A 'Bethlehem' in Dumaguete, Philippines??

The highlight of my 11 days holiday at Cebu and Dumaguete recently was the stay at the home of a close friend who is a brother to me. He did warn me many times and advised me to consider my visit to his house, for his house is up on a mountain and going there would not be easy. He also told me that there are no facilities such as electricity, tap water  and to reach his house we have to hike up the mountain for about 60mins from the junction where a motorbike can last accessed.

If you had been following my blog, you would know that I love traveling (Click here to read the places I had visited), so I had decided to just press-on with the idea for I wanted to visit his family since I was at his province. The journey begin from  Dumaguete City where we took a bus going to Bayawan City. We broke our journey to leave our heavy bags at my friend's foster family. Then we continued our bus journey and stopped at a town called Bonawon. After buying some provisions, we took a motorcycle to go up the mountain named Katipon. It was a scary ride! We had to take the dirt road and since it rain hours before, you can imagine how slippery and muddy the road was!! I was silently praying in my heart while my friend was constantly checking if I was doing alright sitting behind him. This motorcycle was unique for after some adjustments made to it, the motorcycle can now accommodate 3-5 people. When we arrived at the junction, we immediately started to hike up the mountain by foot for it was already getting dark. Not even half way up the mountain, I was feeling tired and was breathing heavily, and I did not want to stop even though my friend asked me to rest for a while for it was already dark by then and we could not see anything. I had no intention of saying 'hi' to any snakes or wild animals and all I wanted to do was to get to a safer place. My friend somehow knew the way for he is familiar with the path and so I had to just move along listening to his directions. Ohh yes I did fall many times due to the slippery muddy trail, moreover I was hiking up the mountain with only a sandal on . It was painful when I removed my sandals to walk for there were many sharp rocks on the trail. I did not think of giving up even when my friend was laughing seeing me falling down and hiking up the mountain with no stamina at all. What was on my mind at that time was, snakes, dangerous valley, so the goal is the house of my friend. Though the hiking took nearly 1hour, I felt it was like 10hours!

When we finally reached the house,I was received with some rain water to wash my feet and a candle light to lead me into the house. I was officially introduced to his parents and younger sister. I was welcomed with love, yes, I was welcomed as a family member. Ohh what a nice feeling it was. We had a nice satisfying and simple dinner and later on we chatted until it was time to sleep. An uncle came over that night, he had to walk about 40mins to the house. With no guitar lesson at all, he could play so well and entertain all of us, a natural talent indeed. It was nice to see my 'new family'; my 'papa and mama' dancing and singing along some 'visayan' songs. The next morning when I got up from sleep, I made some survey around the house and I was surprised myself that I had actually made it to the house which was on a mountain in a deep forest. For drinking water, they had to walk down to a stream. Collecting water from the stream has been a daily task for the younger daughter. My heart was painful when I saw how far it was and the way she had to carry the water container on her shoulders.

Now, while reflecting on my experience and writing this during the season of advent, I just realized I had an early Christmas! I have visited the 'manger of Bethlehem' here in Dumaguete.  For the Christians 'Bethlehem' is a special place. The place where Jesus was born. As scripture says; "While they were there (Bethlehem), the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." (Luke 2: 6-7). The manger is a Christian symbol, associated with nativity scenes where Mother Mary, forced by necessity to stay in a 'stable' (barn??) or 'cave' instead of an inn, and placed the baby Jesus in a manger. When we look at the manger of Jesus, we see humility but we also see glory, we see poverty but also richness in love, we see simplicity but we also see grandeur. We see humanity and we also see divinity. I have seen all this while staying with this family. In their humility, I have seen the 'pride' and sense of family, a sense of belonging. How they look out for each other amazes me. In their poverty, I have experienced the richness of love. I have received great hospitality that can put some rich people to shame. In their simplicity, I have seen how life is free and can be best lived; life without any attachment. I never knew that 'drumstick leaves' could be tasty as a soup. (And I've personally, tried it many times since coming back from this trip). The home had no electricity but the light of Christ through the bond of family and sharing of whatever they had to make sure I was comfortable was what lighted the house. You know friends, this family at times go on their day without anything to eat, but when I was there they made sure I had a decent meal. There were no need for air-cond or fan, for the breeze of peacefulness that surrounded the house was a cool breeze for me. I thank God for this experience, for seeing the way this human family lived, I have seen how divinity can be manifested in each and every human family. This stay has also reminded me to be grateful always for all that I have including my very own family and I ought not take them all for granted. I am now looking forward for a special Christmas this year with some of my family members who would come to the Philippines to celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ, the King of kings who chose to be born in a poor family. Emmanuel...God with us!!.  

