40th Hearbeat

BUMPER STICKERS

A bumper sticker is an adhesive label or sticker with a message, intended to be attached to the bumper of an automobile and to be read by the occupants of other vehicles - although they are often stuck onto other objects. They are often catchy phrases that tackle everything under the sun: from religion to politics, from a life philosophy to an ad campaign of a new product, from various advocacies to rib-tickling phrases, from profound words to witty one-liners. Regardless of what is written, the purpose of posting these bumper stickers is really to catch attention and will eventually solicit diverse reactions from people.

Last week, when I joined the annual retreat of Jaro Clergy in Bukal ng Tipan, Talisay City, a lot of insights popped out of my mind as I pondered on so many areas of human relationship. I was able to mull over on the authentic exercise of leadership, the real use of power, the disinterested scope of influence, the profound meaning of personal integrity, the boundless might of vision, the proper way of bringing out the best in people, and the necessity of a participatory church.

Looking back, I think I also posted a lot of bumper stickers, not on my car (…obviously because I don’t have one!) but in my head and in my heart and let me share to you some:

1. God is an interruption. We can choose to forget him once in a while but He will always be someone whom we cannot live without.
2. A leader is measured in his capacity to perform and to relate. It’s nice that people look up to you as an authority figure based on the role that you play, but in the end, they will still opt for somebody who is a compassionate friend, rather than an efficient performer. Performance can gain you applause and recognition but relationship can gain you commitment and loyalty.
3. A mature person must be humble enough to own his mistakes, clever enough to learn from them and strong enough to correct everything and start all over again.
4. Sometimes, we have to get out of ourselves in order to let others get in.
5. Integrity is a rare commodity these days. Being who I am no matter where I am and whom I am with is a formidable task.
6. Change is inevitable. We tend to avoid this because we are too afraid to be better and wiser.
7. Choices can be blurry, but that extraordinary human capacity to “stand for what you believe is honest and true” will definitely define who you are and what you will become.
8. From an anonymous author: “No two people are alike. So no two people can approach God at exactly the same time. No one else can give God what you can give Him. You don’t have to imitate anyone in order to please God. You just have to be yourself.”
9. The difference between a dream and a vision rests on the person’s consciousness. Dream is creative imagination, something that may or may not happen, leaving you with uncertainty. Vision, on the other hand, is foresight, something that you believe that will happen in the near future as you work hard for its realization.
10. Some would claim that our future lies in our hands, but this future has two possibilities: we can either stare at the lines of our palms and passively wait for what our sheer luck has to offer or to mobilize our ten fingers and creatively shape our destiny.

11.I’d like to believe that love and power are complementary. Yes, the greatest power of all is love, but love is understood in the context of freedom. Power on the other hand, is understood in the context of responsibility.

12.In times when I’m really, really down, and life sucks, I just look at the mirror, give myself a deep sigh, and say: “God does not make a junk. No matter what happens, I was, I am and I will always be his beloved Son”

13.When you TRUST someone, you would allow him/her to challenge, or even to push you, and that very act of PUSHING can be very painful sometimes. And yet, because of trust, you are very much willing to undergo that painful process because you believe this person is capable of bringing out the best in you.

14.If you want to possess an authority that never fails, be a witness. The actual witnessing of the life that you lead is an authentic power.

15.It’s nice to have good, good friends who are willing to journey with me through life’s greatest battles and what makes it more fortunate is that they’re my brothers in the ministry.

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39th Heartbeat

The Prayer of a Forgetful Receiver to an Ever-Generous Giver of the Gift

Lord God,

You have filled me with so much love

long before I came to my senses

and acknowledge what was burning inside my heart

You have accompanied me in my journey

long before I became aware of

my fundamental need for human relationship and intimacy

You have given me

my much deserved freedom

long before I have learned to abuse it

You have humbled yourself

on the Cross,

long before I was poisoned

by my own vain ambition and foolish pride

You have forgiven me

of my misgivings

long before I was conscious enough

of the consequences of my actions

You have brought me back

on the right track

long before I have given up all my hopes

in myself and in others

Lord,

For the longest time, you have never failed me,

even if I constantly fail you.

You have always been faithful despite my infidelity.

