Chicago Tribune's Front Headline (12/28/08) :
WET. WARM. WHAT'S NEXT?
DEADLIEST DAY IN GAZA IN DECADES.
The past days Chicago and its surrounding burbs were covered with snow to the point that they became like a white mountain of hard rocks. Now the snow thawed due to the advent of the pouring rain. And now officially 2008 is the wettest year in Chicago history.
Meanwhile, around the world - the Israeli airstrikes that killed hundreds sent Hamas to vow for retaliation.
On the homefront. We were privileged to have visitors from Canada who were from our hometown. Over pan pizza, we dined, talked, reminisced, joked, and laughed.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
A Voice in the Wilderness...
Why is this voice crying out in the wilderness? What kind of voice is this that we should give heed? To whom is this voice addressed and why? The leaders of the people were perplexed; hence, they sent emissaries to unwrap the mystery of the voice crying in the wilderness.
John withdrew himself to the wilderness, where he encountered God, who called him to be a voice of conscience to the people, and herald the coming of the Lord. The wilderness is very symbolic place, since there is very little to sustain life and give protection from the wild animals; one must place his life in God's hand. john learned to be humble and depended on God, who sustained him and made him a peophet to be His voice calling out for repentance.
People coming to listen to John realized how futile their life had been - all desolate and arid land. Their examination of conscience led them through the wilderness of their own life. Subsequently, they sought the baptism of repentance in order to allow God to enter into their lives and turn them into a garden of everlasting joy. Those who remained in the conformity of cities and towns missed the opportunity to walk through the wilderness in humility, and find God- the Source of joy and happiness.
The encounter with God is an awe-filled experience, which leads to humility and total surrender. John could have embraced pomp and popularity by claiming that he was the Christ, but he refrained from such ambitions.I am not Christ, not Elijah, or a prophet, but simply a voice crying in the wilderness , he insisted. "I baptize you with water; but there stands among you, unknown to you, the one who is coming after me and I am not fit to undo his sandal-strap."
John, in his journey through the wilderness, totally placed his life in the hands of God, and became a voice of good tydings. The season of advent is an opportunity for us to embark on a similar journey through our own wilderness and seek God's forgiveness and in humility be a voice of cheer this Christmas. Let us not emissaries to find the voice crying in the wilderness, but touch the feet of the Immanuel (God with us) and be a voice yourself, of good tidings .
- by Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx. Gospel - John 1: 6-8, 19-28)
(Sunday, Dec 14, 2008. I was the lector. Reading 1- Isaiah 61: 1-2a, 10-11 & reading 11 - Thessalonians 5:16-24.)
*********************************************************************************
Dec. 28, 2008 Feast of the Holy Family
HOLY FAMILY!
A good family, better world! Indeed, it is absolutely true that a good family helps to establsih a better society and a peaceful world. Family is the cradle that nourishes life to grow and blossom in the world.It is in the family that we first learn to love, to pray, to forgive and to show concern for others. If we dissect the wor Family we get F ather, A nd, M other, I i, L ove,Y ou. That is, Father And Mother I Love You. What a beautiful definition to contemplate and cherish throughout our life!
Jesus, Mary and Joseph formed a "Holy Family" of Nazareth, which became an icon for all to emulate. The family of Nazareth was centered to God. Therefore, fulfilling the will of God was their utmost priority and concern. Mary bowed her head and said: "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to thy word." Joseph welcomed Mary into his home at the words of the Angels, and protected the Mother and the Child from an evil King. Jesus loved his parents and helped them to do "His Father's will" at all times. Family is the creation of God, and sanctified through the sacrament of marriage.
Today, more than ever before, the family unit is facing an enormous challenge to protect it from annihilation, since it faces attach on every front. Marriage is not given proper respect and valued as a sacrament.It is an in thing for couples to live together and have children even before they contemplate getting married. In out time, great percentages of children are born outside wedlock; domestic violence and wife-battery is growing, and the devorce rate is overwhelming. The so called "messiah of our time" seems to have found a solution to restore respect for the family by making same-sex marriage legal. Where are we headed and what is our future?
The world crises are a symptom of a greater malady. The world leaders are just applying ointment to heal the symptoms, not realizing the sickness, which will not be healed with such attitude. All their social, economic and political policies will be ineffective, if they ignore the basic unit of society, "The Family." Jesus, the Son of God came to visit his people to bring joy, peace and healing.
The Holy Family of Nazareth showed us the way, as to how we should build a good and healthy family by doing the will of God at all times, even at the cost of death.
Good family, better world! Every child yearns to dwell in a good and loving family. Why are we afraid to create a healthy atmosphere for our children in our homes?Remember, there cannot be greater joy and happiness, than to return home where you are loved and welcomed. This bliss is contigious, but not tried very often by many. If many of us try, we can make this world a better place and a wonderful home for all of us in which to dwell. The Holy Family of Nazareth is a beacon of hope and a glorious light to dispel the darkness from our world. Let us welcome the Holy Family in our homes and in our hearts. - Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx.
Why is this voice crying out in the wilderness? What kind of voice is this that we should give heed? To whom is this voice addressed and why? The leaders of the people were perplexed; hence, they sent emissaries to unwrap the mystery of the voice crying in the wilderness.
John withdrew himself to the wilderness, where he encountered God, who called him to be a voice of conscience to the people, and herald the coming of the Lord. The wilderness is very symbolic place, since there is very little to sustain life and give protection from the wild animals; one must place his life in God's hand. john learned to be humble and depended on God, who sustained him and made him a peophet to be His voice calling out for repentance.
People coming to listen to John realized how futile their life had been - all desolate and arid land. Their examination of conscience led them through the wilderness of their own life. Subsequently, they sought the baptism of repentance in order to allow God to enter into their lives and turn them into a garden of everlasting joy. Those who remained in the conformity of cities and towns missed the opportunity to walk through the wilderness in humility, and find God- the Source of joy and happiness.
The encounter with God is an awe-filled experience, which leads to humility and total surrender. John could have embraced pomp and popularity by claiming that he was the Christ, but he refrained from such ambitions.I am not Christ, not Elijah, or a prophet, but simply a voice crying in the wilderness , he insisted. "I baptize you with water; but there stands among you, unknown to you, the one who is coming after me and I am not fit to undo his sandal-strap."
John, in his journey through the wilderness, totally placed his life in the hands of God, and became a voice of good tydings. The season of advent is an opportunity for us to embark on a similar journey through our own wilderness and seek God's forgiveness and in humility be a voice of cheer this Christmas. Let us not emissaries to find the voice crying in the wilderness, but touch the feet of the Immanuel (God with us) and be a voice yourself, of good tidings .
- by Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx. Gospel - John 1: 6-8, 19-28)
(Sunday, Dec 14, 2008. I was the lector. Reading 1- Isaiah 61: 1-2a, 10-11 & reading 11 - Thessalonians 5:16-24.)
*********************************************************************************
Dec. 28, 2008 Feast of the Holy Family
HOLY FAMILY!
A good family, better world! Indeed, it is absolutely true that a good family helps to establsih a better society and a peaceful world. Family is the cradle that nourishes life to grow and blossom in the world.It is in the family that we first learn to love, to pray, to forgive and to show concern for others. If we dissect the wor Family we get F ather, A nd, M other, I i, L ove,Y ou. That is, Father And Mother I Love You. What a beautiful definition to contemplate and cherish throughout our life!
