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.