Today we celebrate the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Catholics have a special place in their hearts for Mary. As we profess our belief in the Apostle's Creed in the resurrection of the body, we should seek to find the significance in our everyday lives of today's celebration as the body and soul of the mother of our Lord was taken up to heaven.
Most people live with a myopic view of their lives like we are meant only for this world. If we set our eyes farther, maybe we will understand the higher calling for each one of us. We probably would make wiser choices and care more for ourselves and the people around us. Our earthly lives will be more a preparation of what is yet to come in the kingdom of our father.
The true meaning and purpose of our life in the light of the Assumption of our Lady was beautifully explained in the pastoral letter of the Archbishop of Malta and Bishop of Gozo. Check out this link.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
It's About Me...
Lately, there has been growing awareness of the pervading "me-first" and "what feels good to me" culture in our society. As we have observed, times have changed radically from the way parents raised their children to how young people behave.
Maybe the ills in our society had finally knocked sense to most of us that we recognized the need to reverse or stem the tide of insensitivity. Some months ago, I shared with my siblings a story that struck a responsive chord in me. It brought up the message grown-ups send to children in everyday behaviors that we often think of lightly.
A man shared about his experience in a zoo where a family was looking at an animal I can no longer remember. The children, in their curiosity and awe have been taking long in enjoying the sight. After a while, the father, told the kids it's time to go. Wanting to enjoy the experience more, the children protested. To which the father replied, "No, there are other people behind us waiting to take a closer look and get near the animal."
The father's response was impressive and admirable. In today's age, most parents would likely let their children stay as long as they wanted regardless if there's already a crowd behind. Anyway, "we paid our entrance fee" so let the others wait.
This was also a common sight in public telephone booths in the past when one would leisurely talk on the phone, unmindful if there are people waiting to make important calls. Thank God for mobile phones that one need not put up with such insensitivities anymore.
After my brother passed away in 1998, we were sharing stories in the family about how he probably had the feeling that he was leaving. My grandmother recalled how my brother, despite feeling sick, though at that time he had not yet gone to the doctor not suspecting something serious, told her that he was going to the Land Transportation Office to register the family car after he had it all checked and tuned-up for anybody to use. In retrospect, my grandmother thought it was a premonition as he could have said that he's taking charge of everything about the car so that there would be no problem when he used it himself. Instead, he said for anybody to use it.
A little over a month after, he passed away, a few days after the surgery to extract the tumor in his brain. He did not have many chances to use the car himself as his symptoms manifested more often after he spoke those words.
Premonition or not, it showed more of his generous character. It's like planting a tree knowing that he would not benefit from its shade or fruits. It makes me more proud of my brother. How our parents have brought us up to think of others first before ourselves.
I came across an article that has very interesting points that are well worth considering. Check out this link.
Maybe the ills in our society had finally knocked sense to most of us that we recognized the need to reverse or stem the tide of insensitivity. Some months ago, I shared with my siblings a story that struck a responsive chord in me. It brought up the message grown-ups send to children in everyday behaviors that we often think of lightly.
A man shared about his experience in a zoo where a family was looking at an animal I can no longer remember. The children, in their curiosity and awe have been taking long in enjoying the sight. After a while, the father, told the kids it's time to go. Wanting to enjoy the experience more, the children protested. To which the father replied, "No, there are other people behind us waiting to take a closer look and get near the animal."
The father's response was impressive and admirable. In today's age, most parents would likely let their children stay as long as they wanted regardless if there's already a crowd behind. Anyway, "we paid our entrance fee" so let the others wait.
This was also a common sight in public telephone booths in the past when one would leisurely talk on the phone, unmindful if there are people waiting to make important calls. Thank God for mobile phones that one need not put up with such insensitivities anymore.
After my brother passed away in 1998, we were sharing stories in the family about how he probably had the feeling that he was leaving. My grandmother recalled how my brother, despite feeling sick, though at that time he had not yet gone to the doctor not suspecting something serious, told her that he was going to the Land Transportation Office to register the family car after he had it all checked and tuned-up for anybody to use. In retrospect, my grandmother thought it was a premonition as he could have said that he's taking charge of everything about the car so that there would be no problem when he used it himself. Instead, he said for anybody to use it.
A little over a month after, he passed away, a few days after the surgery to extract the tumor in his brain. He did not have many chances to use the car himself as his symptoms manifested more often after he spoke those words.
Premonition or not, it showed more of his generous character. It's like planting a tree knowing that he would not benefit from its shade or fruits. It makes me more proud of my brother. How our parents have brought us up to think of others first before ourselves.
I came across an article that has very interesting points that are well worth considering. Check out this link.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Of dirty dishes, pots and pans
There are lots of things keeping me busy lately that I have not posted in a while.
I should say I am now in Martha's shoes (Mary and Martha) since beginning August some family members are home for a vacation. After quite a time of living alone and getting used to silence, things are quite different when there are people and friends dropping by the house to visit family members who have been working overseas.
It wasn't a choice to be Martha. Maybe even with Martha herself. Sometimes, opportunities present themselves that one has to rise up to the occasion. Who else could be, when I am the hostess and lady of the house?
In a way, I realized being Mary for long gave me the strength to keep up with busier days. When household chores were getting the better part of me, I was able to keep cool thinking that everything will come to pass. After all, it's not the orderly house nor the special dish I should cook that will matter but the time that we get to share with one another once again. When friends and family come and visit, are they more concerned about the house than the people in the house? If I go and visit my friends and family, wouldn't it be the people that I will be looking for instead of the food they will offer me?
It's so much convenient to call a number and have food delivered to the house. That is the good news about technology. With the press of a number, you'll have the things you need without leaving the house. And no more need for elaborate preparations.
