CONSTANT FLUX

Dear Baby Jesus, 

      I wish this Christmas that Mama would give me a “tab or a cellular phone”.Thank you     baby Jesus.

Love,
Dale

       A very simple wish for my 5 year-old cousin reflects me of so many things that I myself am guilty of it sometimes. Suppose a 5 year-old kid wishing to cause a tab or cellular phone for the intention of making himself attuned in the “techy-world” is something thought provoking. Why is that so? I could even think back during my childhood years when I asked about something, my mother could not afford to buy, she eventually got mad and said, “AYAW IN TAWON UG PAHALA DIHA KAY POBRE RA TA”.  With the rise of technology, new-age generation of teenagers has also evolved into a world dependent on gadgets, tablets, cellular telephones, or even taking on computer games and the like. Making ourselves aware of this globalization makes us also participate in a very confident fashion or in a very negative approach depending on which we choose to show ourselves. The really important thing is that we are totally aware of this style today.

 One Sunday afternoon, when I went to Colon Street, Cebu City and purchased something for myself, I happened to pass by and had my snacks at Jollibee besides Metro Gaisano. Upon going into the fast food eating place, four young boys approached me and asked me for a money to buy food. I hesitated to give money because I doubted if they would buy food to feed themselves. Instead, I, myself, bought food for them to make certain they would feed their hungry selves.

Perhaps, we can ask this question: Who is/are of great importance in this world?

       Our duty towards neighbors must be stressed in this ephemeral world. Recognizing their existence is a valuable thing to manage. Taking in a purpose summarizes after all their existence. Truly, it’s a God’s grace. In this present cosmos, we are really fussy with our priorities. These priorities enable us to forget the “other” beings of our being. Selfishness and self-interest become facets of the ego. The duty cannot function because of these. This is very crucial especially in a society in which the marginalized have become voiceless then. Others would ask, does God punish them because they have become irresponsible to the resources God have given them? Yes, we cannot question God, only we can nonetheless suppose that even in worst case scenarios of people, God is always with us. At times when we feel hopeless, God makes Himself available for us. All we require is to approach His Divine will and providence.  
     

Constant flux as it is named. Changes have become inevitable these days. But, I hope these changes of lifestyle, changes of interest, and the like would somehow bring in something which is good. That it also benefits the least or the marginalized in the society.  For example, a rich kid would always live in a very commodious and prosperous life. While the hapless one, experiences, struggles and problems upon living in this ephemeral world. Why is that so? This would get us into the “Nativity” scene of our Lord Jesus Christ. He, being the Son of God, opted to be born poor. He preferred to hold out as a poor person acquiring the virtues of heaven. The distinguishing factor does not rely on the status of one individual but his/her strong belief that Jesus was delivered for the sake of him/her.

      The image of baby Jesus in the manger would summarize our thoughts that God so much loved us because He let His son experience human conditions like us except sin. Whatever our status in life, whether rich or poor,  able or disable, young or old, skillful or unskillful, and the like, are nothing before Jesus. What matters most is our relationship with Him. What matters most is how we also love our brothers and sisters in the society . How we show mercy and compassion to our least brothers and sisters. They too must be given utmost care and protection. Who is of great importance in this world? The answer is WE..... We are all important in this world. God is so generous to us. We must give what is due to Him. Our good deeds toward our brothers and sisters can be very significant.

Changes in the society have become rampant. I hope that we can still remember these children everyday and this Christmas season.  

               

           
It is always good to GIVE LOVE ON CHRISTMAS DAY then .....

            

Christus Magister Noster

“You are a very good pupil.” These are the words I often picked up from my teacher in Grade 1 then whenever I answered correctly every activity that we delivered in class.  But, those were the times that I could not acknowledge what was the actual significance of the adjective “good”. Days and years had passed, I graduated in elementary and in high school, and I got familiarized with the adjective “good”. I studied philosophy for four years but then I still wondering why most of the priests were very good formators then. Mind you, my parents never addressed me as a “good” son probably because both of them were not habituated to hear praises from their parents during their childhood years. Though they are teachers and I believe they are good teachers because their students have a high regard with them. It was passed down to my generation with the same blueprint of not praising everyone and anyone in the household. I can show only that they praise their students simply not their sons and daughter. Hahahaha… Kidding, I have become but this is genuine.  

        What is really the meaning of “good”?

I took a regency program after I finished philosophy in the seminary. When I engaged in the teaching profession, I found myself capable of turning “good”. It was because my relationship with the students deepened my faith so much in the Lord. I took good care of His youth; His students. He entrusted to me His students to become good and to set a good example to other young people in today’s world. By all means, what I did was truly evangelization and a mission. To be with young people with diverse attitudes and family background is always a challenge and at the same time a spirit-filled experience. Acknowledging their limitations and accepting their own battles and problems made me a better person as well. It simply defined my reason and purpose why I was sent to them as a teacher.  

