How do you remain a child to your Father? - Daily Reflections September 30,2013

THE WARRIOR IS A CHILD

 

I am especially inspired every time I hear the song “The Warrior Is a Child,” especially the line that says, “Deep inside this armor, the warrior is a child.” It is true and touches the heart of everyone who keeps on fighting the good fight of life, trying to be brave and strong, standing tall and proud in facing life’s challenges and travails. But at the end of the day, we are down on our knees as we pray to God and call Him our Father, needing His love, comfort and grace.

       The greatness of a child lies not in his appearance, but in the disposition of his heart. A child is always open to explore new things and learns from his experiences. As we grow older, we accumulate lessons and valuables in life that sometimes we do not want to trade or risk with new ones. We become too attached to our possessions and entitlements that we forget that, in the end, we come to God with only our bare selves.

       The song reminds us to be humble in front of God as He also invites us to be humble in our dealings with others. By humbly recognizing that we are prone to sin, we are in a better position to lead a life of righteousness, not only for God but for others, keeping in mind our lives’ witness to His Word. And finally, the Gospel answers the very question it asks: “For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.”

       May we learn from children the disposition to be always empty so that we may be filled by and with God’s grace. Like children, may we become a vessel of His outpouring love, willing to be emptied and be filled and be shared with others.

       This is God’s invitation: that we become strong for others and for ourselves, as in a warrior ready for the battles of life, but always returning to God’s embrace for His love, comfort and grace, as a child does. Fr. Erick Y. Santos, OFS

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: How do you remain a child to your Father?

 

Lord, thank You for giving me the strength to face life and the littleness to remain Your child. Amen.

How do you follow in your life the principles of Pondo ng Pinoy? - Daily Reflections September 29,2013

SHARE MORE

 

Today’s Gospel has become the basis of the Theology of Crumbs popularized by the Archbishop Emeritus of Manila, Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales whose brainchild, Pondo ng Pinoy, finds its inspiration from the story of the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man would feast at his table while Lazarus was at his doorsteps, waiting for the crumbs that would fall from his table. But he was deprived even of the crumbs. Dogs would occasionally come and lick the sores on Lazarus’s body. Finally, both Lazarus and the rich man died. Lazarus went to the bosom of Abraham where he found his just reward while the rich man went to the netherworld where he experienced indescribable torment.

       It is clear that Lazarus, who suffered in silence and lived a destitute life without any complaint, was given the reward of a much-deserved afterlife. His only concern for survival were the crumbs which, ironically, were taken away from him due to the rich man’s indifference and insensitivity.

       The rich man went to the netherworld because he already had his fill on earth. He was not punished because he was rich but because he failed to feel the needs of those who were asking for his help. He could have given a portion of his bountiful meal to the beggar, but he chose not to.

       The First Reading speaks of complacency of people who lay upon beds of ivory, drinking the best wine and anointing themselves with costly oil. The Second Reading suggests that we should “pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.”

       Paul’s challenge to Timothy is to “compete well for the faith.” And it can only be achieved if we learn to share whatever we have, not those we do not need but the ones important to us. Competing for the faith means painfully sharing a part of ourselves to others.

       Learn to share. And share more. It’s the beginning of a grand investment and you’ll be assured of a real good life — in the bosom of Abraham! Fr. Erick Y. Santos, OFS

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: How do you follow in your life the principles of Pondo ng Pinoy?

 

Lord, show me Lazarus every day that I may be able to feed and nourish him. Amen.

Are you willing and ready to offer your life to the Lord? - Daily Reflections September 28,2013

MARTYRDOM, ANYONE?

 

We commemorate today the Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila, the first canonized Filipino martyr-saint. Almost always, when we speak of martyrdom, we think of shedding one’s life for a greater cause, either for the country or for the faith, or for both. Lorenzo Ruiz gave up his life for the faith: “I am a Christian, and for Christ I will offer a thousand lives if I have them,” hence, giving pride to our country for having a simple but dedicated man elevated to the rank of the saints. Who among us today will be willing to do even a fraction of this great sacrifice?

