or of flying into rages? Let us go down on our knees to say again this holy prayer: "My God, may your holy name be blessed for ever and ever! My God, purify my heart, purify my lips so that they may never pronounce words which would outrage you and separate me from you!"
Any time that you fall into this sin, you should immediately either make an act of contrition or give away something to the poor. Have you been working on Sunday? Have you been buying or selling without necessity in the course of this holy day?
Give to the poor some alms which will exceed the profit you have made. Have you been eating or drinking to excess? In all your meals you should deprive yourself of something.
You can think about other ways to impose on yourself hoping that you be better persons after Lent. Or you might as well continue with your self-imposed penance until you see Christ in you while still here on earth.
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Get a Life
What constitutes a life? Often, we hear people say, "get a life". A life, huh? I am alive and breathing. What life are you talking about?
To me, everyday seems the same routine since I've lost my job. When I was still working, I should be up not later than 5 AM to get to the office on time. Now I am still up the same time and often earlier. This time not to go to the office but to surf the internet for anything that catches my interest. I am that type of person who makes every minute count. I see to it that I use my time for things that are useful.
Maybe I should get a life because I don't go out except during Sundays for church and in some days when there are bills to be paid. Friends wonder if I don't get bored alone in the house. Why would I? There are a lot of things to do when one is at home. In fact, days before I already know what to do next with my time.
And if you must be wondering, my day still ends at 10 PM. Nothing has really changed. I may not be working and have all the freedom to do with my time. However, life to me is doing what you want. Enjoying every minute as a gift to nurture our potentials.
Time is money. We lose if we don't use it properly. You don't just throw away a dime or a dollar. Every second or minute you waste is valuable. At the end of the day, if you could account where you have used your time, then you have a life.
To me, everyday seems the same routine since I've lost my job. When I was still working, I should be up not later than 5 AM to get to the office on time. Now I am still up the same time and often earlier. This time not to go to the office but to surf the internet for anything that catches my interest. I am that type of person who makes every minute count. I see to it that I use my time for things that are useful.
Maybe I should get a life because I don't go out except during Sundays for church and in some days when there are bills to be paid. Friends wonder if I don't get bored alone in the house. Why would I? There are a lot of things to do when one is at home. In fact, days before I already know what to do next with my time.
And if you must be wondering, my day still ends at 10 PM. Nothing has really changed. I may not be working and have all the freedom to do with my time. However, life to me is doing what you want. Enjoying every minute as a gift to nurture our potentials.
Time is money. We lose if we don't use it properly. You don't just throw away a dime or a dollar. Every second or minute you waste is valuable. At the end of the day, if you could account where you have used your time, then you have a life.
Monday, February 5, 2007
Testing the Waters
Finally, I have created my own blog. I never thought that I would take writing seriously. Engineers are known to be poor writers at least about just everything except technical writing. Anyway, it started with posting on message boards until people began to notice my posts. I was flattered when a lady who reads my posts regularly told me that if I would write a column, many would be inspired and encouraged as my posts are usually thought-provoking and inspirational. Well, let's see. I am totally clueless on blogging. Hopefully, I'll get to improve this in the coming days.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)