You have loved me unconditionally,

in times when I thought I am not worthy

of any expression of love, kindness and acceptance

You have made me realize

that you are indeed the ultimate source of all human relationships

You have satisfied every longing of a weary human heart and spirit

Dear Lord,

Despite of all, you have provided me

with that peace of the mind and heart

I have longed to relish

by making me aware

that I am indeed destined to find my one, true love

And you know very well that my heart only and truly belongs to you.

Amen.

P.S.

Sorry if I keep on forgetting.

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38th Heartbeat

San Ignacio de Loyola (part two)

The Spirituality of Saint Ignatius

The spirituality of Saint Ignatius was borne out of his deep appreciation of the glory of Creation. Now one thing that Saint Ignatius taught us is that we can actually “find God in all things”. It means that whatever we are doing at the moment, be it a busy day at work, or just simply living a laid back and idyllic life, or burning our midnight oil as we engage ourselves in various intellectual pursuits, or exhausting our strength and stamina for every game that we play, we can see for ourselves God’s abiding presence because everything that surrounds us is definitely a gift, waiting to be unravelled by our own senses. It is actually an upholding of the endowment of Creation, with all its unity, splendour, magnificence, and diversity, where we focus not just on the gift that is given but also we focus on the “Giver” of the gift.

If we will be able to find God in all things, we will forever be grateful and will definitely try our very best to share this magnanimity of God’s graces to everyone, especially to those who are having difficulties in finding meaning to their existence, and to those who consider life as tiresome and droning. Gratefulness can make somebody an instrument of God’s providence because it will bring him to a deeper awareness of all that surrounds him and will enable him to appreciate even those little things that delight his senses. A grateful heart always remembers. A grateful heart never forgets.

The Way of Life of Saint Ignatius

In the area of doing ministry or apostolate, St. Ignatius introduced the term called “Magis” which was derived from the first principle and foundation of his spiritual exercises. “Magis” is a Latin word for “more” and is based on the faith affirmation that “The human person is created to praise, reverence, and serve God Our Lord, and by so doing to save his or her soul. Therefore, one should desire and choose only what helps him more towards the end for which he is created.”

“Magis” is best understood as a way of life rather than an act or series of acts which reveal a person’s commitment to the “more.” It is a relationship word, meaning that it applies in personal relationships, both with God and with others, in terms of love. It is through this love that the proper meaning of “more” is found- love given freely, in generosity, and always in reverence to God.[i] Hence, it is simply following the will of God, and doing the things that pleases God without having to compromise one’s inimitable identity.

I remember when I was in high school, I came across this simple yet thoughtful quotation from a Bible Diary given to me by my grandmother and this was embedded in my memory, defying all other things that I’ve learned through the years because it served as one of my philosophies in life, complementing my understanding of the word, “Magis”:

“No two people are alike. So no two people can approach God at exactly the same time. No one else can give God what you can give him. You don’t have to imitate anyone in order to please God. You just have to be yourself”

Later on, I’ve realized that “Magis” is not actually doing more, but being more so that all my intentions, actions and functions will ultimately be offered for the Greater Glory of God. With this kind of mindset and lifestyle, I am reminded of the real essence of service- that it should be disinterested, meaning I serve my brothers and sisters not because I am expecting something in return, but because it has been a part ofmy identity as a person. Doing “Magis” is my own  unique way of bringing back that love I have received from God. It is a thought provoking consciousness asking me these two important questions that will define the fullness and relevance of my life here on earth: “What more can I do for God? And what more can I do for others?”

There are still so many reasons for me to thank Saint Ignatius of Loyola and this column would not be enough to suffice my gratitude. He inspired me with his life and he is definitely one of the reasons why I decided to choose a life of service founded on love and selflessness.

“Lord, teach us to give and not to count the cost” (Prayer of Generosity, Saint Ignatius of Loyola)

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37th Hearbeat

The Cory that I came to know

I am supposed to conclude my reflection on Saint Ignatius of Loyola in my column this week but I decided to save it for the next publication because I want to pay tribute to a person whose enormity and significance have stirred not just Filipinos, but people throughout the world. Poignant as it may seem, but her death has made our tiny country radiantly visible once again, gaining recognition from great personages because she has been the highly-recognized “Icon of Democracy”.