       The Gospel today finds Jesus telling His disciples, “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.” Of course, His disciples did not understand Him, they kept asking themselves what that meant. They were confused, for they were not ready to embrace the great sacrifice that was looming in the horizon for their great Master. But Lorenzo, in his lifetime, knew. And he embraced it. The witnessing of Lorenzo Ruiz, his act of courage and fidelity to his life of faith, is truly worthy of emulation.

       The First Reading today captures the disposition of Lorenzo’s heart. Even amidst the torments and insults he experienced in Japan when he was asked to denounce his faith, he did not falter because he experienced the glory of God, the encircling wall of fire we read in Zechariah today. Lorenzo was assured that the Lord will come to dwell in him, and he offered his great sacrifice as his greatest gift to God Himself.

       Martyrdom today does not demand us to shed our blood, or even give up all our possessions for God, if only to show our radical witnessing to His love. The today only wants us to be always ready to embrace sacrifices as He did in His earthly ministry, culminating in His death and the victory of the cross.

       We can also be martyrs for Christ. And this we do by living out our faith in the Lord. Let Lorenzo Ruiz be our guide.

       San Lorenzo Ruiz, pray for us. Fr. Erick Y. Santos, OFS

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Are you willing and ready to offer your life to the Lord?

 

Lord, You made our brother Filipino, San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila, a shining example of how it is to be God’s servant. May we, in our ordinariness, be willing to offer extraordinary sacrifices for the glory of Your name. Amen.

 

Who is Jesus to you? - Daily Reflections September 27,2013

JESUS, HU U?

 

One chapter of The Catechism for Filipino Catholics reveals the three most popular images of Jesus, the third of which is that of the Sacred Heart. It speaks of the heart so meek and mild, the heart which symbolizes the unconditional love of Jesus for His people. The second most popular is that of the Black Nazarene. No wonder that the largest annual religious procession in the country happens in the populous commercial district of Quiapo where the Black Nazarene’s Basilica is located. Filipinos also find it easy to relate to the Black Nazarene because we have our own share of crosses as a people. The hard life, which is our communal cross, unites us with the suffering black image that seems to tell us that the crosses we carry are just small portions of the bigger cross that Jesus endured for our salvation. And the most popular among the three is the image of the Santo Niño. Every Catholic household in the Philippines has an image of the Santo Niño. Filipinos find it easy to relate to a simple and innocent child.

       Having many images of Jesus in our minds, He asks His Apostles as to who He is according to the people. Different people had different beliefs as to who Jesus was. Some believed He was John the Baptist who had risen back to life, others Elijah, while others thought that He was one of the prophets of old who has come back. But it was Peter who made the great confession: “You are the Christ of God!”

       The Gospel today allows us to reflect on how we look at and recognize Jesus. Randomly asking my former parishioners during a sermon as to who Jesus was for them, I received various answers. One said He is a “Friend” while another said, “Stronghold.” Others said, “Miracle Worker,” while a Fundamentalist said, “Lord and Savior.” One said Jesus is “Hope” while another, “Love.”

       Imagine Jesus asking you today: “Who do you say that I am?” What will your answer be? Fr. Erick Y. Santos, OFS

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Who is Jesus to you?

 

Lord, different people of different ages called You by different names. I keep You so dearly in my heart. You are my Jesus, my treasure. Amen.

Are you ready to welcome Jesus at any time of your life? - Daily Reflections September 26,2013

PREPARING EARLY

 

Even if the Gospel seems to focus on Herod’s confusion over who Jesus is, its underlying message is about the persons of John the Baptist and Elijah. We recall that these two persons were precursors of Jesus, the ones called to prepare the way of the Lord.

       It is timely that, in a few months, it will be the Advent season once again. And for us Filipinos, Christmas starts this month,  September. The “ber” months have begun. This is an invitation for us to prepare, just as John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus.

       I would remember when I was much younger, Nanay and Tatay were very gracious hosts — they were simply the best! Whenever we had visitors coming, the first thing that would come to their mind was what food to serve, where to let them stay, to whom to introduce them, where to bring them for leisure or tours, and what to give them when they leave. The same thoughts went with unexpected or unannounced visits, only this time, the preparations would be instant. But they still managed to find ways to prepare. And this style of hospitality, I have proudly inherited from Nanay and Tatay. But, why do we prepare, really?

