Indeed, every heart desires to reach out to God. As St. Augustine beautifully puts it, "Our hearts are made for thee my God, and they are restless, until they rest in thee." Just as a child would reach out to his parents to fulfill his needs and desires, to seek love and affection, to find protection and dispel his childess doubts and fears, so we, in an analogical way, we could consider our temporal experience of the methaphysical/divine relationship, as children of God. Unfortunately, for many the tangible experience of their parents does not mesh with the image of God as our Loving Father, and this explains the number of atheists, skeptics and agnostics.
God is just a prayer away, and He always whispers his love, care and concern. He is closer to us than out parents are. It takes faith to realize the beautiful relationship we share with God, who is the source of life and all that we have. It is a pity that many continue to be oblivious to this profound truth, and persistently deny God's existence. Yet, God does not condemn or punish, but makes the sun shine on both good and evil, just as He makes the rain fall on good and bad alike. We can never fathom the depths of God's love and mercy, but these depths are invitation for all of us to partake of this great mystery. God is just a prayer away.
Abraham pleads with God in prayer for the city of Sodom and Gomorrah, which are about to be destroyed. Abraham displays the beautiful relationship he shared with God in prayer. It's a child-like relationship. Abraham said: "I trust my Lord will not be angry if I speak once more: perhaps there will be only ten." It is delightful to behold that we can reach out to God in prayer as his loving children. Be assured, God does not turn anyone away without blessing him/her with His divine gifts. "I will not destroy it, He replied, for the sake of the ten." The prayer of Abraham should inspire us to be confident that we can come closer to God, our Creator.
Disciples of Jesus were fascinated with Him, while observing the profound relationship, which He enjoyed with His Heavenly Father in prayer. Jesus spent hours together with his Heavenly Father in prayer, which is refreshing sight for all to behold and be delightful. Consequently, His disciples pleaded with Jesus to teach them how to pray, and in response Jesus taught them to pray the Lord's prayer, the "Our Father." Indeed, Jesus taught us to have a filial relationship with God in prayer. Hence, like little children, we need to learn to pour our heart, mind and soul in faith before God, who is just a prayer away. We don't have to climb mountains, and cross valleys and oceans to reach out to God. In fact, God reaches out to us. He is just a prayer away. Humbly and sincerely in faith let us say, "Lord teach us to pray."
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Saturday, July 20, 2013
A Voice in the Desert by: Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx, Pastor, St. Timothy Church
What is this voice in the desert? Where is the desert for me to hear the voice? John, the Baptist, cried out to the people from the desert to prepare the way of our Lord. John, the Baptist was sent by God to be the herald of good news and to lead the people to true repentace to receive the salvation of God in His Son Jesus, incarnated for us on Christmas. John, the Baptist cries out the same message for us today, can we hear it?
As pilgrim people, we walk through the different terrains both physical and spiritual during our life journey. Whenever we find a difficult landscape in our empirical existence, we know how to maneuver for our safety, and advancement. We are apt to hear the voice of the modern advancement and technology. Nevertheless, it is apparent that we are lethargic and unmindful to our spiritual topography. The spiritual and moral degradation in our society bespeaks of our deafness to hear the voice in the desert.
We have to enter into the desert of our spiritual existence., to hear the voice crying out of repentance, and to believe in the gospel. We cannot live too long in the desert. Once, we have listened to the voice, we have to rise and walk toward the Promise Land of endless happiness and peace. It is a continuous movement of our spiritual battle of entering into the desert, and walking towards the Promise Land. We are given the tools to fight this spsiritual battle to live a life of grace and holiness.
Jesus entered the desert and stayed for forty days. We have to look at Jesus for comfort and strength to live in the presence of God. The voice of God never ceases to call out with clarity and audacity to lead us on the path of truth and holiness: to our Promise Land. A voice of one crying out in the desert: " Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight his paths." During the season of Advent, let us not pass the opportunity to give the heed to the voice in the desert.
The honest way to heed to the voice in the desert is to be at prayer with open heart nd mind to receive the salvation of God. Avail the sacrament of reconciliation - repent of your sins and believe in the gospel. Give alms and do penance. The voice in the desert will become clearer each passing day, as you walk towards the Promise Land.