         

"In the sweet by and by, we shall meet on that beautiful shore" - A tribute to Bro. Martin Mbende.

Yesterday we celebrated the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed. Today November 03 is the Feast day of St. Martin de Porres and tomorrow is the 1st day of my second semester in my 3rd year of theology. One person that comes to my mind on these 3 different occasions this year is none other than my friend, a brother, a fellow classmate, and a companion in this journey towards the priesthood. He is Bro. Martin Mbende, SX from Cameroon. He belongs to a religious congregation called Xaverian Missionaries. He passed away on October 21, 2013. I used to fondly call him 'Cardinal'.
 
I'm sure going to miss not having him around especially as I begin my new semester tomorrow. I first met him on June 06, 2012 when we both registered for our course, and since then we have been closed and use to hang out together in between classes. We sat next to each other for some subjects and I found him very intelligent and attentive at all the classes. In his simple little ways, he does some pranks too at class but this is only known by very few of us, his friends. Another friend, Berry from Indonesia can testify to this. 

Just 10days before he died, during the School 1st Semester End Party which coincidentally was also my Birthday, we had a great time chatting and joking and making fun of each other. He was asking Berry to repeat all the jokes to me. We had so much fun that never did I imagined that it would be the last time. In the period of our friendship we had made many plans together. Such plans were to visit each ones country, trying to be present for each ones ordination, celebrating the Eucharist together as priests and constantly keeping in touch especially when we leave for our own missions. This was one of his reason to activate his Facebook account which he kept dormant for sometime before.       

Haizzz Martin, we had plans but God holds the greater plan for each one of us. Your 'mission' has started bro, and I know you are now praying for us.
Ohh bro, I have two regrets, one for not taking the picture we took together from you and secondly for not being able to pay my last respects and attend your sending off to that 'beautiful shore'.
So bro, was Fr. Mario Francisco right about heaven?? Is his dog there? hehe. Bro, I'm sure you now have all the answers from the questions and doubts raised during our class on Eschatology. I will miss u bro, you are a good friend.
Here is a song for you till we meet again in paradise:

    In the sweet by and by

There’s a land that is fairer than day,
And by faith we can see it afar;
For the Father waits over the way
To prepare us a dwelling place there.
Refrain:
In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore;
In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore.

To our bountiful Father above,
We will offer our tribute of praise
For the glorious gift of His love
And the blessings that hallow our days. 

We shall sing on that beautiful shore
The melodious songs of the blessed;
And our spirits shall sorrow no more,
Not a sigh for the blessing of rest.

2013 Retreat: “Behold, I make all things new." - Rev. 21:5.

I had my annual retreat this year which was a directed retreat by a Religious Sister (Sr. Zeny) from the Congregation of the Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM) at Betania Retreat House Baguio, Philippines. During my retreat the constant theme or message I receive was  “Behold, I make all things new." This phrase can be found in the Bible, from the Book of Revelation 21: 5.
Here are some of my reflections during my retreat that I would like to share:-


- Yes, there are times that I am pressured with my own actions and at the same time I'm guilty of my sinfulness.
- I want to change, to be better and a worthy minister of the Lord.
- Motivation: to serve as a Catholic priest.
-Gen 1: 27-31 - The past 1 month, I've been looking very close
ly to God's creations. The beauty, animals & plants. Reflecting on the scripture text and looking at the nature, i was just enjoying in God's love & peace. At that time there was this sense of joy, being loved and feeling of uniqueness.A sense of 'NEW'. (A repetition, reoccurring  theme - 'I will make all things new'.
- Question: Where is God inviting me to?
Response based on giftedness, personal capacity. For every situation that happens, there is an invitation.