       We prepare for a lot of reasons, but it boils down to our intention to offer what is best. It shows the extent of our love manifested in our preparation.

       The invitation to us today is to welcome the Messiah even if we are not yet ready. Instead of living in denial, just like what Herod did, let us allow Jesus to enter our lives when we are still preparing for His home in us, while still thinking what best to give Him. By doing this, we are giving the Messiah the room to rule over our lives, to change us while we consciously work to improve ourselves. While having a fully prepared heart and spirit is commendable, nothing beats a welcoming, humble self to allow the Messiah in, even amidst chaos and confusion.

       And this disposition of a welcoming heart I will forever attribute to my dear Nanay and Tatay. Fr. Erick Y. Santos, OFS

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Are you ready to welcome Jesus at any time of your life?

 

Lord, help me to prepare my heart and my life for Your coming. Amen.

How do you serve as an “extension” of Jesus to others? - Daily Reflections September 25,2013

POOR BUT EMPOWERED

 

Priests have different charisms. We have priest healers in the country: Frs. Suarez, Corsie Legaspi, Diwane Cacao and Joey Faller are some of them. We have priests known for their exceptional eloquence in preaching: the likes of Frs. Sonny Ramirez, OP, Jerry Orbos, SVD, and several others.

       These modern priests are like the Apostles of long ago. They draw their strength, charisms and authority from the Lord Jesus.

       But the Apostles were personally empowered by the Lord. They were faced with far more challenging tasks. They were to drive away demons and cure diseases. They were His extensions. Yet, in spite of the enormous empowerment they received, they were compelled to remain humble. They were not even allowed to bring second tunics. They were sent as virtual beggars, bringing almost nothing on their journey, and would live through limited provisions and whatever their gracious hosts would offer.

       But the possibility of receiving harsh treatment and painful rejection was always present. Yet, it was enough for them that it is the Lord who sent them out to proclaim the Good News.

       We can imagine the Apostles’ strength and enthusiasm, not so much about the prospect of traveling as it was no ordinary outing. It was their immersion, their outreach, their mission — all finding their roots in the very mission and vocation of Christ. And we are sure they ended up victorious on account of the power of the One who sent them and transformed them to be strong, sturdy and determined missionaries. Indeed an inspiring story of ordinary people sent by the Lord to fulfill His tasks. The Lord empowered them with all the grace they needed to effectively proclaim the Good News.

       We share in this mission. We receive the same empowerment. May we, like the Apostles, succeed in healing the brokenhearted, reaching out to those in need, curing their emotional and physical ailments, and helping them embrace and live the Good News. Fr. Erick Y. Santos, OFS

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: How do you serve as an “extension” of Jesus to others?

 

Lord, may I endure willingly all the sufferings and rejections while bringing Your Gospel to others. Amen

Can you now consider yourself worthy of being called Jesus’ mother and brother? - Daily Reflections September 24,2013

TITLES AND RECOGNITIONS

 

Do not cling to any entitlement. Once you do, you are bound to be disappointed because you will not be alone in the quest for the privilege you are eyeing for. Chances are, many other people will try to grab the same, and it will be a circus out there. You will end up fighting for something that was not yours in the first place.

       We see this exactly in the Gospel reading today. In the midst of the unruly crowd amazed with the preaching and miracles of Jesus, His mother and brothers wanted to get close to Him, but it was impossible. Somebody called Jesus’ attention to it, but Jesus only replied, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.”

       What is the Lord actually saying to us today? He wants us to be like His mother and brothers who listen to His Word and abide by them, and not merely become bystanders and onlookers. Even to His own mother, Jesus would not as easily bestow the privileged title of being His only mother, but instead, opens the doors for anyone who listens and follows Him, to be His mother and brothers.

       I can only assume that this statement of Jesus reached Mary and His disciples, but they did not mind because they were confident of Jesus’ love — the kind of love which includes others worthy of the same love they had experienced from Him.

       Do not long for the ocean unless you are ready to experience unquenchable thirst. Stop trying. Surrender. You can live without the titles, which, until today, you hold dear to you. If you really are doing what you are supposed to be doing, fulfilling what you are supposed to be fulfilling, and satisfying what you are supposed to be satisfying, then your actions will speak highly of who you are. There is no more need for you to cling to mere titles and empty labels that only men formulated. And Mary and Jesus’ disciples knew this too well. Fr. Erick Y. Santos, OFS

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Can you now consider yourself worthy of being called Jesus’ mother and brother?