Looking myself amidst the threat of the modern world brings me to a realization that life is always a purpose. I may for a time not ready because I am weak when it comes to qualifications. There are instances in life that you cannot take away with the notion of low self-esteem. Surroundings that never support a plan make me weak and lack in comprehension in judgment or appraisal. Why is this happening to a man who strives hard for others? I make a judgement that God wants to make us strong in every struggle we have encountered. He wants us to face them and learn from them so that we will become strong all throughout the days of our life.

          Studying theology completes my quest about saying “good” to me and to the people around me. My experience with the “good” helps me to understand better the plan of God for me. I had a good experience in teaching the youth. I had encountered good people when I was outside the portals of the seminary. I had good teachers and advisers who really helped me discern my vocation. Everything in this world is good I believe. But, everything comes from the ultimate good, Jesus Christ himself. He is the reason why I pursue theology. He is not just a good teacher but the best teacher who knocks at my heart and says; PLEASE TAKE GOOD CARE OF MY STUDENTS.

Everyone dreams to become HOLY!

The first two web logs that I created were products of my own vision and creative abilities..hahaha... This is my first time to introduce into a BLOGGER's world. hhahah.. It is an enjoyable activity; creating a blog, publish it so that friends can know,  observe,  and comment as well. In this third situation of mine, though nonetheless a product of my imagination, hahahha.. I somehow focus on one of the YOUTH ACTIVITIES in the Archdiocese,  that is; VOCATION JAMBOREE...hahahahahahaha..

The Call to HOLINESS is 

everybody's BUSINESS. Though not a fitting translation, but that's it..hhahahhhaha...

 Listening to mentors or to elders is an important aspect in life.  As the saying goes, "Mother knows best." We must listen to our mothers..hahahha.... or else we get lost..

Young people were listening to the instructions of the speaker about what to do and how the program proceeded. 

Reminiscing our youthful days adds ingredients to our spirit.....

Being a friend to everyone is always an asset of a young man...hahahha

The dream youth buddies....hhahahahahh

Yes, I was there present in a single-day  event last November 15, 2014. It was held in USJR-Balamban Campus, of the Archdiocese of Cebu, Philippines.  A successful event, though, the mini-Vocation Jamboree was truly an activity that the Youth loved so much. I became an eyewitness of some sort and it was an amazing experience because young adults were very interested in the so-called VOCATION. Though in mind they have already a hint on what to follow, but a living example is what they are looking for. They spoke to different members of different Congregations and asked questions about "vocation". Indeed, they were contented with what they were experiencing. 

Evangelizing the youth of today is always a heavy challenge for us future priests. As custodians of God's flock, we must constantly remind ourselves that the future of the church is in the hands of the Youth. Holding up their activities makes them recognize that the Church is always their ally. Young adults of today are truly the prototype of the future Catholic Church. 

The Mini-Vocation Jamboree ended with the Eucharistic Celebration presided over by the Auxiliary Bishop of Cebu, His Excellency Emilio "Boy" Bataclan, D.D..

In answering God's call, we respond: HERE, I AM LORD

JESUS loves the Youth...

We have nothing to worry. Jesus is always present in our midst because He unconditionally loves us despite our shortcomings.

How lovely YOU are to me.

LISTEN because  I am your FRIEND. 

*Evangelization and the Youth*

In today's world, the use of young people must be visible. Their purpose must be highlighted and stressed in this newfangled universe of engineering. Yes, a good deal of them are struggling to take in the brightness of Jesus Christ. That's why certain programs in different parishes and campuses are developed due to this event. To evangelize the youth is an add-on to the elements of becoming a faithful company in the name of religion.

Christian believers must promote programs for the growth of the young person in the parish. By this, a solution can be acted to such pressing issue. Honest enough, youth members are effective in the parish. They are extremely talented and creative. The very point is to utilize their creativity and talents to evangelize other young people. By all means, they do theology. God is, indeed, happy if they apply their gifts wisely and effectively in the service of others. 

Evangelizing the youth of today is basically introducing Jesus into their spirits. Jesus, as the ground of our existence, bears a great passion for the young. It is likewise called "stewardship". A custodian must also take full care of his property; one of those is the youth. Thus, in that location is always an authentic relationship involved in evangelizing the young. It is always patterned after the kinship between God and His people.

Knowing JESUS more

Encountering JESUS

Bringing Jesus to the lives of  the faithful