Jesus, Mary and Joseph formed a "Holy Family" of Nazareth, which became an icon for all to emulate. The family of Nazareth was centered to God. Therefore, fulfilling the will of God was their utmost priority and concern. Mary bowed her head and said: "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to thy word." Joseph welcomed Mary into his home at the words of the Angels, and protected the Mother and the Child from an evil King. Jesus loved his parents and helped them to do "His Father's will" at all times. Family is the creation of God, and sanctified through the sacrament of marriage.
Today, more than ever before, the family unit is facing an enormous challenge to protect it from annihilation, since it faces attach on every front. Marriage is not given proper respect and valued as a sacrament.It is an in thing for couples to live together and have children even before they contemplate getting married. In out time, great percentages of children are born outside wedlock; domestic violence and wife-battery is growing, and the devorce rate is overwhelming. The so called "messiah of our time" seems to have found a solution to restore respect for the family by making same-sex marriage legal. Where are we headed and what is our future?
The world crises are a symptom of a greater malady. The world leaders are just applying ointment to heal the symptoms, not realizing the sickness, which will not be healed with such attitude. All their social, economic and political policies will be ineffective, if they ignore the basic unit of society, "The Family." Jesus, the Son of God came to visit his people to bring joy, peace and healing.
The Holy Family of Nazareth showed us the way, as to how we should build a good and healthy family by doing the will of God at all times, even at the cost of death.
Good family, better world! Every child yearns to dwell in a good and loving family. Why are we afraid to create a healthy atmosphere for our children in our homes?Remember, there cannot be greater joy and happiness, than to return home where you are loved and welcomed. This bliss is contigious, but not tried very often by many. If many of us try, we can make this world a better place and a wonderful home for all of us in which to dwell. The Holy Family of Nazareth is a beacon of hope and a glorious light to dispel the darkness from our world. Let us welcome the Holy Family in our homes and in our hearts. - Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx.
Saying Yes to the Lord....
The adage " Some men are born great, others achieve greatness, while there are still others who have greatness thrust upon them " seems to be quite inadequate when one sees it in a spiritual perspective. The Scriptures would say that we are all born "in His image and likeness" (Gen. 1:26)
Are we not all born great?
The greatness to which we are born needs to be actualized-. And to actualize this greatness we need to surrender our lives unto the Lord. As we go along the journey of life we make numerous choices. We harbor our youthful dreams of doing big things and living in a style that reflects our success. sometimes we make choices that that favor the well-being of others over our own desires. We have said, "yes" when every selfish bone in our bodies was clamoring "No!, I want to do what I want to do!" Today's Scripture readings assure us that when we prefer God's will to our desires, it is indeed a wonderful life. ( Reading 1 - 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a,16; Reading 11- Romans 16:25-27) ( I was the lector on the 11:00 AM mass )
King David had dreams of grandiose building projects. He insisted that the Ark of the Covenant, symbol of God's presence among the Israelites, should be housed in a magnificent temple. And he pictured himself as the right person to get the building job done. However, as so often happens in our lives, God had other plans. He makes it clear to David that there is nothing that a human being could build for Him that would honor Him as much as obedience to the Divine Will. It will be God who will build a house for David, not the other way around. And that house will be a secure line of descendants from which the Messiah will come forth.
Mary was seemingly no different from the other local teenagers. When the angel Gabriel informed her that she would give birth to the Son of God who would receive "the throne of David his father," Mary was understandably perplexed. Her marriage to Joseph, her reputation, her very survival in her hometown, were on the line. However, Mary said "Yes" to the angel's completely improbable message. Whatever the cost to her, she would become the house of God's presence.
Like David, we might have to humbly admit that, that God has called someone else to build the temple and grab the headlines. Our task may be unheralded but it is as important in the eyes of God. And like the Virgin Mary, we give birth to God-with-us by recognizing that we are the temples God chooses to abide in. By saying "Yes" to the often tremendous risks and terrible tensions faith demands, we become birth canals for the Lord. -Fr. Peter Fernandez,sfx.
(Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx. He is the author of A Soul In Flight-Path to Contemplation. It is spiritual poetry that reflects on a life lived in the joy, pain, and overall mystery of God's ever-loving presence.)
The adage " Some men are born great, others achieve greatness, while there are still others who have greatness thrust upon them " seems to be quite inadequate when one sees it in a spiritual perspective. The Scriptures would say that we are all born "in His image and likeness" (Gen. 1:26)
Are we not all born great?
The greatness to which we are born needs to be actualized-. And to actualize this greatness we need to surrender our lives unto the Lord. As we go along the journey of life we make numerous choices. We harbor our youthful dreams of doing big things and living in a style that reflects our success. sometimes we make choices that that favor the well-being of others over our own desires. We have said, "yes" when every selfish bone in our bodies was clamoring "No!, I want to do what I want to do!" Today's Scripture readings assure us that when we prefer God's will to our desires, it is indeed a wonderful life. ( Reading 1 - 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a,16; Reading 11- Romans 16:25-27) ( I was the lector on the 11:00 AM mass )
King David had dreams of grandiose building projects. He insisted that the Ark of the Covenant, symbol of God's presence among the Israelites, should be housed in a magnificent temple. And he pictured himself as the right person to get the building job done. However, as so often happens in our lives, God had other plans. He makes it clear to David that there is nothing that a human being could build for Him that would honor Him as much as obedience to the Divine Will. It will be God who will build a house for David, not the other way around. And that house will be a secure line of descendants from which the Messiah will come forth.
Mary was seemingly no different from the other local teenagers. When the angel Gabriel informed her that she would give birth to the Son of God who would receive "the throne of David his father," Mary was understandably perplexed. Her marriage to Joseph, her reputation, her very survival in her hometown, were on the line. However, Mary said "Yes" to the angel's completely improbable message. Whatever the cost to her, she would become the house of God's presence.
Like David, we might have to humbly admit that, that God has called someone else to build the temple and grab the headlines. Our task may be unheralded but it is as important in the eyes of God. And like the Virgin Mary, we give birth to God-with-us by recognizing that we are the temples God chooses to abide in. By saying "Yes" to the often tremendous risks and terrible tensions faith demands, we become birth canals for the Lord. -Fr. Peter Fernandez,sfx.
(Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx. He is the author of A Soul In Flight-Path to Contemplation. It is spiritual poetry that reflects on a life lived in the joy, pain, and overall mystery of God's ever-loving presence.)
Friday, December 26, 2008
Friday, Dec 26, 2008
With my wife, Eve, we watched the DVD of Pope John Paul II - A Statesman of Faith, "As the family goes, so goes the nation and so goes the world in which we live." Pope John Paul II stood as the most popular pontiff in history, a spiritual compass to almost a billion Catholics worldwide, and a powerful symbol of peace to countless others. Considered an outsider choice for the papacy in 1978, Karol Josef Wojtyla led over 16.7 million people in worship, met nearly 700 heads of state, survived an assassination attempt, and helped facilitate the end of Communism in the Soviet Union.
He is the most traveled pope in the history of the Vatican. His carefree youth in Poland, his human rights activism, his late struggle with Parkinson's disease, his compassion, and his inspiration portray a deeply loved human figure among Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
We watched - The Story of the Twelve Apostles, a chronicle of Jesus' inner circle of followers whom He gave them the staggering assignment to change the world.
Jesus, a Jew, who was crucified by telling The Truth led an ordinary 12 men to spread the Gospel of Truth.
The Twelve average men (- fishermen, farmers, local magistrates ) dedicated their lives to a prophetic Jewish preacher in the backwaters of the Roman Empire who transformed them into revolutionaries and whose life and teachings as planned by God, eventually changed the world.
Peter denied Christ three times but later became a "Rock", James and John, the fiery-tempered "sons of thunder"; Matthew, the tax collector later murdered by cannibals; Simon the Zealot, the anti-Roman fanatic eventually "cut to pieces" preaching in Spain; and Judas Iscariot, whose betrayal would be paid for with silver and suicide.