- Feeling privileged to have this moment of prayer and reflection.
- As I sat at the garden looking around on what to ponder, I saw a bunch of flowers just swaying and moving along with the wind and I thought I'd just focus on it. At that time something fell n the floor near where I was sitting. It was a caterpillar. It just stood still at first and I thought it was dead due to the fall. But then it started to move slowly and went towards a direction of a pole. I thought it would just go towards some greens to eat some leaves! It then climbed upon the pole. Then I realized it actually fell from the top of the pole. Along it's way some ants came and disturbed it, but it just climb. I went near it then to have a closer look. It was ugly, black with a brown shade in the middle and it was furry. It was just climbing and climbing while coming in contact with ants that was disturbing it until it reached a beam and went on it. I then could not see it anymore.
Reflection
I noticed that I was getting excited as I saw the caterpillar going higher and higher up on the pole. I did not want it to fall again. Each time it met an ant, I would tell it to fight the ant. It kept on climbing as it faced challenges. I was happy when it reached the beam.
I felt, I was the caterpillar. The falling down reminded me of my own falling down during the vocation crisis in 2008. When the caterpillar was just still after it fell, it was like me not knowing what to do during my crisis. The caterpillar climbing and moving up again is for me starting all over again my priestly studies. As the caterpillar faced the ants, it was for me to press-on even when I face struggles.
A caterpillar would eventually turns into a beautiful butterfly ('make all things new'), so for me is my call to priesthood, and all the more becoming a better person.  
Me cheering and supporting the caterpillar was basically what God would do for me.

- God who is love should be affective (feelings).
- When we embrace God in the dark, we can find God in it. Difficulty we face is a way God cleansing, making anew.
- Goodness starts now! 

Linkin Park and me....

My love for Linkin Park started instantly when I first heard their songs from their debut album Hybrid Theory. Since then, I have been following them silently until when I started using some of their songs for my youth programs and camps and sessions for students preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation. I sort of 'christianized' if I'm allowed to say that or rather 'adapted' the songs or maybe the best term would be 'inculturated' those songs for my sessions with the youths. Of course I do explain the connection of those songs when I use them for my sessions, that is why I used the term 'christianized'.

Some of the songs that I have used are 'Numb', 'Crawling', 'What I've done' and 'Somewhere I Belong'. My beloved youths from Selayang and Desa Jaya, Kepong would remember that I once used the title of a song as the main theme of a programme.

In the year 2007 when I was in the seminary in Singapore, I tried to go for their concert although knowing that the chances of getting a ticket is far better than getting the permission from the seminary fathers. Nevertheless I took part in a contest to get free tickets for the concert by asking a dear friend from a youth group to write a short essay for me after giving him some points. Unfortunately I did not win.

Just last week, August 13, 2013, I was blessed to have had the opportunity to watch my favorite rock band performing live from a VIP Suite with butlers serving to our needs at the Mall of Asia Arena at the Philippines. I was given 4 free tickets by a friend and may God continue to bless him and his family. There were moments that I would not be able to watch them. First it was the replacement class that was suppose to be held the next morning after the concert. When it was cancelled and was free to watch, I then had no confirmation on the ticket. When I then did receive the tickets 24hrs before the concert I had to worry about the typhoon 'Labuyo' that was hitting Luzon. By God's grace after much prayer the day of the concert was fine and I was able to go watch them perform live for me. They are indeed good entertainers. I also like the graphics on the screen very much. It was nice to see Chester Bennington and Mike Shinoda surprise all of us by going to the crowds, giving them Hi-Five and encouraging the crowd to sing along.  

I was so excited when the day came, even updating my Facebook status a few times in a day which I seldom do. Since I had 4 tickets, I got 3 friends to come with me. We were an International team; a Brazilian, a Filipino, a Burmese and myself a Malaysian. We were surprised and excited that we had a VIP Suite but disappointed that we could not bring our DSLR camera in. After pleading many times with an officer, she herself suggested to take some pictures and send it to us via email. Very kind of her. I enjoyed the concert to the maximum, only realizing towards the end of the concert that I was losing my voice due to the screaming and singing along loudly. It was indeed a dream come true for me to watch Linkin Park live. This is my second live concert after 'Black Eyed Peas' live in Singapore on Oct 2007.   

Let us build a community in which people of different religions learn from one another and work together for the common good.