I’d like to talk about President Corazon C. Aquino: the Eleventh President of the Republic of the Philippines and the First woman President in Asia.

But I will not focus so much on her being a President, nor on the things that I came to know about her in Philippine History. I must admit that I still have a lot to learn about the 1972 Proclamation of Martial Law, the Marcos Dictatorship, the Assassination of Ninoy and the EDSA One Revolution before I will be competent enough to give my honest to goodness viewpoint on the political situation of our country during that time. I was only five years old then, when the Peaceful Revolution took place and I had very little understanding on the things that actually happened considering that I was still enjoying the joys of my childhood. Nationalism and Patriotism were not yet part of my crude vocabulary but I remember how my folks at home cheered with much jubilation when Cory replaced Marcos as president.

The Cory that I came to know was not somebody who inspired the adamant Filipinos to brave the long stretch of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue in order to topple down a dictator, or somebody escorted and protected by men in uniforms, or somebody who stood before a senate or congress to deliver her thought-provoking, heart-wrenching speech. The Cory that I came to know was a simple widow, who was fond of wearing yellow dresses, and who invited us once in a while to sing at the grave of her beloved husband.

Since the beginning of my theology formation in San Jose Seminary, there have been instances that we join Fr. Catalino Arevalo, S.J., our Rector, (Fr. Daniel Patrick Huang, S.J. in 2003, Fr. Victor De Jesus in 2004 and 2007) and Fr. Manoling Francisco, S.J. to Manila Memorial Park and sing at the Eucharistic Celebration in honor of Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr. in order to commemorate either his birthday or his death anniversary. This was made possible through the unremitting request of his wife, former President Corazon C. Aquino.

Ah, President Cory…she always leaves a breath of fresh air to everyone. She exuded this unassuming aura that will enable you to come near her, without being intimidated for she is soft-spoken and very accommodating. We were so fortunate then to exchange pleasantries with her even for a short time when she invited us for lunch at their Ancestral Home in Forbes Park, Makati. I remember the time when we sang Christmas carols to her delight, as our gratitude for her, in giving us some memorabilia that will make us remember her and Ninoy. In the many “close encounters” with President Cory, I was always edified by her endearing presence. Looking back, I can say that there’s an inherent goodness in this woman that I cannot think of anything unpleasant when I’m in front of her, as she smiles at people with sincerity.

Her goodness is simply infectious.

No wonder why she became a champion of the masses. Her name has been synonymous to democracy because she taught us that freedom and change are possible, even without bloodshed.

I was really saddened by her death. There were a lot of instances that I shed tears as I watched the news and documentary specials in her honor on the television screen. One specific experience I had last week where I could no longer hold back my emotions was when MYX Music Channel premiered for the first time, “Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo”, an almost forgotten yet immortal song about EDSA, where they showed President Cory in her prime, emanating with courage and persistence, defying all stereotypes as she ended the many years of struggle and strife under the Marcos Regime, and the ABS-CBN Documentary Report that narrated her life as a simple and modest housewife who rose to power not by desire but by fate. The report put into view some clips during the EDSA One Revolution and I cried so hard when they showed a man asking a soldier to go down of the military tank and join them in their peaceful cause for freedom while saying this powerful statement that melted so many hearts of stone: “Pareho po tayong Pilipino. Wag po tayong mag-away!” Alone in the Priest’s common room, I wept profusely, acknowledging that hunger for meaning and relevance in my Identity as a Filipino. True enough, there are so many reasons for me to be proud as a Filipino. I kept on telling myself:“Kanami gid man gali ang mangin isa ka Pilipino”.

But behind the tears, I also felt the inevitable guilt. The experience was rather paradoxical on my part. I asked myself this question: “Do I have to wait for Cory to die in order for me to realize all of these things?” I felt ashamed because there were times that I have consigned myself in my own apathy particularly in making myself available for the various advocacies that desired the general welfare of my fellowmen. I felt ashamed because of the many instances that I did not become a good and responsible citizen, even just in obeying simple rules and regulations. I felt ashamed because I was too absorbed in my own world that I failed to be critical about the present situation of our nation. I felt ashamed because I was too afraid to look into my identity as a Filipino, and discover my own capacity for goodness, truth, honesty, and selfless love for the country.