This is also about the story of the Twelves's early fear and discouragement at the shock of the Crucifixion, to the final acceptance of the resurrection and their epic mission to spread the Gospel through the known world.
These Twelve died for the Gospel to life.
With my wife, Eve, we watched the DVD of Pope John Paul II - A Statesman of Faith, "As the family goes, so goes the nation and so goes the world in which we live." Pope John Paul II stood as the most popular pontiff in history, a spiritual compass to almost a billion Catholics worldwide, and a powerful symbol of peace to countless others. Considered an outsider choice for the papacy in 1978, Karol Josef Wojtyla led over 16.7 million people in worship, met nearly 700 heads of state, survived an assassination attempt, and helped facilitate the end of Communism in the Soviet Union.
He is the most traveled pope in the history of the Vatican. His carefree youth in Poland, his human rights activism, his late struggle with Parkinson's disease, his compassion, and his inspiration portray a deeply loved human figure among Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
We watched - The Story of the Twelve Apostles, a chronicle of Jesus' inner circle of followers whom He gave them the staggering assignment to change the world.
Jesus, a Jew, who was crucified by telling The Truth led an ordinary 12 men to spread the Gospel of Truth.
The Twelve average men (- fishermen, farmers, local magistrates ) dedicated their lives to a prophetic Jewish preacher in the backwaters of the Roman Empire who transformed them into revolutionaries and whose life and teachings as planned by God, eventually changed the world.
Peter denied Christ three times but later became a "Rock", James and John, the fiery-tempered "sons of thunder"; Matthew, the tax collector later murdered by cannibals; Simon the Zealot, the anti-Roman fanatic eventually "cut to pieces" preaching in Spain; and Judas Iscariot, whose betrayal would be paid for with silver and suicide.
This is also about the story of the Twelves's early fear and discouragement at the shock of the Crucifixion, to the final acceptance of the resurrection and their epic mission to spread the Gospel through the known world.
These Twelve died for the Gospel to life.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Christmas 2008 (12/24/25,2008
It's the dawning of a new day. And the past reverberates but tells us that it is the presence of some. Today is the future of others.
My e-mails were numerous. Friends who hibernated for a long time have found a haven to get a rest and spend the while to a moment with friends to say hi and how are you. These are the people that I care about and be with. At this point what really matters is the relationship. It is not the money, the personal possessions accumulated through the years, the degrees added to your resume'. What matters in our journey are memories that we have with people we care about and love. The route that we have taken is essential as they lead us to our destination - the citadel of memories.
I love the way that I have traveled. It is colorful, smooth, rough, rugged, zigzag, and dangerous sometimes. As I look back, a grin in my face appears. the thought of that memories seems like a great escape. And I cherish those moments with people of different sizes, colors, creeds, and habits.
It's the dawning of a new day. And the past reverberates but tells us that it is the presence of some. Today is the future of others.
My e-mails were numerous. Friends who hibernated for a long time have found a haven to get a rest and spend the while to a moment with friends to say hi and how are you. These are the people that I care about and be with. At this point what really matters is the relationship. It is not the money, the personal possessions accumulated through the years, the degrees added to your resume'. What matters in our journey are memories that we have with people we care about and love. The route that we have taken is essential as they lead us to our destination - the citadel of memories.
I love the way that I have traveled. It is colorful, smooth, rough, rugged, zigzag, and dangerous sometimes. As I look back, a grin in my face appears. the thought of that memories seems like a great escape. And I cherish those moments with people of different sizes, colors, creeds, and habits.
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Saturday, October 18, 2008
A Tale of Two Classmates ( Or a Profile of a Man as a Classmate)
" A good friend has a place in your life, he honors you, respects you, and never deserts you at the approach of danger."
One autumnal night as I punched the desktop computer keys,( was learning how to use a computer) I was unconsciously led to a website that paved the way to my high school Alma Mater's Alumni Association - Ateneo de Zamboanga. And to my great surprise, I saw the email - rogermijares_51@yahoo.com. Our Class' 57 valedictorian is Manuel Mijares. Why Roger? I thought for a second, Did Manuel change his name or this is only his email address.
" A good friend has a place in your life, he honors you, respects you, and never deserts you at the approach of danger."
One autumnal night as I punched the desktop computer keys,( was learning how to use a computer) I was unconsciously led to a website that paved the way to my high school Alma Mater's Alumni Association - Ateneo de Zamboanga. And to my great surprise, I saw the email - rogermijares_51@yahoo.com. Our Class' 57 valedictorian is Manuel Mijares. Why Roger? I thought for a second, Did Manuel change his name or this is only his email address.
Excitement enveloped my being. High school days are here. Wonderful memories inundated my psyche'. Still fresh, the struggles of city life in a different environment away from home. It's sheer work and study from Tetuan on a bicycle, slicing the road on a sunny or rainy day to the city where Ateneo de Zamboanga was located.
Anyway, I did email him recalling our high school nights. We were on last night high school of the Ateneo de Zamboanga.
And what do you know! He responded through his son who is a bigshot, a retired colonel. Roger Mijares, that is.
The Colonel responded:
Sir Greg,
I am Colonel Roger V. Mijares PA (Ret) the eldest son of your classmate, Manuel Mijares. I registered his name in the OAR ADZU for your Golden Jubilee last December 2007, thus my e-mail address.
Papang is staying with me now. He retired from the government service (DTI) some time ago and celebrated his 82nd birthday last March 18 this year. Mamang is also with me.
And what do you know! He responded through his son who is a bigshot, a retired colonel. Roger Mijares, that is.
The Colonel responded:
Sir Greg,
I am Colonel Roger V. Mijares PA (Ret) the eldest son of your classmate, Manuel Mijares. I registered his name in the OAR ADZU for your Golden Jubilee last December 2007, thus my e-mail address.
Papang is staying with me now. He retired from the government service (DTI) some time ago and celebrated his 82nd birthday last March 18 this year. Mamang is also with me.
He is okay, but have some difficulty in walking due to his arthritis.
Thanks so much for remembering him... I'll inform him tomorrow about your email (it's 11:27 pm now). He's already asleep.
Were you able to attend your Golden Jubilee Homecoming? Are you staying in the Philippines or abroad Sir?
Attached are some pictures of Papang.
Roger. (Thu 16 Oct 2008 11:am)
*****************************
( Sat Oct 18, 2008, 2:14 PM) I replied.
******************
Then Roger emailed back:
Sir Greg,
Greetings from the Mijares Family here in Zamboanga City!
Family breakfast time this morning was filled with excitement for Papang as I informed him of the email you sent him. His face was full of smiles as I mentioned your name to him..."Yes!"He said, "I still remember him!... he was my classmate in the last night high school of Ateneo de Zamboanga...and was our class Salutatorian. He is a very intelligent person..."Further, he said, "Please tell him I am thankful for remembering me by sending an email..."
"As regards to the family, tell him that God is so good to me and my family...for giving me a loving wife Andrea, a retired public high school teacher now; seven (7) wonderful children: Roger - a retired Army colonel, Teresa- a School Nurse at Ateneo de Zamboanga University High School Dept., Bernadette - Chief Nurse in one of the Hospitals in Antipolo City, Rizal, Manuel Jr - a Civil & Geodetic Engineer connected with DPWH Region IX, Jorge - an Insurance Agent, Eliza - a Registered Nurse and Miriam - an Optometrist.
Tonight after dinner (after checking my incoming emails...) I again informed Papang of your latest email. The more he got excited, and immediately answered your queries...He said- "So, he is residing in the US... how nice...Ask him, what was his occupation and where he was working when he retired in 1974 ..."