I am indeed very sad with the recent happenings in Malaysia especially on the double standard and bias treatment given to the various minority communities of this beloved country. Lately we have been reading a lot of news, and police reports are made regarding insensitivity to another religious practices and beliefs. Many are claiming to be 'insulted' or 'offended'. Our country was never like this. We used to be a model for a multi-cultural, multi-religious country where people live in harmony, happily caring for each other. What has happened to us now? What has happened to our country?

We have all become arrogant. We have all become 'faithless'. A perverse generation I must say!. At times it seems we have become bigger than God the Almighty! I am sure the Prophets, Saints and Sages are all feeling embarrassed for what we have become. Even God is sad I'm sure to see us all fighting in this way in His name, for this is not the purpose that He created us in this world of different peoples with different backgrounds and culture. We all need to be more 'human' and loving one another, and we are only able to do this sincerely is when we know and have a better understanding about the other's religion and beliefs. We need to be 'in(formed)' and educated. Inter-Religious Dialogue seems to be the best solution. Or maybe we can attend some classes on religion or better still ask a religious teacher.   

It was heart breaking to read a news report today that the latest 'issue' in Malaysia is about a surau within a resort is believed to have been used for another religious ceremony and people are being offended about this. Click 'here' and 'here' for a read about this issue. At this moment, As a Christian I'm thankful that we have had examples of churches opening their doors for Muslims to pray. For a read click on the links:-
Christian Church opens doors to Muslims. and Church opens its doors to Muslims in Ramadan.
I'm sure many other religion and even Muslims have been generous to open the doors of places of worship and even their homes for another religious person to pray and worship one's God.
 
In my interest about Islam, I remember reading about Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) granting protection and other privileges to the monks of Saint Catherine's Monastery, Mount Sinai.

The Prophet personally granted by the charter the rights and privileges to the monastery, including freedom of worship and movement, freedom to appoint their own judges and to own and maintain their property. Here is an English translation of the charter:-

"This is a message from Muhammad ibn Abdullah, as a covenant to those who adopt Christianity, near and far, we are with them. Verily I, the servants, the helpers, and my followers defend them, because Christians are my citizens; and by Allah! I hold out against anything that displeases them.

No compulsion is to be on them. Neither are their judges to be removed from their jobs nor their monks from their monasteries. No one is to destroy a house of their religion, to damage it, or to carry anything from it to the Muslims' houses. Should anyone take any of these, he would spoil God's covenant and disobey His Prophet. Verily, they are my allies and have my secure charter against all that they hate. No one is to force them to travel or to oblige them to fight. The Muslims are to fight for them.

If a female Christian is married to a Muslim, it is not to take place without her approval. She is not to be prevented from visiting her church to pray. Their churches are to be respected. They are neither to be prevented from repairing them nor the sacredness of their covenants. No one of the nation (Muslims) is to disobey the covenant till the Last Day (end of the world)."
Click here for a read on the document and its history.

There is a Lebanese movie that all of us must watch. The title in French is 'Et maintenant, on va où'  & in English it would be  'Where do we go now?'. It is about A group of Lebanese women try to ease religious tensions between Christians and Muslims in their village together with the Imam and a Priest. We can all learn from them. Watch the trailer by clicking here.

As I end, I would like to ask all to pray for peace and mutual love for each other as we build our nation once again as a harmonious multi-cultural and multi-religious country. Here is a song of peace for reflection:-

'Gates of Hell' - A short reflection with Genesis 18:16-33 (Monday of 13th week of OT)

In Dan Brown's fourth novel, 'Inferno' he described Manila, the Philippines' capital as the 'gates of hell'. Dan Brown's fictional novel, tackles a story of a woman who joined a humanitarian mission to Manila.
"When the group settled in among the throngs in the city of Manila--the most densely populated city on earth-Sienna could only gape in horror. She had never seen poverty on this scale." The novel also described Manila as suffering from "six-hour traffic jams, suffocating pollution, and a horrifying sex trade, whose workers consisted primarily of young children..." A few church workers from abroad have expressed the same sentiments when they make a visit here. But Manila is not just about all these. One of the things that I like about Manila is the faith of its people, they have rich devotions and they take it seriously though a lot of catechesis is need to deepen their faith. After having travel to about 17 countries now, I can say that every country has its own 'gates of hell' (saying this based on the book of Dan Brown).