 

Lord, allow me to serve You quietly and humbly just like Mary. Amen.

How generous are you in sharing your talents and gifts with the Church and community? - Daily Reflections September 23,2013

SHINING THROUGH

 

When Susan Boyle, a big, fat lady with “unkempt hair,” sashayed in the weirdest possible way on stage during one elimination night of Britain’s Got Talent a few years ago, she was met with laughter and heckling among the audience, who found her unfit for the competition. Until they heard her sing. Eventually, the unknown choir singer from a small, far-flung parish became an overnight sensation. The rest is history.

       The Gospel today makes it clear that one’s light should not be concealed but be seen for it to fulfill its being that — light! Persons are gifts, wrapped differently, but with something to offer. The Church is a potent avenue for people who have something to share to others.

       I myself felt that I had nothing to offer. The thought of being a priest puzzled me to no end because I don’t look or sound like a priest. As a new priest in Pasig, while sporting a shirt and casual denim pants before the Mass, someone asked me, “Where is the priest?” I whispered to myself, “Wait ‘til you see me in my soutane.” When he saw me a few minutes later, he exclaimed, “Oh, you’re a sacristan?” But the Lord, despite my unworthiness, made me His priest. As I delve deeper into the realm of self-offering, the more the Lord showers me with every good gift beyond my imagination.

       St. Pius of Pietrelcina, or Padre Pio, was an unassuming Capuchin monk who never wanted to be in the limelight. There was even a time when he was not allowed to celebrate Mass publicly to avoid making a spectacle out of the miracles happening in his celebrations. But it could not be concealed for long. He became more popular, especially as a sought-after confessor. Despite his desire to stay obscure and unnoticed, the more that his light shone and became known all over the world.

       The Lord invites us to let our lights shine. To those who unselfishly share whatever they have, more will be given. Those who choose to keep the gifts to themselves, the little that they have will be taken away. The time is now. You’ve got it. Let your light shine! Fr. Erick Y. Santos, OFS

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: How generous are you in sharing your talents and gifts with the Church and community?

 

Lord, may I humbly offer the best of myself to You and others each and every day of my life. Amen.

How do you deal with money and how important is it to you? - Daily Reflections September 22,2013

SINGLEHEARTED SERVICE   St. Francis, a privileged son of a wealthy merchant, Pietro Bernardone, was a happy-go-lucky young man who, together with his friends, spent boisterous nights of drinking and fun in ancient Assisi. Until, as a knight, he saw the horrors of war. Upon his conversion, he decided to give and throw away to an excited mob of poor people the expensive textiles his father was selling. He left the Bernardone household, recognizing God as his only Father. He and his eventual followers decided to embrace Lady Poverty.        The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “A theory that makes profit the exclusive norm and ultimate end of economic activity is morally unacceptable. It is one of the causes of the many conflicts which disturb the social order.” Furthermore, “a system that subordinates the basic rights of individuals and of groups to collective organization of production is contrary to human dignity. Every practice that reduces persons to nothing more than a means of profit enslaves man, leads to idolizing money, andcontributes to the spread of atheism” (CCC no. 2424).        You cannot serve both God and mammon. Many relationships have been adversely affected by money. Friends and families have been divided because of worldly cares. Even siblings have come into conflict against each other because of how their parents’ wealth should be divided.        I once told my parents, “Tatay, Nanay, thank you for teaching us, your children, to love one another and avoid having quarrels. We assure you that we, your children, will never go against one another just because of our parents’ riches and money — because we have nothing to quarrel about.”        While we can use money to a good end, like serving God, our hearts should never be divided between God and money. The end should always be for the common good, for a better life and a more solid relationship with God. Money is temporary. God is forever. And we’re bound to love and serve only that which will never end. Fr. Erick Y. Santos, OFS   REFLECTION QUESTION: How do you deal with money and how important is it to you?   Lord, allow me to see You more clearly, follow You more nearly, and love You more dearly. Amen.