"As far as I know, the following classmates have already gone with the Lord - Ricardo Rivero, Emerito Reyes & Gumersindo Mendoza...During our Golden Jubilee - only three (3) of us were able to attend, namely: Antonio Lacastesantos, Artemio Santiago and me..."
Lastly, please also inform me that I'm staying with you here in Zone 3, San Roque, Zamboanga City and thank him for including our family in his prayers."
Thanks for the email to Papang.
Roger (Sat 18 Oct 2008 7:24 am)
*******************************
The Tale of Two Classmates
From the Windy City (Chicago) 12:56 am Monday of 2008
Dear Classmate,
I missed the golden Jubilee Homecoming in 2007. And I am far from the Philippines' shore.
(I was an educator in the Philippines before I came to the States in 1974 as an immigrant. In America, I worked as a stockman, Clerk, Assistant Rate Clerk, Assistant Traffic Clerk, Transportation, and Traffic Analyst at J. T. Ryerson Steel Co. I am also an Insurance Broker. I retired four years ago but still actively working as an insurance salesman and busy with the world of the Internet).
After our graduation at the Ateneo de Zamboanga, I went to pursue my studies at the Zamboanga School of Arts & Trades to take up Drafting but it was short-lived. I meandered for a while savoring the tempting sweet city, teen life. Then I took a summer job at the harbor pilot tug boat through the recommendation of Capt. Cervero, a master pilot of the Zamboanga Pilot Association, responsible for docking foreign ships at Zamboanga City pier.
With that earned money, I ventured to Mountain View College, a vegetarian Seventh-Day Adventist School in Bukidnon, the summer capital of the Philippines. I learned lots of things during my one year of stay at that College - 15 kilometers away from the highway. It was a meatless year; no worldly music. Instead, I heard songs of brooks and streams. There was tranquility; there was a religion whose day of rest was Saturday. This college was financed by the U.S. dollar.
Mountain View College was nestled in vast hectares of farmland dotted by sugarcanes, potatoes, pineapples, corn, rice, soya beans, and green leafy vegetables. The vast tract of land owned by the College consisted of plains and valleys surrounded by streams and creeks. It has a hydroelectric plant that generated electricity and at night the College campus appeared to be a city in the wilderness. The male students were housed in the Boys Dorm while the female students at the Girls Dorm. Rules and regulations were to be observed strictly on - no smoking, no drinking, no meat. Once a student is caught breaking rules, he/she is sent home. Half-day is work; the other half is for studies. I stayed for only a year.
Homeward bound.
Home beckoned me only to be persuaded by our town priest to see the Bishop of Zamboanga City (during the Boys' Scout World Jamboree in Pasonanca) so I could study at the Jesuit-run San Jose' Seminary in Highway 54 now called EDSA to take up priesthood. Three of us were supposed to go but only two succeeded.
Thanks so much for remembering him... I'll inform him tomorrow about your email (it's 11:27 pm now). He's already asleep.
Were you able to attend your Golden Jubilee Homecoming? Are you staying in the Philippines or abroad Sir?
Attached are some pictures of Papang.
Roger. (Thu 16 Oct 2008 11:am)
*****************************
( Sat Oct 18, 2008, 2:14 PM) I replied.
******************
Then Roger emailed back:
Sir Greg,
Greetings from the Mijares Family here in Zamboanga City!
Family breakfast time this morning was filled with excitement for Papang as I informed him of the email you sent him. His face was full of smiles as I mentioned your name to him..."Yes!"He said, "I still remember him!... he was my classmate in the last night high school of Ateneo de Zamboanga...and was our class Salutatorian. He is a very intelligent person..."Further, he said, "Please tell him I am thankful for remembering me by sending an email..."
"As regards to the family, tell him that God is so good to me and my family...for giving me a loving wife Andrea, a retired public high school teacher now; seven (7) wonderful children: Roger - a retired Army colonel, Teresa- a School Nurse at Ateneo de Zamboanga University High School Dept., Bernadette - Chief Nurse in one of the Hospitals in Antipolo City, Rizal, Manuel Jr - a Civil & Geodetic Engineer connected with DPWH Region IX, Jorge - an Insurance Agent, Eliza - a Registered Nurse and Miriam - an Optometrist.
Tonight after dinner (after checking my incoming emails...) I again informed Papang of your latest email. The more he got excited, and immediately answered your queries...He said- "So, he is residing in the US... how nice...Ask him, what was his occupation and where he was working when he retired in 1974 ..."
"As far as I know, the following classmates have already gone with the Lord - Ricardo Rivero, Emerito Reyes & Gumersindo Mendoza...During our Golden Jubilee - only three (3) of us were able to attend, namely: Antonio Lacastesantos, Artemio Santiago and me..."
Lastly, please also inform me that I'm staying with you here in Zone 3, San Roque, Zamboanga City and thank him for including our family in his prayers."
Thanks for the email to Papang.
Roger (Sat 18 Oct 2008 7:24 am)
*******************************
The Tale of Two Classmates
From the Windy City (Chicago) 12:56 am Monday of 2008
Dear Classmate,
I missed the golden Jubilee Homecoming in 2007. And I am far from the Philippines' shore.
(I was an educator in the Philippines before I came to the States in 1974 as an immigrant. In America, I worked as a stockman, Clerk, Assistant Rate Clerk, Assistant Traffic Clerk, Transportation, and Traffic Analyst at J. T. Ryerson Steel Co. I am also an Insurance Broker. I retired four years ago but still actively working as an insurance salesman and busy with the world of the Internet).
After our graduation at the Ateneo de Zamboanga, I went to pursue my studies at the Zamboanga School of Arts & Trades to take up Drafting but it was short-lived. I meandered for a while savoring the tempting sweet city, teen life. Then I took a summer job at the harbor pilot tug boat through the recommendation of Capt. Cervero, a master pilot of the Zamboanga Pilot Association, responsible for docking foreign ships at Zamboanga City pier.
With that earned money, I ventured to Mountain View College, a vegetarian Seventh-Day Adventist School in Bukidnon, the summer capital of the Philippines. I learned lots of things during my one year of stay at that College - 15 kilometers away from the highway. It was a meatless year; no worldly music. Instead, I heard songs of brooks and streams. There was tranquility; there was a religion whose day of rest was Saturday. This college was financed by the U.S. dollar.
Mountain View College was nestled in vast hectares of farmland dotted by sugarcanes, potatoes, pineapples, corn, rice, soya beans, and green leafy vegetables. The vast tract of land owned by the College consisted of plains and valleys surrounded by streams and creeks. It has a hydroelectric plant that generated electricity and at night the College campus appeared to be a city in the wilderness. The male students were housed in the Boys Dorm while the female students at the Girls Dorm. Rules and regulations were to be observed strictly on - no smoking, no drinking, no meat. Once a student is caught breaking rules, he/she is sent home. Half-day is work; the other half is for studies. I stayed for only a year.
Homeward bound.
Home beckoned me only to be persuaded by our town priest to see the Bishop of Zamboanga City (during the Boys' Scout World Jamboree in Pasonanca) so I could study at the Jesuit-run San Jose' Seminary in Highway 54 now called EDSA to take up priesthood. Three of us were supposed to go but only two succeeded.
Off we went, not on a plane but on a slow boat to Manila. And we were excited to be met by a Jesuit priest driving a jeep at the Manila pier. We were assigned each a guardian angel- a seminarian who will guide and help answer questions as we were neophytes, so to speak.
I was amazed that after a few days and some examinations I was assigned to a higher English Class while my companion was on English 101.