Ok, why am I blogging about this?? The 1st reading for today taken from Genesis 18:16-33 (the intercession of Abraham for Sodom) is my reason for reflecting on this issue - 'gates of hell'. As I mentioned above, everywhere we find immorality, injustice, sufferings, sicknesses, war, racial tension, poverty, disasters, natural calamities which can be due to the consequences of human greed, etc and these can be a description of the phrase 'gates of hell'. We can all take cue from the reading today, we see Abraham praying to God to have mercy on the inhabitants of the city of Sodom. His prayer is bold and persistent. And what do God respond? "If I (God) can find...50, 45, 40, 30, 20, 10...I will spare the whole place for their sake." Let us then pray for our country, let us all pray for the world. Let us pray for conversion of hearts for as the responsorial  psalm rightly says that "the Lord is kind and merciful." - "...He pardons all your iniquities, he heals all your ills. He redeems your life from destruction, he crowns you with kindness and compassion..." (Pls read Ps.103 for a beautiful meditation on God's kind mercy, forgiveness and love). 

Join in the singing with the video below on Psalm 103.

Post 2013 Mother's Day Reflection and 47th World Communications Day.

I was so pleased to see the overwhelming gesture of love and appreciation for mothers over the internet especially on Facebook during the weekend of May 11-12, 2013. Obviously this gesture was due to the Mother's Day celebration but still I was touched because when I looked at the notifications on my Facebook, I saw many of my friends change their profile picture into a picture of either their mum or with their mothers. And many posted messages and status updates thanking and expressing their love for their mothers.

I did see a few people putting up updates commenting and reminding others that this sign of one's expression of love for mothers is not a one day thingy but to be shown on all days. Though I must agree with them but I still feel that it is alright and this way of expressing love for mothers is a positive sign and not any superficial expression. I felt like telling those people who were negative about this to just let it be and allow the rest to express it. This expression of love for mothers or fathers or teachers, etc over the Facebook or any form of media is not only a sign or message for the particular directed receiver but it can also be a means of testimony. Someone else after reading the posts may have more love and appreciation for his or her mother. I believe this is the same sentiments that we find in the message of the Pope for the 47th World Communications Day held yesterday which was overshadowed by the Mother's Day celebrations. 

The Pope also says that "The development of social networks calls for commitment: people are engaged in building relationships and making friends, in looking for answers to their questions and being entertained, but also in finding intellectual stimulation and sharing knowledge and know-how. The networks are increasingly becoming part of the very fabric of society, inasmuch as they bring people together on the basis of these fundamental needs. Social networks are thus nourished by aspirations rooted in the human heart." The Pope says further  that social networks can be opportunities to share their profound source of hope, joy and faith in the merciful and loving God revealed in Jesus Christ. The Pope continues and I quote "This sharing consists not only in the explicit expression of their faith, but also in their witness, in the way in which they communicate choices, preferences and judgements that are fully consistent with the Gospel, even when it is not spoken of specifically”

Lately we find a lot of dialogues and debates on various issues over Facebook. This can be a good sign but also it can lead to misunderstanding, arguments and confusion. The Pope in his message has this to say; "The social media thus need the commitment of all who are conscious of the value of dialogue, reasoned debate and logical argumentation; of people who strive to cultivate forms of discourse and expression which appeal to the noblest aspirations of those engaged in the communication process. Dialogue and debate can also flourish and grow when we converse with and take seriously people whose ideas are different from our own. Given the reality of cultural diversity, people need not only to accept the existence of the culture of others, but also to aspire to be enriched by it and to offer to it whatever they possess that is good, true and beautiful”.

Click here for a read of the full text of the Pope's message. It's a good read indeed. And not to worry, it is short and easy to understand. 

Now as I end my post for today, I would like to thank my sisters (including sis in law, cousins) and nephews and nieces  for the surprise Mother's day celebration back home for my mom, aunts, sisters, sis in law and cousins. Though I regret for not being there but looking at the pictures I am consoled and happy that it was indeed a lovely celebration.

Congratulations to Most Rev Coadjutor Archbishop William Goh.