As pilgrim people, we walk through the different terrains both physical and spiritual during our life journey. Whenever we find a difficult landscape in our empirical existence, we know how to maneuver for our safety, and advancement. We are apt to hear the voice of the modern advancement and technology. Nevertheless, it is apparent that we are lethargic and unmindful to our spiritual topography. The spiritual and moral degradation in our society bespeaks of our deafness to hear the voice in the desert.
We have to enter into the desert of our spiritual existence., to hear the voice crying out of repentance, and to believe in the gospel. We cannot live too long in the desert. Once, we have listened to the voice, we have to rise and walk toward the Promise Land of endless happiness and peace. It is a continuous movement of our spiritual battle of entering into the desert, and walking towards the Promise Land. We are given the tools to fight this spsiritual battle to live a life of grace and holiness.
Jesus entered the desert and stayed for forty days. We have to look at Jesus for comfort and strength to live in the presence of God. The voice of God never ceases to call out with clarity and audacity to lead us on the path of truth and holiness: to our Promise Land. A voice of one crying out in the desert: " Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight his paths." During the season of Advent, let us not pass the opportunity to give the heed to the voice in the desert.
The honest way to heed to the voice in the desert is to be at prayer with open heart nd mind to receive the salvation of God. Avail the sacrament of reconciliation - repent of your sins and believe in the gospel. Give alms and do penance. The voice in the desert will become clearer each passing day, as you walk towards the Promise Land.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
A Birthday is celebrated...
" Recognize that your friendships celebrate your vulnerability and are proof of your humanness."
" I care about my friend's feelings. I take the time to listen..."
Thursday of July 18th, 2013 is a day memorable to a friend- an erstwhile investigative lawyer on the island of Luzon, Philippines: Leopoldo Ambubuyog. Actually, he is from Antique, another place in the Visayan group of islands.
Today at the International House of Pancake (IHOP), 5 female members of the Rosary Prayer Group of St. Hilary Church tendered him his natal day observance. What is remarkable is the fact that this group consisted of the 3 main groups of islands comprising the Philippines Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. From Luzon, two are from Pampanga, one from Bulacan, one from Ilocos Sur; from the Visayas- one from Antique and another from Negros. I am the only one from Mindanao in the province of Zamboanga del Norte.
" I care about my friend's feelings. I take the time to listen..."
Thursday of July 18th, 2013 is a day memorable to a friend- an erstwhile investigative lawyer on the island of Luzon, Philippines: Leopoldo Ambubuyog. Actually, he is from Antique, another place in the Visayan group of islands.
Today at the International House of Pancake (IHOP), 5 female members of the Rosary Prayer Group of St. Hilary Church tendered him his natal day observance. What is remarkable is the fact that this group consisted of the 3 main groups of islands comprising the Philippines Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. From Luzon, two are from Pampanga, one from Bulacan, one from Ilocos Sur; from the Visayas- one from Antique and another from Negros. I am the only one from Mindanao in the province of Zamboanga del Norte.
"Satisfy my soul...!" By: Fr. Peter Fernandes,sfx
Who can truly satisfy my soul? This question rings in the heart of every person that walk on the face of the earth. In fact, a man makes an effort to satisfy the soul, but often, fails to find a right answer. "I search for thee...in vain things, but I could not find thee, late have I found thee my God. Now I know, that my heart is made for thee, and it is restless, until it rest in thee", St. Augustine. Therefore, it is an imperative to lean on God to satisfy one's soul.
The history of humankind bespeaks the tragedy of this futile search ending in disappointment. However, the irony is that, the history continues to repeat bringing in more tears and grief. Nevertheless, what is still more tragic is that the stubbornness of human heart to recognize its failure, to amend ways, and find means to overcome the predicament with right earnest. It is a sad story of mankind to linger on in the ordinary mire, rather than to rise above to a sublime living offered by God.