Who are the women in your life and how did they contribute to who you are now? - Daily Reflections September 20,2013

WOMEN

 

It is not Mother’s Day, but I will dwell on mothers and women in general, of whom our Gospel speaks of highly today. After all, the church wouldn’t be the same without women. Our lives would not be complete without them.

       I particularly remember the story that a good friend shared with me about his relationship with women while he was growing up. He is now 30 years old, but he has only seen his mother in person twice! He practically grew up with his maternal grandmother when his parents separated more than 25 years ago. After the separation, his mother left to work abroad and eventually established a new family there.

       It was not a very easy start. My friend would tell me that the first time his mother came home after 15 years of being away, he was in a dilemma: how was he supposed to accept the fact that he literally did not know his mother? He had only seen her in old photos, heard her voice recorded on cassette tapes, read her handwritten letters at most five times in 15 years. He felt no connection to the person introduced to him as his mother. He was in deep pain. His mother was in deeper pain. His grandmother was in deepest pain.

       Good thing, everything is water under the bridge now. Realizing that life is too short to be spent on negative emotions, my friend, through the grace of God and continuous guidance of his family and friends, slowly tried to mend their broken hearts and afflicted spirits. His mother has become his source of strength and courage, primarily through his grandma’s encouragement.

       Both women, as did all the other women in his life, helped him mature. And with the help of God, my friend (a spiritual son to me) is now in the seminary and will be a priest soon in the country where his mother resides.

       Much like in today’s Gospel, may we recognize the role of women in our lives and never forget to thank them for their gift of love and nourishment, which we all experience, especially when we were growing up. Fr. Erick Y. Santos, OFS

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Who are the women in your life and how did they contribute to who you are now?

 

Lord, You allowed women to journey with You in Your ministry. May I love and give importance to the women that You have given me. Amen.

What one most precious thing would you be most willing to part with for the love of the Lord? - Daily Reflections September 19,2013

GIVING UP SOMETHING PRECIOUS

FOR A GREATER TREASURE IN JESUS

 

My father, Tatay to me and my parishioners before, was the epitome of a priest’s father. From 1989 until he fell ill more than two years ago, he would visit me every day in whatever parish I was assigned. He’d come and cook my meals — every single day. But I was never affectionate to my father. I loved him dearly but, for some reason, I would not kiss him or make “mano” (kiss his hand). I hardly noticed  his presence as I was always busy in both parish and school work.

       Even when he was already being brought in and out of the hospital when he fell sick, I still couldn’t visit him. Same reason — I was busy. Until one night, I just felt the urge to visit him. It broke my heart that he had shrunk physically. I mustered enough courage to embrace and kiss him for the first time! I wanted to convey to him my love, affection and concern, which I failed to show him when he was still strong. Between sobs, I told him how sorry I was for not spending time with him when he was still strong and healthy. Whatever we spent for his hospitalization was immaterial, and I would even do everything and give up anything for him. Two days later, he died. (I didn’t want to think that he died of shock when I kissed him.)

       The sinful woman in the Gospel approached Jesus and started to put alabaster ointment on His feet, her tears literally washing His feet as a sign of repentance. The people who were there, who knew her as a woman of ill repute, resented what she was doing. But it was her way of showing deep remorse for her shady past. The ointment could have been her most prized possession, yet it did not matter anymore. All she wanted was to return to the Lord and be forgiven.

       Jesus found in her heart a sincere desire to be pardoned and to start following Him. Sadly, not too many people now are willing to part with their attachments just to be reconciled with the Lord. Fr. Erick Y. Santos, OFS

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: What one most precious thing would you be most willing to part with for the love of the Lord?

 

Lord, teach me to be detached from worldly possessions and be attached only to You. Amen.

How do you show your love and concern to the little servants under yo - Daily Reflections September 16,2013

MODEL OF FAITH

 

Filipinos are fond of having idols. We either have a favorite movie actor or actress, a favorite writer, a favorite sports personality, and even a favorite impersonator! We play favorites, yes, and sometimes, we are influenced, consciously or unconsciously, by those whom we idolize.

       While having idols is not bad, we need to also help ourselves by way of asking: “How am I growing in my relationships because of the people I look up to?” More than anything else, we need to have role models rather than idols — people we can get inspiration from and motivation to be better than our best selves.