Congratulations to Most Rev Coadjutor Archbishop William Goh Seng Chye who was consecrated Coadjuctor Archbishop of Singapore yesterday. Coadjuctor Archbishop Goh will become Archbishop of Singapore when Archbishop Nicholas Chia retires. Though we had some differences when I was a seminarian at the St. Francis Xavier Major Seminary, Singapore and he was then the rector, I believe and confident that he is the best choice for the present era of the Church in Singapore. I give a perfect score for his prayer life. He inspires many and is also a forward looking person. 

I was inspired to write this post especially after reflecting on the Gospel for today (Matthew 5:43-48). If you have been following my blog, you would know that I am on a journey to be a Catholic Priest and am currently in my priestly formation. Yes I want to be a child of the Heavenly Father and as the gospel today advices that to be a child of the Father, I must "love (my) enemies and pray for those who persecute (me)". I was not surprised to hear the news from Vatican sometime in late December that Fr. William Goh has been appointed as Coadjutor Archbishop of Singapore but it was very difficult for me to pray for him, especially when this particular intention comes to my mind while in prayer due to our past confrontations and issues. But eventually when I started praying for him as he prepares for the day when he is to be consecrated, I felt better and at peace. I have had let go of a bitter past. Though I had moved on from the past before this, now I feel I'm moving on further to be closer to the Father who invites me to be holy and perfect just as He is, through His Son Jesus who actually practiced what He preached when He himself prayed for His persecutors on the cross.  

I continue to pray that the he may be a shepherd like Jesus, the Good Shepherd.

"Awake now, lion stand and roar, the Pilgrim Church of Singapore...Pie pellicane, Heart on fire, May your glory I desire;..."Ut vivant!" O Lord that they may live" 
- Most Rev Coadjutor Archbishop William Goh

My experience of the Tridentine Mass.

Two days ago I attended a Tridentine Mass at a Church here in Manila under the Priestly Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX). The SSPX is a fraternity of priests who oppose the spirit of Vatican II and the reforms inspired by it. Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, the founder, and the four priests from the Society were excommunicated when the former ordained the later bishops without Pontifical mandate as required by Church Laws in 1988.

This is not the first time I am attending a Mass in Latin, for I already have had experiences attending Mass of the 'extraordinary form of the Roman Rite' , the liturgy of the 1962 Roman Missal, widely referred to as the Tridentine Mass. Ok, enough of details, you can read it more when u click on the 'blue' words above. Oh by the way for the record I DID ATTEND Mass of the Roman Rite at a Catholic church after the Tridentine Mass experience.  

Now my experience, it was indeed interesting and a graceful, dignified Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in its own way. I am not saying that the present liturgy is not, it all depends on the priest who presides, the ministers of the altar who helps and the people who participates. I really like the grandeur of the sanctuary, the 'simple' but yet beautifully decorated 'baraque altar' was just lovely to see. It was delightful to see too that most faithful were dressed in their Sunday's best especially the little children. The ladies had nice lace to cover their heads. Another thing that I like at the Mass was the singing of the 'Mass Parts' by the Presider.

What that I was not comfortable with was the language used. It was in Latin. I do not understand Latin..Hhhmmmm not true!! I do understand maybe about 0.03% Latin, for I do pray the Pater Noster and Salve Regina from time to time and sing some Latin songs like O Sanctissima, Regina Coeli and Requiem. So here again, I do not understand Latin for about 99.07%. The responses of the people was bad too. Anyway, the people had very little role to play at this Tridentine mass and less responses to say. I am hoping that at least there had been some explanations and Catechesis for the regulars so that they would know what was being prayed by the priest. If you have attended a Tridentine Mass, you would know that all the 'actions' on the altar is blocked by the priest and you will only see his back most times and some prayers are said inaudibly bringing in the sense of mystery, but I think more like a 'secret'! And this can be the reason why people used to say their own prayers during the mass for they could not see what's happening, could not understand what's going on and not participating much at the Mass. I did see a man reading the bulletin while the Mass was going on.

I am sure not many people now remember the Tridentine Mass and I have always wondered why some youngsters nowadays have such a craze for the Tridentine Mass. Most of this youngsters that I have encountered who have such interest are learned and are graduates from the Universities. I guess it all boils down to the 'mystery'. Mysterium tremendum et fascinans!! (Ohh here I go again to show off a little Latin that I know!! hehehe). The altar servers from the Tridentine Mass that I witness was very human with human actions unlike the many youngsters that I know who are faithful Catholics but have interest in the Tridentine Mass and when they serve the Mass, they are transformed into a 'Mechanical Robot' that causes distraction on the Sanctuary. Too much exaggeration and drama!! I guess they have not seen a true Tridentine Mass yet where the Altar Servers are professional in their service with no 'dramas'.