Prophet Elijah performed a mighty miracle in the presence of the King Aha, the prophet of Baal and the people of Israel, when he challenged the prophets of Baal, and proved them wrong. There is only one God-Yahweh in Israel. through this mighty deed, prophet wanted to bring home the message to the King and the people, not to be afraid, but to trust in God. However, it did not go well with the queen Jezebel, and she sought to kill Prophet Elijah. This is the story of humankind, which kills the very thing that satisfies our soul.
Similar is the attitude of the people toward Jesus, who truly is the bread of life. Besides witnessing the awesome power of Jesus, and being miraculously fed, they still were not ready to place their life or faith in Jesus. On the contrary, they began to question His authority and authenticity. The modern secular culture reflects the same attitudes of indifference and doubt. The secular culture endorses consumerism and hedonism as a means to satisfy the soul, but these truly poison our souls. The secular culture's messages mislead the people, and hordes of people fall prey to their traps.
Who can satisfy my soul? Jesus assures us, "I am the bread of life. Who ever eats my flesh and drinks my blood will never feel hungry again or thirst." Therefore, why distance ourselves from the Lord, who truly satisfies our soul? We have to recognize the gift of God in His Son Jesus, repent of our sins - the stubbornness of heart- and allow Jesus to enter into our lives. When we do this we can be assured that we will be greeted with peace and joy the world cannot offer.
The history of humankind bespeaks the tragedy of this futile search ending in disappointment. However, the irony is that, the history continues to repeat bringing in more tears and grief. Nevertheless, what is still more tragic is that the stubbornness of human heart to recognize its failure, to amend ways, and find means to overcome the predicament with right earnest. It is a sad story of mankind to linger on in the ordinary mire, rather than to rise above to a sublime living offered by God.
Prophet Elijah performed a mighty miracle in the presence of the King Aha, the prophet of Baal and the people of Israel, when he challenged the prophets of Baal, and proved them wrong. There is only one God-Yahweh in Israel. through this mighty deed, prophet wanted to bring home the message to the King and the people, not to be afraid, but to trust in God. However, it did not go well with the queen Jezebel, and she sought to kill Prophet Elijah. This is the story of humankind, which kills the very thing that satisfies our soul.
Similar is the attitude of the people toward Jesus, who truly is the bread of life. Besides witnessing the awesome power of Jesus, and being miraculously fed, they still were not ready to place their life or faith in Jesus. On the contrary, they began to question His authority and authenticity. The modern secular culture reflects the same attitudes of indifference and doubt. The secular culture endorses consumerism and hedonism as a means to satisfy the soul, but these truly poison our souls. The secular culture's messages mislead the people, and hordes of people fall prey to their traps.
Who can satisfy my soul? Jesus assures us, "I am the bread of life. Who ever eats my flesh and drinks my blood will never feel hungry again or thirst." Therefore, why distance ourselves from the Lord, who truly satisfies our soul? We have to recognize the gift of God in His Son Jesus, repent of our sins - the stubbornness of heart- and allow Jesus to enter into our lives. When we do this we can be assured that we will be greeted with peace and joy the world cannot offer.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Little girl, I tell you get up By Fr. Peter Fernandes,sfx
In the face of death of a child, every parent would like to hear those words of comfort, "Little girl, I tell you get up." In fact, God our heavenly Father, does speak those words of comfort, but our empirical nature is occupied with false aspiration to listen to Him. In Jesus, God gave us a privilege to rise again, not to die once again a mortal death, but to live forever in God's kingdom. Therefore, we should rejoice in the Lord always for the gift of life, and life eternal!
From time immemorial, men perceived death as punishment from God, and an enemy of life. It is a false perception, which brought a lot of pain and sorrow to human existence. Hence, as long as we live in that perception, we continue to live in pain and sorrow. However, for those who believe and live in faith, the Risen Lord offers the gift of peace and joy even in the face of death. As Jesus assured the official, "Do not be afraid, only have faith." Faith puts to rest the commotion of the people in the face of death, as they were filled with astonishment.