I learned that these seminarians were devoid of carefree outside teen-age adventures. After dinner, there was a 30- minute break where we met other minor seminarians to chat on any topics under the moon and the stars.
These minor seminarians were totally innocent of the rough and tumble world of the restless, the fearless, and the innocent. I dished out stories of courtships, of serenading, of school dances, of childish pranks and mischiefs like stealing a chicken, sugarcane, mangoes which are a no-no nowadays. They were saintly innocent. I told them that the real outside world is fraught with temptations as the snake of Eden lurks in every corner waiting and wishing. They loved my take.
These minor seminarians yearned for my presence after dinner to listen to my often exaggerated stories of fun, frolics, escapades, and spur of the moment tales.
However, the Seminary was not appealing to me. I went calmly outside amidst the glory and promise of a further study in Rome. I remembered that opportunities loomed on the horizon of the daring, the gutsy, the persevering, the dreamer. I squarely faced the world of reality.
The itch
There was that longing to come home. It was still the best place even though how humble. I learned to love the soil. I became a farmer but the horizon was limited. Some of my afternoons after a farming break were spent with farmer neighbors playing volleyball and other times hanging with friends, playing basketball, and enjoying the locals' favorite drink the "tuba'". That was comparable to beer and cheaper.
Back to the classroom
Meanwhile, I moved on to blaze the trail of trials and thrills. I went back to the classrooms and this time to drink the aged wine of education. I studied at Zamboanga AE Colleges, befriended announcers, writers, the learned, and lovers of life. They were: radio announcers - Abe Sappal (Carl Dumas over the radio), Romy Enriquez, writers - Cesar Aquino, Rommel Corro, Barjamin Jubaira (son of Ibrahim Jubaira, a classmate of Emmanuel Pelaez, who made him a Philippine attache' in Kuala Lumpur and the first Filipino short story writer to be known outside the country and the Philippines' Free Press short story awardee), professors Atty. Romulo Plagata, Mr. Amora, Zoology teacher, and Mr. Labad, Air ROTC instructor. My weekends were spent with them. who were both from Marawi, Lanao. with their favorite kinilaw of rare tuna and cases of soft drinks Coke or Pepsi. We don't go for hard drinks and I loved it. Mr. Amora was a UST graduate. With them, I learned that I am also a child of this world and I have the right to occupy a space on the planet earth.
A Literary Editor
At ZAEC's school paper, I was delighted to be a Literary Editor when I wrote a short, short story titled the Valley called Kipit and a free verse poem about a teenager's life. I was sort of academically active during my college years but I don't belong to any Student Activist Group. I am the son of a humble hamlet farmer, the reason why I abstained myself from being connected with these so-called elite students.
Editor-in-Chief of Andres Bonifacio College., Dipolog City
Satisfaction was foreign to my young psyche'. I transferred to Dipolog, the city of Orchids. A luminous star always followed me even in my darkest hours. Its glow directed me out of harm's way. I sat on the chair of an Editor-in-Chief of the Andres Bonifacio College paper after a series of examinations. My school obligations were spared.
Debater and Student Council President
With that experience, I went back to the City of Flowers- Zamboanga city. Once more the Flower of Talent bloomed; its sweetness wafted and permeated the air of La Hermosa, Preciosa Ciudad. I found myself cornered in the College of Education where we won a debating contest against the College of Law which was a first in the history of the College of Education. Usually' it was the College of Law who dominated the intercollegiate debating world. I was also the president of the Summer Class Student Council, the very reason why Mr. Rodolfo Canivel, the director of Philippine Muslim College, Jolo, Sulu offered me to teach in both high school and college. He even asked me to bring teachers to teach the National Language, English Grammer and Literature, History, ( 2 ) Math, Science, and a Bandmaster. I opted to teach English Literature in High School and English in College.
Beyond Expectation
Finally, with the transfers and taking of different courses, I have enough units to complete a Bachelor of Science in Education degree with a major in History and a minor in English at Zamboanga AE College.( Courses taken were: AB, Commerce, BSEEd, BSE). These were beyond my wildest expectation.
The Test
Finally, after so many road tests and road maps, I was back in the classrooms. This time it was no longer to listen and take notes but to give exams and dish out words of wisdom. And this ushered me to the cities of Jolo, Basilan, and Dipolog.
The Result
I taught English and Literature at the Philippine Muslim College, Jolo, Sulu. I was an adviser of the Schoolpaper for one year. Basilan City's Claret College of Isabela accepted me to teach English and as an adviser of the Schoolpaper when Ulbert Ulama "Bob" Tugung took the bar exam in Manila. I grasped the opportunity. Bob Tugung, an intelligent person, became a very good friend, almost a brother to me. Those were happy days in Isabela. We were with the press and he taught me the rudiments of writing and the principles of how to win friends and influence people. I have a column in the Basilan Times. Bob Tugung earned an honorable position after the Martial Law and also met his untimely demise. ( I read about it when I was abroad.) My prayer and respect to Bob.
Then the RVM director of Ferrer High School in Labason, ZN convinced me to share my God-given talent with the school. I have a two-year teaching stint with that school. The next move was with the Dipolog School of Fisheries, Dipolog City until the wind of change swept the Philippines after the Martial Law in September of 1972. The die is cast. I have no option but to migrate to America in 1974, through the courtesy of a district school nurse, Evangeline Rueles Caermare who answered the call of Cupid. Along this vein, I acknowledged my indebtedness of gratitude to her. She became my best half. Without her, America would only be a dream.
America is a place of many questions but has all the answers. It welcomes everybody. According to the Filipino writer, Carlos Bulosan, America is in the heart. Indeed, it is! And also, it is on how you look at it as "beauty belongs to the beholder." Dr. Wayne W. Dyer wrote, " Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change. You were intended out of love; you must be love in order to intend."
The student
I am still a student; a man with the desire to learn as Life offers so much to be learned and digested. I am happily married to a Registered Labor and Delivery Nurse and have two sons.
I was a member of the Cursillo and the Charismatic Group. Now, I am active with Church activities as a lay minister, a lector, and a 4rth degree member of the Knights of Columbus.
Farewell!
Goodbye my classmate, May you fare well!
Addendum: Thank you Manuel for asking. By the way, extend my regards to the host of our high school graduation party, Artemio Santiago. May God bless his family, to Antonio Lacastesantos and his family my sincere greetings. And to the rest of our classmates, if you ever hear about them or cross path with, I wish them more wonderful birthdays to come. Tell them to email or write to me as Christmas is fast approaching.You are all in our prayer My wife and I are devotees of the Mother of Perpetual Help, Santo Nino', The Black Nazarene, and the Lady of Penafrancia.)
Hail Ateneo hail, on to the fray. Once more our foes assail, in the strong array. Once more the blue and white held on high, we sing our battle cry, we do or die. March on, march on, march on to victory. March on, march on, march on with loyalty. To the fight, to the fight to win our loyal strife. Hail...
Sincerely,
Greg
Note: Manuel Mijares was our class Valedictorian and I was the Salutatorian due to lack of residency. Manuel said in the email through his son Roger, a retired army colonel. " I stll remember him. He was my classmate in the last night high school of Ateneo de Zamboanga and was our class salutatorian.. He is a very intelligent person... Please tell him, I am thankful for remembering me by sending an email."
The itch
There was that longing to come home. It was still the best place even though how humble. I learned to love the soil. I became a farmer but the horizon was limited. Some of my afternoons after a farming break were spent with farmer neighbors playing volleyball and other times hanging with friends, playing basketball, and enjoying the locals' favorite drink the "tuba'". That was comparable to beer and cheaper.