       Our role models need not be the best actors, writers, sport personalities or impersonators in town. In fact, they are not the best role models because they hide behind certain general criteria, which elevate them to the “idol” standards. We need not look too far and beyond to find our role models. They can simply be at home, in school or within the Church.

       The Gospel today surprises us with Jesus’ words: “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith,” and He was referring to a centurion. Being responsible for the training and discipline of the legionaries under his command, a centurion has a well-deserved reputation for dealing out harsh punishment among his subjects. But what do we read in the Gospel today? The centurion says, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof. Therefore, I did not consider myself worthy to come to you; but say the word and let my servant be healed.” It is the heart of the centurion speaking, proclaiming his love for his ailing servant.

       Find this centurion within you. Like a centurion, you may be the leader of a hundred or so people, or maybe even only a handful. But the invitation is the same: to be a leader with a heart for his people, who truly cares and is humble enough to recognize that he is also under a greater Leader, one he considers to be his role model. Fr. Erick Y. Santos, OFS

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: How do you show your love and concern to the little servants under your watch?

 

Lord, give me the heart of the centurion who humbly sought from You the healing and wellbeing of his lowly subject. Amen.

What keeps you from going back to God now? Try Him. He will not turn His back on you - Daily Reflections September 15,2013

NOT GIVING UP ON THE ONE YOU LOVE   There was a competition among the angels in heaven. They were to look for the most beautiful thing they could find on earth. So they all went off and flew down. The first one saw a beautiful flower and picked it. The second angel went to a house where a baby was sleeping. Such innocence melted the heart of the angel. The third angel lost his way and found himself in a beer house where beautiful ladies were dancing. He was amazed, without a trace of malice, at the women’s beauty. Finally, the fourth angel went to my former parish to look for me. He wasn’t lucky enough though. I was not there. He proceeded to the church and saw somebody kneeling before the Blessed Sacrament. He was a most hardened sinner wanting to be reconciled with the Lord. In deep despair and sorrow for his sins, he cried unabashedly. The angel, on cue, caught the crystalline tears coming from the eyes of the repentant sinner. All four angels then brought their “beautiful discoveries” to heaven for final judging. The fourth angel won the competition, for nothing can be more beautiful than the tears of a repentant sinner.        The Lord who came to cure the sick considers the return of a lost son as a cause for rejoicing. He never gets tired of looking for wounded souls.        The father of the prodigal son never lost hope. After his son left and squandered all his inheritance, he never stopped waiting for his return. He hoped against hope that one day his son would return home. Because he was his son whom he loved unconditionally, he never gave up on him, gave him a new lease in life, and restored him to his dignity as his son.        God’s love is total and unconditional. He does not postpone His forgiveness. Even Paul in the Second Reading admits that he “was once a blasphemer, persecutor and arrogant. But he has mercifully treated me.” God did not give up on Paul. And as cliché as it may sound, God loves us. He does not give up on us, lowly sinners. Fr. Erick Y. Santos, OFS   REFLECTION QUESTION: What keeps you from going back to God now? Try Him. He will not turn His back on you.   Lord, in shame, I thank You for bearing with me and loving me unconditionally.

What have you done to correct your own shortcomings, which in turn enabled you to correct others? - Daily Reflections September 13,2013

TO SEE CLEARLY

 

This story is not about two blind men guiding each other. It’s about two priests who are both my housemates at Cardinal Sin Welcome Home (a home for retired and sick priests of the Archdiocese of Manila). They are both hard of hearing, almost deaf. Yet, they sit together side by side during meals. We often see them whispering to each other and then bursting into laughter. I don’t know how they can understand each other, but they always seem to have a good time conversing.

       Can “a blind person guide a blind person”? The Gospel is subtle against hypocrisy. Many people blinded by wrong values and moral misconceptions tend to counsel others whom they think have gone astray.

       I remember before I took my sabbatical, I was feeling stressed, depressed and anxious because of my various roles of service: as parish priest to one of the most thickly populated and poorest districts in Manila; as director of a school with more than two thousand students; keeping a death-defying work and apostolate regimen; ministering to the Charismatics; taking charge of the Student Affairs Commision of the schools in the archdiocese and various social action programs for the poor. It came to a point when I just wanted to stop and rest to nourish my body, mind and soul in solitude. I knew that even if I continued to deliver homilies with fire and brimstone, I felt empty deep inside me. I was a blind man guiding other blind men.