However, there will always be clutter with people around. I wonder how we have accumulated so much trash. In spite of that, I let the dirty dishes pile up and the used cups and glasses stand still. These things can wait when everyone has left. When it's time to clean up, the laughter that has died down continue to linger in my ears as I get to cherish more the time we shared with one another.
The house is still a mess as boxes and packages are slowly cleared away. Just like the days passing by so quickly that it won't be long that I am alone in the house once again. Late-nights sleep, more cooking and dishes to wash after all are not so much trouble knowing that when you wake up the next day, the people you hold dear to your hearts are just close by.
What could be better than seize the day and make memories that can be cherished a long time after the plates and cups have been put away in the cupboards.
I was Martha but maybe just in part.
I should say I am now in Martha's shoes (Mary and Martha) since beginning August some family members are home for a vacation. After quite a time of living alone and getting used to silence, things are quite different when there are people and friends dropping by the house to visit family members who have been working overseas.
It wasn't a choice to be Martha. Maybe even with Martha herself. Sometimes, opportunities present themselves that one has to rise up to the occasion. Who else could be, when I am the hostess and lady of the house?
In a way, I realized being Mary for long gave me the strength to keep up with busier days. When household chores were getting the better part of me, I was able to keep cool thinking that everything will come to pass. After all, it's not the orderly house nor the special dish I should cook that will matter but the time that we get to share with one another once again. When friends and family come and visit, are they more concerned about the house than the people in the house? If I go and visit my friends and family, wouldn't it be the people that I will be looking for instead of the food they will offer me?
It's so much convenient to call a number and have food delivered to the house. That is the good news about technology. With the press of a number, you'll have the things you need without leaving the house. And no more need for elaborate preparations.
However, there will always be clutter with people around. I wonder how we have accumulated so much trash. In spite of that, I let the dirty dishes pile up and the used cups and glasses stand still. These things can wait when everyone has left. When it's time to clean up, the laughter that has died down continue to linger in my ears as I get to cherish more the time we shared with one another.
The house is still a mess as boxes and packages are slowly cleared away. Just like the days passing by so quickly that it won't be long that I am alone in the house once again. Late-nights sleep, more cooking and dishes to wash after all are not so much trouble knowing that when you wake up the next day, the people you hold dear to your hearts are just close by.
What could be better than seize the day and make memories that can be cherished a long time after the plates and cups have been put away in the cupboards.
I was Martha but maybe just in part.
Saturday, August 4, 2007
The Art of Listening
Growing up, I had learned the value of listening. My grandmother used to tell us that we should take the time to listen to everybody and be alert to pick up whatever could be useful to us.
A few weeks ago, I was listening to the priest's homily on Mary and Martha. It struck me that many people choose the way of Martha than of Mary. That is because most people are concerned about visible accomplishments than interior growth. I also realized that it takes a lot of effort for most people to sit still and listen. In fact, it is not uncommon for some people to finish other people's sentences.
The priest shared his own experience of a sacristan who's quite eager in carrying out errands. Even before he could finish his instructions, the sacristan would be rushing to go. Then after a while, he's back to ask questions. His eagerness would have been impressive had he just listened to all the details. Thus, saving on precious time.
It is interesting to reflect on this as the priest emphasized that people who listen seldom get lost. True enough in our journey through life. God sends us messages when we wander away from what is right for us. However, we choose not to listen.
A friend told me once that whenever she has to work late in the office by herself, she needs the MP3 player plugged to her ears. Otherwise, she feels scared alone. It amused me as I can do with total silence.
As a musician, I hate passive listening. I turn on the radio and listen. In that way, I get to appreciate the music. I was thinking how many people are like my friend. Turning on the radio for the sake of having something or anything to fill in the silence because they are afraid. Maybe of what they will hear within themselves.
To me silence is uplifting. I get to hear a lot around me. Isn't it also how we get to deepen our relationship with God?
Listening requires strength and concentration. Noise clutter our daily lives as we rush to accomplish our goals. However, no matter how much we have done, there will always be that need for us to be in touch with ourselves and God.
Let us strive to spend some minutes in silence everyday. Practice the art of listening and it won't be long you'll notice the difference in you and the people around you.
A few weeks ago, I was listening to the priest's homily on Mary and Martha. It struck me that many people choose the way of Martha than of Mary. That is because most people are concerned about visible accomplishments than interior growth. I also realized that it takes a lot of effort for most people to sit still and listen. In fact, it is not uncommon for some people to finish other people's sentences.
The priest shared his own experience of a sacristan who's quite eager in carrying out errands. Even before he could finish his instructions, the sacristan would be rushing to go. Then after a while, he's back to ask questions. His eagerness would have been impressive had he just listened to all the details. Thus, saving on precious time.
It is interesting to reflect on this as the priest emphasized that people who listen seldom get lost. True enough in our journey through life. God sends us messages when we wander away from what is right for us. However, we choose not to listen.
A friend told me once that whenever she has to work late in the office by herself, she needs the MP3 player plugged to her ears. Otherwise, she feels scared alone. It amused me as I can do with total silence.
As a musician, I hate passive listening. I turn on the radio and listen. In that way, I get to appreciate the music. I was thinking how many people are like my friend. Turning on the radio for the sake of having something or anything to fill in the silence because they are afraid. Maybe of what they will hear within themselves.
To me silence is uplifting. I get to hear a lot around me. Isn't it also how we get to deepen our relationship with God?
Listening requires strength and concentration. Noise clutter our daily lives as we rush to accomplish our goals. However, no matter how much we have done, there will always be that need for us to be in touch with ourselves and God.
Let us strive to spend some minutes in silence everyday. Practice the art of listening and it won't be long you'll notice the difference in you and the people around you.
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