Back to the classroom
Meanwhile, I moved on to blaze the trail of trials and thrills. I went back to the classrooms and this time to drink the aged wine of education. I studied at Zamboanga AE Colleges, befriended announcers, writers, the learned, and lovers of life. They were: radio announcers - Abe Sappal (Carl Dumas over the radio), Romy Enriquez, writers - Cesar Aquino, Rommel Corro, Barjamin Jubaira (son of Ibrahim Jubaira, a classmate of Emmanuel Pelaez, who made him a Philippine attache' in Kuala Lumpur and the first Filipino short story writer to be known outside the country and the Philippines' Free Press short story awardee), professors Atty. Romulo Plagata, Mr. Amora, Zoology teacher, and Mr. Labad, Air ROTC instructor. My weekends were spent with them. who were both from Marawi, Lanao. with their favorite kinilaw of rare tuna and cases of soft drinks Coke or Pepsi. We don't go for hard drinks and I loved it. Mr. Amora was a UST graduate. With them, I learned that I am also a child of this world and I have the right to occupy a space on the planet earth.
A Literary Editor
At ZAEC's school paper, I was delighted to be a Literary Editor when I wrote a short, short story titled the Valley called Kipit and a free verse poem about a teenager's life. I was sort of academically active during my college years but I don't belong to any Student Activist Group. I am the son of a humble hamlet farmer, the reason why I abstained myself from being connected with these so-called elite students.
Editor-in-Chief of Andres Bonifacio College., Dipolog City
Satisfaction was foreign to my young psyche'. I transferred to Dipolog, the city of Orchids. A luminous star always followed me even in my darkest hours. Its glow directed me out of harm's way. I sat on the chair of an Editor-in-Chief of the Andres Bonifacio College paper after a series of examinations. My school obligations were spared.
Debater and Student Council President
With that experience, I went back to the City of Flowers- Zamboanga city. Once more the Flower of Talent bloomed; its sweetness wafted and permeated the air of La Hermosa, Preciosa Ciudad. I found myself cornered in the College of Education where we won a debating contest against the College of Law which was a first in the history of the College of Education. Usually' it was the College of Law who dominated the intercollegiate debating world. I was also the president of the Summer Class Student Council, the very reason why Mr. Rodolfo Canivel, the director of Philippine Muslim College, Jolo, Sulu offered me to teach in both high school and college. He even asked me to bring teachers to teach the National Language, English Grammer and Literature, History, ( 2 ) Math, Science, and a Bandmaster. I opted to teach English Literature in High School and English in College.
Beyond Expectation
Finally, with the transfers and taking of different courses, I have enough units to complete a Bachelor of Science in Education degree with a major in History and a minor in English at Zamboanga AE College.( Courses taken were: AB, Commerce, BSEEd, BSE). These were beyond my wildest expectation.
The Test
Finally, after so many road tests and road maps, I was back in the classrooms. This time it was no longer to listen and take notes but to give exams and dish out words of wisdom. And this ushered me to the cities of Jolo, Basilan, and Dipolog.
The Result
I taught English and Literature at the Philippine Muslim College, Jolo, Sulu. I was an adviser of the Schoolpaper for one year. Basilan City's Claret College of Isabela accepted me to teach English and as an adviser of the Schoolpaper when Ulbert Ulama "Bob" Tugung took the bar exam in Manila. I grasped the opportunity. Bob Tugung, an intelligent person, became a very good friend, almost a brother to me. Those were happy days in Isabela. We were with the press and he taught me the rudiments of writing and the principles of how to win friends and influence people. I have a column in the Basilan Times. Bob Tugung earned an honorable position after the Martial Law and also met his untimely demise. ( I read about it when I was abroad.) My prayer and respect to Bob.
Then the RVM director of Ferrer High School in Labason, ZN convinced me to share my God-given talent with the school. I have a two-year teaching stint with that school. The next move was with the Dipolog School of Fisheries, Dipolog City until the wind of change swept the Philippines after the Martial Law in September of 1972. The die is cast. I have no option but to migrate to America in 1974, through the courtesy of a district school nurse, Evangeline Rueles Caermare who answered the call of Cupid. Along this vein, I acknowledged my indebtedness of gratitude to her. She became my best half. Without her, America would only be a dream.
America is a place of many questions but has all the answers. It welcomes everybody. According to the Filipino writer, Carlos Bulosan, America is in the heart. Indeed, it is! And also, it is on how you look at it as "beauty belongs to the beholder." Dr. Wayne W. Dyer wrote, " Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change. You were intended out of love; you must be love in order to intend."
The student
I am still a student; a man with the desire to learn as Life offers so much to be learned and digested. I am happily married to a Registered Labor and Delivery Nurse and have two sons.
I was a member of the Cursillo and the Charismatic Group. Now, I am active with Church activities as a lay minister, a lector, and a 4rth degree member of the Knights of Columbus.
Farewell!
Goodbye my classmate, May you fare well!
Addendum: Thank you Manuel for asking. By the way, extend my regards to the host of our high school graduation party, Artemio Santiago. May God bless his family, to Antonio Lacastesantos and his family my sincere greetings. And to the rest of our classmates, if you ever hear about them or cross path with, I wish them more wonderful birthdays to come. Tell them to email or write to me as Christmas is fast approaching.You are all in our prayer My wife and I are devotees of the Mother of Perpetual Help, Santo Nino', The Black Nazarene, and the Lady of Penafrancia.)
Hail Ateneo hail, on to the fray. Once more our foes assail, in the strong array. Once more the blue and white held on high, we sing our battle cry, we do or die. March on, march on, march on to victory. March on, march on, march on with loyalty. To the fight, to the fight to win our loyal strife. Hail...
Sincerely,
Greg
Note: Manuel Mijares was our class Valedictorian and I was the Salutatorian due to lack of residency. Manuel said in the email through his son Roger, a retired army colonel. " I stll remember him. He was my classmate in the last night high school of Ateneo de Zamboanga and was our class salutatorian.. He is a very intelligent person... Please tell him, I am thankful for remembering me by sending an email."
Sunday, October 12, 2008
10/12/08- Sunday
Promises made...
Many make promises, but only few fulfill their pledge. The evidence is crystal clear during the election year. Gullible , we fall the bite of the campaigning politicians so easily, even as we are called upon to exercise our noble duty to cast our vote. No wonder, election fever is griping the citizens, as we are taken for a ride once again with false hopes and promises for a better tomorrow. Despite betrayals, we continue to place our trust! Why?
The prophet Isaiah gives the answer, on behalf of God., to his people who were in distress. An extraordinary promise is being made to wipe out every tear from their eyes and restore their dignity with the eternal hope of salvation. Is this also going to be just another promise to be broken and to shatter their dreams? too many promises had been conked out; consequently, the confidence of the people about their future had turned bleak.
God fulfills His promise in time, in His son Jesus to restore confidence, and a glorious hope for a better tomorrow. This explains why we keep hoping for a superior future, despite continuous betrayals from our leaders. God is our ultimate refuge and anchor, in whom we trust. He makes promises and never fails to fulfill them in His time; to fill our lives with His blessings and grace.
On the holy mountain, the God of hosts will prepare a banquet, and remove the mourning veil by destroying death forever. Jesus, the Son of God and Redeemer prepared the eternal banquet on the Holy Mountain and by His own death on the cross, destroyed death itself though His Resurrection. Promise made, promise fulfilled!