All the more now after my experience at the Tridentine Mass, I am grateful for the liturgical reforms that took place with Vatican II. I understand the liturgy in my own language that I am comfortable with and I am able to participate in the celebration. I hope you had noticed that I did not use the term 'celebration' when I was describing the Tridentine Mass experience until now when I refer to the Mass after Vatican II. I am convinced that in a celebration, everyone gathers and participate in one way or another and we find such element in the Mass of the Vatican II. I am also grateful that because of Vatican II the laity now has significant role too just like the priests who presides over the celebrations.

After reading this post I am sure you are aware that I am in favor of the liturgical reforms of Vatican II and if I'm given an opportunity to celebrate the Tridentine Mass I will surely decline unless the Bishop has directed me to do it. I hope the church would not go back to 'celebrate' Mass of the past. 

Plastic-free Lent

Apostolic Prefecture of Battambang
Proposal for Lent 2013

“The Church has a responsibility towards creation, and she considers it her duty to exercise that responsibility in public life, in order to protect earth, water and air as gifts of God the Creator meant for everyone…”
- Pope Benedict XVI, Message for World Day of Peace, January 2010.

1. SUMMARY
For many years now, during the season of Lent, the Apostolic Prefecture of Battambang has incorporated environmental themes into the prayers and practices of the faithful. For example, some weekly themes identify the garbage around us with the garbage of sins in our hearts.

This year, as the Church invites us once again to prepare our hearts through acts of penance, prayer, and corporal works of mercy, perhaps it would also be a good idea to be more mindful of the garbage we generate through our everyday actions and actually reduce our trash output by fasting from plastic.  Thus, for the coming 40 days of Lent, let us try to abstain from purchasing or using items that come packaged in disposable plastic, as our way of reducing our own harmful impact on creation.

2. RATIONALE
Fasting from food and abstaining from meat, from other things that give us pleasure, or from our bad habits, bring much spiritual benefits if we offer our sacrifices to God. We enter into our own desert experience with Jesus.

If we try to abstain from disposable plastic during this Lent, we can also reach our own deserts.
We will have to think about the things we buy and why we buy them, to examine our consumer values and clarify what is important to us. Usually, we throw away disposable plastics without much concern or thought. But as it leaves our sight, it does not really go away; it just becomes someone else’s problem.

Thus, our abstinence from disposable plastics helps other people and the rest of creation. As we reduce the amount of garbage in our homes and communities, we reduce its harmful effects on nature and act in solidarity with creation.

3. WHAT IS WRONG WITH DISPOSABLE PLASTICS?
The main concern about plastic is that it is not biodegradable. Plastics are normally made of materials extracted from crude oil, the same type of oil that is used to make fuel for cars and motorcycles. The most common type of plastic bag is made of polyethylene, a new substance made by humans that microorganisms do not recognize as food. Since no existing bacteria can break down plastic, it cannot biodegrade like other organic materials.

What happens to plastics is that it photodegrades. When plastics are exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation for a long time, the polyethylene material becomes brittle and begins to crack, breaking into many tiny pieces. This process is estimated to take between 500 and 1000 years, but even when the plastics break into smaller fragments it remains non-biodegradable and toxic for the animals and humans that eat them.

Plastics clog waterways and can cause floods in cities. Eventually, they make their way to the sea. In fact, plastics are the most pervasive form of ocean litter. There they pose a serious danger to birds and marine animals that often mistake them for food. Thousands of animals die every year from swallowing or choking on plastic items.

So why do we continue to use disposable plastic bags to carry our things for only a few minutes, but which will then become a problem for creatures and the Earth for hundreds of years?? It does not make sense.

4. WHAT CAN WE DO FOR THIS LENTEN SEASON?
As you buy things from a store, try not to accept the plastic bag that they will usually use to put the items that you bought. Instead, put the purchased item in your own bag.

Refrain from purchasing or drinking water from disposable plastic bottles. Recycling consumes energy and just because they can be recycled does not mean that they are actually recycled. Use your own re-useable water bottle.