       In the course of my sabbatical, I once cried while praying before the Blessed Sacrament, “Lord, I missed You!” I realized that I became too busy doing the work of God but I forgot to recognize the God of the work. Thus, the need to fill my heart again with His love and quench my thirst from the spring of living water that He offers. It washed the hypocrisy in me. Now, I can preach and counsel effectively because I went through the humbling process of seeing the speck in my own eyes. Only then was I able to rightfully help others remove the specks in their eyes. Fr. Erick Y. Santos, OFS

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: What have you done to correct your own shortcomings, which in turn enabled you to correct others?

 

Lord, grant me the humility to admit my wrongdoings and the enthusiasm to guide others in a loving way. Amen.

Have you totally forgiven yourself and others? - Daily Reflections September 12,2013

FORGIVING ONE’S SELF

 

In the pursuit of our dreams, we inevitably commit mistakes and encounter defeat along the way. And more often than not, we feel bad because our mistakes and failures seem to indicate that we are never good enough. But have we pondered on this statement deeply? Whoever said we were not good enough?

       Most of the time, it is our own self — our own pride — trying to tell us: “You are no better compared to him; you should have been number one, not him,” and so on. We hate not being number one. But what’s wrong with being the second best?

       We are held in bondage by the competitions we impose upon ourselves, without realizing that the true delimiting figure in our life lies at the very core of our being, hidden in the deepest recesses of our heart. We will never be able to win the race that is not ours in the first place. We need to free ourselves from competition.

       The Gospel today talks about forgiveness: “Forgive and you will be forgiven.” It invites us to be merciful, just as our Father is merciful. But more than being other-directed, forgiveness should first spring from within us. We can only truly begin to forgive others if we first learn to forgive ourselves for our shortcomings, our failures, our indecisions.

       Know that God always forgives those who forgive others, including themselves. And He is a God of second chances. We should not be restricted by the mistakes, defeats and indecisions of the past. The present has the power to redeem our past; it has the capacity to change our future.

       Let us ask ourselves today: What are we capable of doing? And then, quite calmly, go off in search of our own immense potential,  claiming boldly that gifts will be given to us — a good measure, packed together, shaken down and overflowing! Fr. Erick Y. Santos, OFS

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Have you totally forgiven yourself and others?

 

Lord, thank You for giving me a second chance each time I fail and fall. Amen.

Why do you consider yourself blessed? - Daily Reflections September 11,2013

HAVING GOD — ONLY GOD

 

During my childhood, our poor family ate simple food. We would only experience a semblance of luxury when we would have our annual Christmas shopping trip on the 24th of December, as the Christmas bonus of my father as a company guard would only be given on that day.

       Our poverty was evident. We would eat hotdogs, grapes and apples only once a year. Even a single apple would be divided into four, and we would have two pieces of grapes each for Noche Buena.

       We were poor, but we never knew what poverty meant. We were happy and our house was always filled with boisterous laughter. Growing up, I realized, through the words of my parents, that while we were really poor, the Lord provided for our spiritual, emotional and physical needs.

       Our Gospel today reminds us of the same message: “Blessed are you who are poor, hungry, weeping; when people hate you, insult you and denounce you.” How in the world can the poor, the weeping, the hated and insulted be considered blessed in the midst of their misery? They are blessed because they have nothing and no one to turn to except the Lord. And what stronghold can be any sturdier than what the Lord offers — the Kingdom to the poor, satisfaction to the hungry, laughter for the weeping?

       On the other hand, while the Gospel says, “Woe to you who are rich... who are filled now... who laugh now,” it has to be clear that God does not condemn the rich. It’s surely not true that they are hell-bound. This part of the Gospel refers to those who, in spite of their privileged and happy life, do not know how to share their abundance and excesses with others.

       To be blessed is to accept misery, believing that God will one day make their sufferings vanish and give them heavenly rewards. Those who have been blessed and fail to recognize the needs of others, those who attribute their fortune to sheer personal egoistic competence, sadly won’t share the blessings that the lowly will receive from God.

