A River of Kindness
ALL of us should be eager to convert ourselves into a gushing river of love and kindness every day, because this is our goal and perfection. We are nothing without love. It’s amazing that nowadays this ultimate and constant goal of ours is often frustrated, perverted if not obliterated by other values and virtues that in fact can be such only if related to charity. The essence of these values and virtues, can only vanish when love is not their soul. Let’s not deceive ourselves. Let’s have our priorities clear right at the most fundamental level of our life.
“Marriage” and “Character”
What we have in our hearts to say could be said at any time, at many times; for it pertains to the goodness and purpose of life and to the peace and happiness for all who marry – and of children – and to the whole future of families. First of all, marriage must be coupled with character. It requires character to live in this closest of all relationship of life. Marriage requires also kindly consideration, the overlooking of many small things, and an earnest disposition not to find fault. Anyone could annoy or upset anyone at times, and anyone who looks for faults and flaws … will surely find them.
With A Child’s Heart
“I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (Mark 10:15) It feel very good to act like a child when grown up to a matured self, it take away all worries to make your present happy and worth living. In saying that, I certainly do not mean that one should shun away the pursuit of living for knowledge, but, at the same time, one should understand its limited capacity, and one should seriously try to acquire that knowledge which alone can save a person from the slavery of imperfections.
It’s My Life
Many times I feel I do not exist and not being appreciated. I feel as if I am only a fragment of imagination. I always try to live everyday trying to serve and please people all the time. Often that brings a lot of disappointments. Sometimes I tell myself never to do it again – but emptiness always follows. I have nothing to prove to you or to anyone else. I am my own person. I act according to my will and to His will.
What Should We Do for a Friend?
Aside from loved ones, aside from those close of kin, friendship makes life most meaningful. With friendship nothing is impersonal. Everything is more enjoyed. Everything has greater purpose. Everything is better understood. It is something to be nourished and cherished; something that cannot be forced; something that must grow naturally; something that must not be abused.
Come Holy Spirit…
The story is told about a father who asked his nervous little boy: “What’s wrong, Son?” “I left my bike outside our gate,” was the little boy’s answer. “Don’t worry, the Holy Spirit will look after your bike. Now, lead us in our prayer before our meal.” And the little boy started: “In the name of the Father and of the Son. Amen.” “Where’s the Holy Spirit?” asked the father. “Looking after my bike,” was the little boy’s reply!
Honour or Honor
SOMEONE SAID that Robots will play a big role in the future – they function for hours, they never seem to run down, they are low on maintenance, and they do everything without praise, acknowledgment or attention. Actually, Robots are nothing new. They used to be called Mothers, Fathers, our Partners, Lovers & Friends! In this church where I go from time to time, for the last few weeks they have been talking about Honour which is good. But I am not really sure if all of us fully understand what the word meant!
Lying…
With all the lying going around, please remind our children that it is still a sin to tell a lie! Please tell and retell to your children the message that lying is bad, and that to prevent others to tell the truth is also very bad! These are the exact words of Jose Rizal (Philippines National Hero) in regard to this tendency of religious observers (from Rizal’s “The State of Religiosity in the Philippines”).
Acting with Integrity
Many people have the perception that the fabulously rich and powerful are dishonest and unethical. And who can blame them after hearing stories of how millionaire executives rip off their shareholders in scandal after scandal? Certainly there are unethical & unscrupulous rich people around especially where I was born and where I have been living for the last 30 years (I better not mention the location…hehehehe). Incidentally, their wealth & businesses rarely last, but the truth is that most self-made millionaires share a common habit of personal integrity.
Loafer or Lover?
THE STORY is told about a tourist who asked a fisherman who was strolling at the beach: “What are you doing?” “I’m just here, taking it easy,” The fisherman replied. The tourist said: “Why don’t you go out to the sea, earn money, buy more boats?” “What for?” the fisherman asked. “So that you can become rich and take it easy,” the tourist said. The fisherman responded: “Well, that’s what I’m doing now isn’t it? Taking it easy.” In Matthew 4, 12-17, Jesus called the fishermen whom he asked to become “fishers of men.” At any point of our lives, we are all called to leave behind our “boats” to follow Him. If the Lord asked you to leave behind your“comfort zone,” would you be ready to follow Him?
Master and Monster
THE STORY is told about a man who, after going out of his car after a vehicular accident, exclaimed: “Oh, no! My Porsche!” When someone pointed to his left wrist which was profusely bleeding, all he could exclaim was: “Oh, no, my Rolex!” In Matthew 6, 24-34, Jesus tells us in very clear terms that we cannot serve two masters, i.e., God and money. We have to make a clear choice – hate one or love the other, be devoted to one or despise the other. In other words, a true follower of Jesus cannot make money his/her god.
The Way…
John 14: 1-12, Jesus tells the disciples: “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.” There are many ways and truths about life, but, as Christians, we believe that fullness of life comes through, with, and in Jesus Christ. Knowing the way and knowing the truth are so important in life. How many people are lost, going round and round in circles, with no direction and purpose? And how many people are living in falsehood, worshipping false gods, and living with false hopes and vain aspirations? May we find and stay on the way that brings us to true life.
Graduation
THE STORY is told about a little kid who hated Math, and wrote thus: “Dear Math, please grow up soon, and solve your own problems!” In John 11: 1-45, Jesus raises up Lazarus from the dead and declares thus: “I am the Resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.” The Resurrection may not solve our worldly problems but the reality and the promise of the Resurrection will give us the strength and the hope to solve whatever problems.