At baptism, we made a promise to God to live as His loving children, with hearts filled with faith, hope and love. Have I kept my promise to God? Or like our secular leaders, have I betrayed God over and over again.We had promise Jesus to share His life with others to restore confidence and to bestow the hope of a glorious future, by our life of faith, love, charity, forgiveness, truthfulness and sacrifices,It is time we come back to our sense and live up to our promises and the call of Jesus our Savior. Promise made... promise should be fulfilled!
-Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx.
Promises made...
Many make promises, but only few fulfill their pledge. The evidence is crystal clear during the election year. Gullible , we fall the bite of the campaigning politicians so easily, even as we are called upon to exercise our noble duty to cast our vote. No wonder, election fever is griping the citizens, as we are taken for a ride once again with false hopes and promises for a better tomorrow. Despite betrayals, we continue to place our trust! Why?
The prophet Isaiah gives the answer, on behalf of God., to his people who were in distress. An extraordinary promise is being made to wipe out every tear from their eyes and restore their dignity with the eternal hope of salvation. Is this also going to be just another promise to be broken and to shatter their dreams? too many promises had been conked out; consequently, the confidence of the people about their future had turned bleak.
God fulfills His promise in time, in His son Jesus to restore confidence, and a glorious hope for a better tomorrow. This explains why we keep hoping for a superior future, despite continuous betrayals from our leaders. God is our ultimate refuge and anchor, in whom we trust. He makes promises and never fails to fulfill them in His time; to fill our lives with His blessings and grace.
On the holy mountain, the God of hosts will prepare a banquet, and remove the mourning veil by destroying death forever. Jesus, the Son of God and Redeemer prepared the eternal banquet on the Holy Mountain and by His own death on the cross, destroyed death itself though His Resurrection. Promise made, promise fulfilled!
At baptism, we made a promise to God to live as His loving children, with hearts filled with faith, hope and love. Have I kept my promise to God? Or like our secular leaders, have I betrayed God over and over again.We had promise Jesus to share His life with others to restore confidence and to bestow the hope of a glorious future, by our life of faith, love, charity, forgiveness, truthfulness and sacrifices,It is time we come back to our sense and live up to our promises and the call of Jesus our Savior. Promise made... promise should be fulfilled!
-Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
Last Wednesday, September 10/08, Tom Llorente, a friend and I attended a Bible study class at St. Lambert Church in Skokie, Illinois. Rev. Welsh, a retired Roman Catholic priest gave the lecture.
He gave us a looking back on the days of Paul as a persecutor and evangelist. Fr. Welsh brought us to the days of the Roman Empire and that great minds were found among the Greeks who worshiped many gods.
He gave us a looking back on the days of Paul as a persecutor and evangelist. Fr. Welsh brought us to the days of the Roman Empire and that great minds were found among the Greeks who worshiped many gods.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
"True love is neither physical nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be and will not be."
When things go the other way which is the least that we expected what are we going to do. Do we really care when things go awry? This is the test of authenticity. Or are we just plastic; fake, that is.
September is almost the end of summer;
soon leaves will begin to fall. Old man winter
comes out with white paint to color the earth
making it beautifully immaculate.
When things go the other way which is the least that we expected what are we going to do. Do we really care when things go awry? This is the test of authenticity. Or are we just plastic; fake, that is.
September is almost the end of summer;
soon leaves will begin to fall. Old man winter
comes out with white paint to color the earth
making it beautifully immaculate.
" Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.
The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything;
THEY JUST MAKE THE BEST OF EVERYTHING THEY HAVE."
Life is wonderful. The earth provides us the marvel.
It is for us to unravel its mystery.
When I was a kid, I loved to walk in the rain.
The inviting and invigorating rain nourished
the living plants and animals. It offered nourishment
to my soul.
And I survived the storm of worry on
how to pursue my goal despite of the lack of some things.
Now as the storm looms in the horizon,
I right away reviewed my steps on how to dance in the rain.
Let us dance.
Let us make the best of every minute
that we have to spare on this earth!
The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything;
THEY JUST MAKE THE BEST OF EVERYTHING THEY HAVE."
Life is wonderful. The earth provides us the marvel.
It is for us to unravel its mystery.
When I was a kid, I loved to walk in the rain.
The inviting and invigorating rain nourished
the living plants and animals. It offered nourishment
to my soul.
And I survived the storm of worry on
how to pursue my goal despite of the lack of some things.
Now as the storm looms in the horizon,
I right away reviewed my steps on how to dance in the rain.
Let us dance.
Let us make the best of every minute
that we have to spare on this earth!
(Matt 14:13-21 )
See and Perceive
We see, but not perceive. Seeing and perceiving the reality is pivotal to give us new perspective to enrich our lives with clearer vision. People travel the world and claim that they have seen the place and they know the people, but they are taken by surprise on their return visit. One needs to interiorize what one sees with the physical eyes, in order to grow in wisdom and understanding.
The rich man and poor Lazarus in the parable of Jesus, allow us to find the variation of seeing and not perceiving. The rich man saw poor Lazarus lying at his gate, but rather, allowed his dogs to lick him.
We are in such a hurry, that we often overlook the reality, and other times, we choose to ignore the truth. In biblical terminology, it is a sin of omission. In our neighborhoods, we pretend that we have not noticed Lazarus lying at our door step, or walking our streets, in our neighborhood.
The disciples of Jesus were in a rush to let people go, as they wanted their dinner, and rest for the night. Unlike, Jesus, the disciples saw the people but did not perceive the need to feed the people, who too were hungry and tired. Jesus truly recognized their condition and needs, and shared with them what he had, to satisfy their hunger.
The ability to perceive is a gift of God. It is given to those who come with humility, simplicity and faith. Riches of this world harden our heart, and make us proud and arrogant, which is why, we see but do not perceive. Day by day, poverty and misery compound the lives of the millions of Lazarus' around th world. Do not allow them to go hungry; give them some food yourselves.
-Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx.
See and Perceive
We see, but not perceive. Seeing and perceiving the reality is pivotal to give us new perspective to enrich our lives with clearer vision. People travel the world and claim that they have seen the place and they know the people, but they are taken by surprise on their return visit. One needs to interiorize what one sees with the physical eyes, in order to grow in wisdom and understanding.
The rich man and poor Lazarus in the parable of Jesus, allow us to find the variation of seeing and not perceiving. The rich man saw poor Lazarus lying at his gate, but rather, allowed his dogs to lick him.
We are in such a hurry, that we often overlook the reality, and other times, we choose to ignore the truth. In biblical terminology, it is a sin of omission. In our neighborhoods, we pretend that we have not noticed Lazarus lying at our door step, or walking our streets, in our neighborhood.
The disciples of Jesus were in a rush to let people go, as they wanted their dinner, and rest for the night. Unlike, Jesus, the disciples saw the people but did not perceive the need to feed the people, who too were hungry and tired. Jesus truly recognized their condition and needs, and shared with them what he had, to satisfy their hunger.
The ability to perceive is a gift of God. It is given to those who come with humility, simplicity and faith. Riches of this world harden our heart, and make us proud and arrogant, which is why, we see but do not perceive. Day by day, poverty and misery compound the lives of the millions of Lazarus' around th world. Do not allow them to go hungry; give them some food yourselves.
-Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
The irony...
The opposite realities come together, and yet, find a meaningful encounter, which makes joyful "the irony".The Sunday has two names: Palm Sunday and Passion Sunday. This sounds bit strange; it sounds like saying that it is a Sunday to rejoice and a Sunday to mourn. Well, it is precisely that,which completes the meaning of the day's celebration.
The days which followed this event unfolded the sad side of the irony. The people who are shouting "Hosanna to the Lord" and spreading their garments on the wayside, will cry out even louder. "Crucify Him!" Human nature becomes crystal clear. Human beings always want to tread on the popular road. We, so easily let go of our values and discipline. Jesus, on the other hand, endures passion and death; he takes the difficult path for our sake.