The Cory that I came to know as a kind-hearted widow, who welcomed us in her humble home is very much the same with the Cory that I have seen, heard, and read as strong-willed woman who became the champion of democracy. Her death aggrieves me so much, even until now because she reminds me of who I am at the moment and what I should be as a Filipino, by making me realize the things that I have failed to do.

I still can’t get enough of that “Cory Magic”. She made me proud being a Filipino, yet made me humble by her altruistic love and passion for our country. She inspired me with her works as an icon of democracy and yet made me guilty of my own “unfreedom”. She moved me with her unwavering faith yet made me ponder with remorse on my helplessness and disbelief.

She now plays a significant part in my conscience and she will forever be my “reality check”

Salamat, President Cory.

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36th Heart Beat

San Ignacio de Loyola (Part 1)

Most people would claim that our lives are generally “conditioned” by persons who mete out a bigger impact on us, influencing our manner of seeing things through their example. This is why we are in constant search of our own role models or heroes, imitating their various ways of life, hoping and wishing that someday, we can be like them simply because they have made us aware of our worst and yet, brought out the best in us.

I consider Saint Ignatius of Loyola as one of my heroes.

Don’t get me wrong. This isn’t an extension of our “Saint of the Week” column.I just want to pay tribute to this remarkable Spanish saint who played a significant role in my priestly formation. Whenever I skim through his biography, particularly his teachings, I am persistently challenged to offer everything that I do “for the greater glory of God”.[i]He has been a model of faithfulness, self-denial, simplicity, and service that I am also inspired to follow his example.

Hence, for two succeeding weeks of “Heartbeats”, allow me to share some few thoughts about his person, his habit, his spirituality and his way of life.

The Person of Ignatius

Before he became the founder of the Society of Jesus, Ignatius was a valiant soldier who fought for Spain against France in the famous battle of Pamplona. Severely wounded, he was relieved from army service and the long period of convalescence became a turning point in his life because he underwent conversion. He experienced not just physical healing, but spiritual healing as well. He consigned himself in prayer and contemplation, giving up his lavish lifestyle and his desire for glory in order that he may offer himself fully to the Lord.

Reflecting upon Ignatius’ conversion, I remember what Fr. Andy told us before during one of our “after-meal” conversations, and it has something to do with one’s personal conversion. If I am going to put it concretely, conversion and severity are closely intertwined because life’s greatest transformation could at times necessitate one extremely good or bad situation. It is really an out of the ordinary quirk of fate when someone who used to be extremely bad will turn out to be extremely good. But it’s possible, especially when the love of God becomes a part of the conversion process. It happened to Ignatius and it could also happen to anyone else. Fr. Adolfo Nicolas, S.J., the current Superior General of the Society of Jesus, explains this radical conversion beautifully: “Our imperfection, visible or invisible (although never invisible to our own selves) is our title of pride, as Paul would say. It is the best vehicle to share with people the ever life-giving goodness and mercy of God. We are not servants of a calculating and mean God, but of the life-giving God who can give life even to dead bones.” Whenever I come across the image of Ignatius, I am always reminded of the statement, “radical conversion”, and this extraordinary human capacity granted through God’s grace is something which I cannot admit to myself sometimes. And for this, I am being humbled.

The Habit of Ignatius

A priest once told us, that “a custom becomes a habit when it is done in routine”. I thought all the while that they are basically the same in terms of definition but later on, I’ve realized that a custom is nothing but an outward action of something that has been a part of human mechanism. Habit on the other hand, is indispensably linked to a person’s identity that is why it is often hard to break.Ignatius loved to pray under the vast assemblage of stars because it reminded him of the magnanimity of God’s graces, revealed in the glory of creation. This habit brought him to a deeper level of gratitude that all he ever wanted was to serve God in the best possible way he can. God’s universe is indeed wonderful and mysterious!

As I pondered on the unique yet profound habit of Saint Ignatius, I look back at those instances where I became less grateful for the many graces and blessings I received from God as I see life as a monotony, hardly exerting any effort especially in making sense of the things that had happened during the day. I failed to realize that the stars that brighten the night sky are there not just there for scientific investigations but they also serve as constant reminders of God’s immense bounteousness, giving me more than what I expected.

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