Abstain from the use of plastic straws, polystyrene lunch boxes, and other food items that come in disposable wrappers, such as noodles and candies. These items cannot be recycled and are either thrown away or burned, both of which are not good to do.

If you do have to buy plastic, make sure that it is recyclable, and that you dispose of it in a way that will assure that it will be recycled.

Of course, exceptions are made for medicines and other important items that offer no alternatives.

Take good care of the things you already have so that they last longer and are not easily destroyed and thrown away.

by:- Gabriel Lamug-Nañawa, SJ
Jesuit Service-Cambodia

RESPECT all Holy Books.

It's the National Bible Sunday here in the Philippines but in my own country in Malaysia, there are some people who have threatened to burn bibles. (Read here). The Member of Parlimen called on Muslims to seize and burn copies of Bibles... It was also reported that there were flyers urging Muslims to torch Malay language Bibles today. (Read here). 

Many Malaysians including Muslims have spoken out against the bible burning plan and police reports have been done asking the authorities to intervene. Read here for the article on Malaysians speak out and here for a video of a certain group of independent Malaysians of various faiths and races lodged a police report.

I am against any sort of disrespect shown on any Holy Books be it the Bible, Quran, Vedas, Bhagavad Gita, Sutras, Torah, etc. These are texts which various religious traditions consider to be sacred, or of central importance to their religious tradition. Many religions and spiritual movements believe that their sacred texts are divinely or supernaturally revealed or inspired. Let us respect each other's beliefs, practices and traditions. Let us work hard for PEACE.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 15

R. (cf John 6:63c) Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul;
The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple.
R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
The precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
The command of the LORD is clear,
enlightening the eye.
R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever;
The ordinances of the LORD are true,
all of them just.
R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
Let the words of my mouth and the thought of my heart
find favor before you,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

Mary Mother of God.

When we address Mother Mary with the title ‘Mother of God’, fundamentalist are horrified!! How could God have a mother?

We know that God has no mother in eternity, but when God the son became human, he was born of the Virgin Mary (Matt 1:16. Gal 14:4). So she is his mother in his incarnation.

Lk1:43 – Elizabeth use of ‘Mother of my Lord’ (in Hebrew, Elizabeth used Adonai which means Lord God) is the equivalent of ‘Holy Mary, mother of God’ which Catholics pray in the Rosary. The formula is simple; Jesus is a divine person, and this person is God. Mary is Jesus’ mother, so Mary is the mother of God.

Mary is not just the mother of Jesus’ human nature – for mothers are mothers of persons, not natures.

If Mary is the Mother of Jesus, and if Jesus is God, then Mary is the Mother of God. There is no way out of this logical syllogism.

When we honor Mary as the Mother of God, nobody should be confused that she is older than God or the source of her son’s divinity, for she is neither.

Rather, we say that she is the Mother of God in the sense that she carried in her womb a divine person – Jesus Christ, God in the flesh and in the sense that she contributed the genetic matter to the human form God took in Jesus Christ. She is mother of God and not God. So we honor her and not worship her.

It is so fitting that we end this year and begin the New Year taking Mary as our Model of Faith. In the Gospel that we just heard, we see Mary kept all these ‘strange’ happenings and reflecting on them in her heart.

We too today look back at our past, the events of the 2012, be it good happenings or not so good. And as we reflect on them let all those ‘stumbling blocks’ be a ‘stepping stone’ for us in this new year of 2013.

This remind me of the song ‘ Lord I offer my life to you’ which is so fitting for today….

All that I am, all that I have
I lay them down before you, oh Lord
All my regrets, all my acclaims
The joy and the pain, I'm making them yours

Things in the past, things yet unseen
Wishes and dreams that are yet to come true
All of my heart, all of my praise
My heart and my hands are lifted to you

(Chorus)
Lord, I offer my life to you
Everything I've been through
Use it for your glory
Lord I offer my days to you
Lifting my praise to you
As a pleasing sacrifice
Lord I offer you my life

Let me end the homily with the blessings of the new year, the prayer  that we heard in the 1^st reading:-

The LORD bless you and keep you!
The LORD let his face shine upon
you, and be gracious to you!
The LORD look upon you kindly and
give you peace!