When the earthly kings come to town, he comes with power and might. The Heavenly King, who is King of all kings comes as a servant. "Say to the daughter of Zion; look your King comes to you, he is humble, he rides on a donkey and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden." What an irony!
"Cursed be the man who hangs on the tree." The death of Jesus on the cross transforms everything, and from now on, the cross becomes a life-giving tree. As St. Paul would say: "for Jews, the cross of Christ became a stumbling block, and for Greeks a folly, but for us believers the wisdom and power of God." What an irony!
We face ironies every day of our lives. Let us face them with courage and faith. Even though we might have to walk a difficult road, let us not falter, but be always on the side of God, rather than, to walk the popular road, which leads to doom.
-Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx
The opposite realities come together, and yet, find a meaningful encounter, which makes joyful "the irony".The Sunday has two names: Palm Sunday and Passion Sunday. This sounds bit strange; it sounds like saying that it is a Sunday to rejoice and a Sunday to mourn. Well, it is precisely that,which completes the meaning of the day's celebration.
The days which followed this event unfolded the sad side of the irony. The people who are shouting "Hosanna to the Lord" and spreading their garments on the wayside, will cry out even louder. "Crucify Him!" Human nature becomes crystal clear. Human beings always want to tread on the popular road. We, so easily let go of our values and discipline. Jesus, on the other hand, endures passion and death; he takes the difficult path for our sake.
When the earthly kings come to town, he comes with power and might. The Heavenly King, who is King of all kings comes as a servant. "Say to the daughter of Zion; look your King comes to you, he is humble, he rides on a donkey and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden." What an irony!
"Cursed be the man who hangs on the tree." The death of Jesus on the cross transforms everything, and from now on, the cross becomes a life-giving tree. As St. Paul would say: "for Jews, the cross of Christ became a stumbling block, and for Greeks a folly, but for us believers the wisdom and power of God." What an irony!
We face ironies every day of our lives. Let us face them with courage and faith. Even though we might have to walk a difficult road, let us not falter, but be always on the side of God, rather than, to walk the popular road, which leads to doom.
-Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Tuesday,July 22/08
How it feels to be 82
Monday , July 21 Frank Obina was tendered a Birthday Party at 6234 N. Washtenaw by his daughters Minda, Rosa and Chelang , son, David and wife Teddy with tasty lechon on lemon grass, Guam's favorite dishes of kilagwin chicken- half-broiled chicken chopped into small pieces with lemon and lime juice, salt and pepper to taste , kilagwin shrimp - the shelled shrimps sliced with lemon and lime juice, salt and pepper. There was the eggplant in coconut milk another Guam's specialty. Also the very tasty potato salad (rosette potato diced, eggs , sweet relish, pimiento in bottle, mayonaise)
Ist Stop
With Frank Obina, his wife, a son ,3 daughters, Buddy (Nissan driver) , my wife and I- we journeyed to glimpse Illinois' what's- near- to- Chicago's spots to see. We tramp ride- to view what's in the Botanic garden in Glencoe. The Garden amazed us with its nature's abundance of fauras and faunas. Varieties of flowers, trees, shrubs and herbs. Geese dots its ponds not to mention squirrels in glee hopping through the branches. The Japanese garden offered awe, serenity and tranquility.
2nd Stop
China town in the Southside on Cermak was the launch's break venue. Jolly Jee welcomed us with its sumptous menu of gustatory delight. Ordered were: soup, duck, beef, pork, seafood, eggroll, chilled avocado. Nine people were satisfied.
3rd Stop
Navy Pier enticed us to its Chicago River Architecture Cruise.( Price: $24.00 regular & $21.00 for Seniors). Brigitte, the teacher turned tour guide soaked our inquiring minds and amused us with her phrase of " in the world" on the salient informations about the history of the "windy city" that is Chicago's nickname due to its politicians referred to as "full of winds'; hence "windy"and its architectural designs manifested on its array of buildings - condos, offices, residentials, hotels. As the boat plowed and slithered across the Chicago river, the guide showed us the remnant from the shooting of the movie "The Dark Night" and the building that Spider man climbed.
Chicago derived its name from the native Indians who called the low-lying, prairie area as Chicagou, "smelly onion patch." The forest of skycrapers dotting the Chicago river had its primeval roots in the 1770s. Chicago's architectural history is shaped by 2 major events: balloon frame construction and the famous Chicago fire. The balloon frame construction started in the 1830s. This is a Chicago invention of building in sections that let homes be assembled" as quickly as you could inflate a balloon." This innovative concept was used later to build towns from Chicago across the nation to the West Coast."
4th Stop
Broadway and Argyle- the Vietname-Chinese business hub. Frank's friend Joe Co spoled us with the "so much food" at Furama , a Chinese restaurant.
Stories Revealed:
Joe Co & Frank Obina on the next blog.
How it feels to be 82
Monday , July 21 Frank Obina was tendered a Birthday Party at 6234 N. Washtenaw by his daughters Minda, Rosa and Chelang , son, David and wife Teddy with tasty lechon on lemon grass, Guam's favorite dishes of kilagwin chicken- half-broiled chicken chopped into small pieces with lemon and lime juice, salt and pepper to taste , kilagwin shrimp - the shelled shrimps sliced with lemon and lime juice, salt and pepper. There was the eggplant in coconut milk another Guam's specialty. Also the very tasty potato salad (rosette potato diced, eggs , sweet relish, pimiento in bottle, mayonaise)
Ist Stop
With Frank Obina, his wife, a son ,3 daughters, Buddy (Nissan driver) , my wife and I- we journeyed to glimpse Illinois' what's- near- to- Chicago's spots to see. We tramp ride- to view what's in the Botanic garden in Glencoe. The Garden amazed us with its nature's abundance of fauras and faunas. Varieties of flowers, trees, shrubs and herbs. Geese dots its ponds not to mention squirrels in glee hopping through the branches. The Japanese garden offered awe, serenity and tranquility.
2nd Stop
China town in the Southside on Cermak was the launch's break venue. Jolly Jee welcomed us with its sumptous menu of gustatory delight. Ordered were: soup, duck, beef, pork, seafood, eggroll, chilled avocado. Nine people were satisfied.
3rd Stop
Navy Pier enticed us to its Chicago River Architecture Cruise.( Price: $24.00 regular & $21.00 for Seniors). Brigitte, the teacher turned tour guide soaked our inquiring minds and amused us with her phrase of " in the world" on the salient informations about the history of the "windy city" that is Chicago's nickname due to its politicians referred to as "full of winds'; hence "windy"and its architectural designs manifested on its array of buildings - condos, offices, residentials, hotels. As the boat plowed and slithered across the Chicago river, the guide showed us the remnant from the shooting of the movie "The Dark Night" and the building that Spider man climbed.
Chicago derived its name from the native Indians who called the low-lying, prairie area as Chicagou, "smelly onion patch." The forest of skycrapers dotting the Chicago river had its primeval roots in the 1770s. Chicago's architectural history is shaped by 2 major events: balloon frame construction and the famous Chicago fire. The balloon frame construction started in the 1830s. This is a Chicago invention of building in sections that let homes be assembled" as quickly as you could inflate a balloon." This innovative concept was used later to build towns from Chicago across the nation to the West Coast."
4th Stop
Broadway and Argyle- the Vietname-Chinese business hub. Frank's friend Joe Co spoled us with the "so much food" at Furama , a Chinese restaurant.
Stories Revealed:
Joe Co & Frank Obina on the next blog.
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