The book of wisdom assures the readers that God does not take pleasure in death of the living. God is life, and in God, there is not death. "Yet God did make man imperishable, he made him in the image of his own nature; it was the devil's envy that brought death into the world, as those who are his partners will discover." Therefore, we have to grow in wisdom to decipher the plan of God for us, and live that wisdom to experience peace and joy.
True wisdom allows us to overcome the worldly temptations, and false aspiration. The secular world, devoid of wisdom, is misleading the people to falsehood and sorrow. Yet, we continue to gather material things, hoping to overcome pain and sorrow. The more we go down the path, greater is our pain, and greater is the darkness. Unless, we learn to place our trust in the Creator and sustainer of life, we cannot hope for peace and joy.
Jesus' through His Church offers us new life- eternal life. This life is offered freely through the celebrations of the sacraments. It is our choice whether to avail of that gift from God, or abstain it because of our pride and arrogance. Therefore, in humility we have to come before God to receive the outpouring of new life- the life in abundance. Indeed, if we have such disposition and faith, without doubt, we will hear from our heavenly Father the words of comfort, "Little girl, I tell you get up."
From time immemorial, men perceived death as punishment from God, and an enemy of life. It is a false perception, which brought a lot of pain and sorrow to human existence. Hence, as long as we live in that perception, we continue to live in pain and sorrow. However, for those who believe and live in faith, the Risen Lord offers the gift of peace and joy even in the face of death. As Jesus assured the official, "Do not be afraid, only have faith." Faith puts to rest the commotion of the people in the face of death, as they were filled with astonishment.
The book of wisdom assures the readers that God does not take pleasure in death of the living. God is life, and in God, there is not death. "Yet God did make man imperishable, he made him in the image of his own nature; it was the devil's envy that brought death into the world, as those who are his partners will discover." Therefore, we have to grow in wisdom to decipher the plan of God for us, and live that wisdom to experience peace and joy.
True wisdom allows us to overcome the worldly temptations, and false aspiration. The secular world, devoid of wisdom, is misleading the people to falsehood and sorrow. Yet, we continue to gather material things, hoping to overcome pain and sorrow. The more we go down the path, greater is our pain, and greater is the darkness. Unless, we learn to place our trust in the Creator and sustainer of life, we cannot hope for peace and joy.
Jesus' through His Church offers us new life- eternal life. This life is offered freely through the celebrations of the sacraments. It is our choice whether to avail of that gift from God, or abstain it because of our pride and arrogance. Therefore, in humility we have to come before God to receive the outpouring of new life- the life in abundance. Indeed, if we have such disposition and faith, without doubt, we will hear from our heavenly Father the words of comfort, "Little girl, I tell you get up."
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Who is my neighbor? By: Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx
If you cannot help a neighbor, then you should not live in the neighborhood.
"Who is my neighbor?"
At first glance, this question seems silly. why ask? Who does not know his neighbor? Humans are by nature social animals, hence, living in a community is not strange for a man, but innate to humankind. If we delve deeper, this question is more relevant today than ever before. The technological world has distanced the neighbors from each other. Gated communities have segregated society, and created more strangers than neighbors. hence, the question ought to be understood both empirically and ontologically, so we understand its precise meaning and learn how to establish communities that feature living bonds of friendship. To make these communities possible, we have to reflect on and understand the nature of man from the perspective of faith, so we can cross boundaries, and reach out to every human being as brothers and sisters who reflect the image and likeness of God. Ralph Nader once said, "When strangers start acting like neighbors... communities are reinvigorated."
Through the parable of the "Good Samaritan, "Jesus brings home the message concerning who is neighbor. No person before or after Him summarized the meaning of human existence in relation to God and neighbor as Jesus did. Jesus plainly unfolds the true nature of man, on both ontological and empirical levels: Man is created to love God with all his heart, mind, and soul, and his neighbor as himself. If we understood correctly what Jesus taught, humanity would form a perfect community. Unfortunately, that is not the reality, and it is obvious for all to behold. Consider: One part of humanity dies of hunger and thirst, while the other eats sumptuously and many die of obesity. One half of humanity enjoys all the benefits, while the other part is denied even their basic rights While one part of humanity enjoys freedom, the other is constrained. The reason is simple: We have not understood our true nature. When man disrespects his Creator and dehumanizes his neighbor, a dark spell of inhumanity is cast on the world. In light of such unbecoming behavior, William Dunbar offers positive advice: "To God be humble, to thy friend be kind, and with thy neighbors gladly lend and borrow; His chance tonight, it maybe thine tomorrow."