       Blessed are the poor and lowly. They have God. Only God. Fr. Erick Y. Santos, OFS

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Why do you consider yourself blessed?

 

Lord, in my misery and difficulties, may I still rejoice at the thought that I am blessed because I need You and You are with me. Amen.

How closely and faithfully do you walk with the Lord? - Daily Reflections September 10,2013

THE MYTHICAL TWELVE

 

I have been to the Holy Land many times, but as in anything, the first time is always most memorable. I was privileged, blessed indeed, to be part of a pilgrim group to walk where Jesus walked, to stand where Jesus stood, to sit where Jesus sat — in short, to be where Jesus was. It was a surreal experience, something I could not explain at that time but which I can verbalize now: being in the Holy Land is a gift, a remarkable, personal experience of God who is love. And since then, I have always welcomed the opportunity to visit the Holy Land again and again because every experience brings something new to my faith life, to my ministry, and to the people I am with in those pilgrimages.

       The Gospel introduces to us the Chosen Twelve. The experience to be in the Holy Land must have been different for the twelve men whom Jesus chose to be His Apostles. I cannot begin to imagine how they must have felt during those times. Imagine walking, eating, talking and praying with Jesus Himself, listening to His parables, asking Him questions, touching Him and embracing Him every chance they could. The first disciples must have been the happiest people on earth.

       But even the happiest can be blinded sometimes: Peter by fear, Thomas by doubt, Judas Iscariot by greed. They were chosen, personally called by the Lord, yet they were still afraid, doubtful and greedy. This brings to mind our own shortcomings, even if we consider ourselves close to God and have a healthy relationship with our brothers and sisters in faith.

       Providentially, the First Reading today reminds us to walk in the Lord, be rooted and built upon Him, and established in the faith as we were taught, abounding in love and thanksgiving. If we need to walk with Him, we need to walk faithfully with Him. This we can do always, not only because we have personally experienced walking in the holy grounds of Jerusalem, but because Jesus gave us a model on how we should lead our lives – Himself. Fr. Erick Y. Santos, OFS

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: How closely and faithfully do you walk with the Lord?

 

Lord, thank You for accepting me in spite of my fear, doubt and greed. May I follow You more faithfully each day of my life. Amen.

How do you practice compassion and love as personified by Jesus? - Daily Reflections September 9,2013

TO SAVE OR DESTROY LIFE?

 

Once, a Chinese man requested me to bless his car. But I reminded him that he was a Buddhist and not Catholic. I could not, in my discernment, bless his car in any way. He pleaded, “Father, please! Bless my car.” But I was firm because he was a Buddhist. Suddenly he said, “OK, I’ll bring my car to the neighboring church and have it blessed.” And he asked, “Father, would it be OK if I donate P100,000 to the parish that would bless my car?” I answered, “Oh, why did you not tell me earlier that your car is a Catholic?” To complete the story, the car was blessed.

       The priests would always invoke the overused term “for pastoral reason” in relaxing some Church disciplines or rules. This speaks of the modern priests’ flexibility on some norms and rules, as long as it does not destroy the life of the Church.

       Jesus shows flexibility and the meaning of “pastoral reason” when He cured the man with a withered hand on the Sabbath. He opines, “Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath rather than do evil; to save life rather than to destroy it?” For Jesus, first things come first. The urgent need was the man’s healing. He would not waste time any further. If the good that is being sought is urgent, Jesus would defy the revered Sabbath law to grant healing to the sick man. He shows His practical side by allowing healing on a day that it is forbidden.

       In our life, too, our availability for the needy, the sick and the destitute goes beyond any regulation, rules or laws. There is always urgency in reaching out to those in need. It is a Christian obligation which we need to fulfill at every opportunity. There should be no turning back, as doing so would go against the will of Jesus, who went against traditions and laws if only to spell out the real meaning of love, the greatest of all laws, and the law that embodies Jesus as He is love and compassion in Himself.

       True love and compassion know no bounds and defy any laws. After all, love and compassion are personified in Jesus. Fr. Erick Y. Santos, OFS

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: How do you practice compassion and love as personified by Jesus?

 

Lord, allow me to make myself available to help those who are in need, any day of the week. Amen