In the parable Jesus tells in today's Gospel, the Samaritan recognized the man who fell prey to the robbers as his own neighbor. He understood true human nature and reached out to help a person in need. Believers and non-believers acknowledge this parable as the parable of the "Good Samaritan," and rightly so. The glimpses of "Good Samaritan" are noticed in modern society at the time of natural disasters, and other calamities, but society still ignores the next-door neighbor who is in need. It is easy to send donations for a cause, but to reach out to someone next to you is challenging. If you cannot be a good neighbor to those living in close [proximity to you, you cannot be a good neighbor to those who live miles away. No doubt, it is magnificent to help suffering humanity, but it is still nobler to help those with whom you interact ordinarily, for charity begins at home. It is not surprising to realize then that Jesus summarized the whole of salvation history on two pillars that hold up the new commandment of love. Jesus tells us,"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. this is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like this: 'Love you neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hand on these two commandments." Hence, no one should dare to ask the question,"Who is my neighbor?"
"Who is my neighbor?"
At first glance, this question seems silly. why ask? Who does not know his neighbor? Humans are by nature social animals, hence, living in a community is not strange for a man, but innate to humankind. If we delve deeper, this question is more relevant today than ever before. The technological world has distanced the neighbors from each other. Gated communities have segregated society, and created more strangers than neighbors. hence, the question ought to be understood both empirically and ontologically, so we understand its precise meaning and learn how to establish communities that feature living bonds of friendship. To make these communities possible, we have to reflect on and understand the nature of man from the perspective of faith, so we can cross boundaries, and reach out to every human being as brothers and sisters who reflect the image and likeness of God. Ralph Nader once said, "When strangers start acting like neighbors... communities are reinvigorated."
Through the parable of the "Good Samaritan, "Jesus brings home the message concerning who is neighbor. No person before or after Him summarized the meaning of human existence in relation to God and neighbor as Jesus did. Jesus plainly unfolds the true nature of man, on both ontological and empirical levels: Man is created to love God with all his heart, mind, and soul, and his neighbor as himself. If we understood correctly what Jesus taught, humanity would form a perfect community. Unfortunately, that is not the reality, and it is obvious for all to behold. Consider: One part of humanity dies of hunger and thirst, while the other eats sumptuously and many die of obesity. One half of humanity enjoys all the benefits, while the other part is denied even their basic rights While one part of humanity enjoys freedom, the other is constrained. The reason is simple: We have not understood our true nature. When man disrespects his Creator and dehumanizes his neighbor, a dark spell of inhumanity is cast on the world. In light of such unbecoming behavior, William Dunbar offers positive advice: "To God be humble, to thy friend be kind, and with thy neighbors gladly lend and borrow; His chance tonight, it maybe thine tomorrow."
In the parable Jesus tells in today's Gospel, the Samaritan recognized the man who fell prey to the robbers as his own neighbor. He understood true human nature and reached out to help a person in need. Believers and non-believers acknowledge this parable as the parable of the "Good Samaritan," and rightly so. The glimpses of "Good Samaritan" are noticed in modern society at the time of natural disasters, and other calamities, but society still ignores the next-door neighbor who is in need. It is easy to send donations for a cause, but to reach out to someone next to you is challenging. If you cannot be a good neighbor to those living in close [proximity to you, you cannot be a good neighbor to those who live miles away. No doubt, it is magnificent to help suffering humanity, but it is still nobler to help those with whom you interact ordinarily, for charity begins at home. It is not surprising to realize then that Jesus summarized the whole of salvation history on two pillars that hold up the new commandment of love. Jesus tells us,"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. this is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like this: 'Love you neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hand on these two commandments." Hence, no one should dare to ask the question,"Who is my neighbor?"
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