ZEKE XX: Tahimik, Napakatahimik (A Reflection on Silence)

As it is very obvious, this is but a repost of one of my most inspiring blogposts for the past year. I posted this on my Multiply site last September 2009. It focuses on the two sides of silence, and its real essence. If you cannot understand this little tee note, well, keep on reading. Ciao! :)

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(GNote: I created this reflection when I was alone in my room. I think it was already Two o'clock in the morning of Spetember 21, 2009 when I created this. It was just a result of the silent environment brought about by the time.
It was so, because I am suffering insomnia as of the moment. I cannot sleep during the nighttime, I could lie to sleep already in the early hours of the next day... madaling-araw kung baga. It was a little bit irritating, and I miss sleeping early. Perhaps, I would have it again after the leave. I hope you would have something out of this.)

Tahimik na tahanan, tahimik na paligid, tahimik na bayan, tahimik na mundo.

ahh, tahimik. sinong hindi nagnanais na magkaroon ng katahimikan ang buhay? sino ang nagnanais ng gulo? ng ingay? ng distorbo?

walang makakapantay sa isang buhay na tahimik: payapa, matiwasay, mainam at maayos. lahat ay nasa wasto. walang gulo, walang giyera, walang away. lahat masaya, lahat enjoy.

pero sandali... kung nais natin ang buhay na tahimik, dapat lamang na ating tanggapin ang kanyang mga kasama't kaagapay. oo, nakakaramdam tayo ng tiwasay na pakiramdam pag tahimik ang lahat, ngunit hindi hindi siya ganap kung wala ang kanyang mga kasama.

ito ay ang pagkabingi, pag-iisa at pangungulila. kasama rin ang kawalan, kakulangan at kadiliman. lahat sila, pantay-pantay. lahat sila, balanse. hindi sasama ang lahat kung wala ang isa.

sabi nga nila, nakakabingi ang katahimikan. ang sabi ko naman, hindi lang siya nakakabingi.

nagdudulot rin siya ng pag-iisa at pangungulila, sapagkat sa katahimikan, parang pakiramdam mo ay wala kang masasandalan. Ikaw lang at ang mundong iyong ginagalawan. Napakahina mong maituturing.

Nararamdaman mo rin sa kanya ang kawalan, kakulangan at kadiliman. sa isang tahimik na paligid, feeling loner ka, parang namatayan ng nanay, tatay, o matalik na kaibigan. Hindi mo alam kung saan ka pupunta. Lahat ay madilim, lahat ay magulo.

ganito ang aking pasya ukol rito sapagkat kailangan nating tanggapin na ang kakulangan ay hindi lamang nakakapagdulot ng ayos, kundi ng kakulangan sa pagkatao. Walang balanse, hindi ganap.

Pero hindi ko sinasabing walang maidudulot na maganda ang katahimikan. Tulad ng isinaad ko sa itaas, makakaramdam ka rito ng kapayapaan, katiwasayan, kaayusan, at kaganapan.

Ang gulo, hindi ba?

May mga kaibigan akong nakikita sa katahimikan ang tiwasay na pag-iisip. nas nakakapag-aral sila, mas nagagawa nila ang dapat nilang gawin pag tahimik ang paligid. Mas nakakapagdasal sila ng maayos sa katahimikan.Para sa kanila, Silence is a time for thinking on things. Oo nga naman. Kasi payapa ang paligid, walang distraction, walang gugulo sa kanila. Totoo nga naman. Silence means concentration for them. at parang hindi sila makakapaggawa ng maayos sa ingay ng mundo.

Pero may mga taong nais ang katahimikan dahil nais nilang sila ang maging hari't reyna ng sandaling iyon. Doon sa mga puntong tahimik ang paligid, iniisip nila ang mga pagmamayabang na nagawa nila sa kapwa, mga pagmamaltrato sa iba, at lahat ng kasaamaan. mali ito. Dito pumapasok ang masamang epekto ng katahimikan. For these guys, Silence means emptiness. At mas nanaisin nila ang ingay ng mundo kaysa sa tahimik na paligid.

Mga kapatid, mali ang parehong punto. Paano ko nasabi?

Hindi naman talaga natin masasabi ang kaganapan ng lahat ng bagay sa katahimikan. Oo, sa katahimikan mo nagagawa ang mga bagay na nais mong gawin, at sa katahimikan mo naiisip ang kawalan dahil sa kasamaang kanilang nagawa. Subalit sa mga taong ito, na naghahangad ng katahimikan, nakakalimutan na nila ang katotohanang nilikha ng Diyos ang Ingay at Katahimikan sa balanseng paraan, tulad ng liwanag at dilim, lupa at dagat, langit at ang lupa, at ang tao at ang kanyang katauhan.

They often look for silence when they are in the middle of the big noise, without realizing that there is silence before and after the big noise.

Bakit ganito ang karamihan sa atin?

Mas nararapat siguro sa atin ang pagkakaroon ng balanse. Maraming nagagawa ang ingay, at maraming nagagawa ang katahimikan, mabuti man o masama. kahit na anong iwas natin sa ingay, at naisin ang katahimikan, hindi pa rin mawawala sa balanse ng mga bagay ang ingay. Marami man ang pagkakataon nating mag-reflect sa katahimikan, still, we must reflect in the midst of the mob.

Masaya ang tahimik, ngunit kailangan ang sapat na katahimikan para iangkop sa sapat na ingay na ating matatanggap.

Panghuli...

God works in silence, God speaks in silence. True. pero we must not deny the fact that God also works in the midst of the noise of today's world. He speaks through the shouting and jeering.

God works in silence and in noise. He is everywhere, everytime.

Sleep tight, Bitoy! Gud nyt!

09-21-09

KuyaZeke,ccs_080410

ZEKE XX: Memoirs of my First Retreat

As I go alone last night in my room, I decided to clean my cabinet of the dirt and useless things that must go to the bin already. As I go through the filth of the past, I have gone past these letters that I received on my retreat with my Batchmates 5 years ago. I look back at their notes and realize, Matagal-tagal na rin pala...

The retreat of ICPS Batch 2006 happened at Don Bosco Retreat House, Batulao, Batangas last December 2005 (I'm not sure of the exact date). Boys gone there first before the girls. And so, for them, the boys, it was not really a retreat. I remembered our Retreat Master in total dismay at the end of the Boys' Retreat. Why? He observed our behavior during the course of the retreat, well... NO COMMENT.

Actually, I cannot remember already every part of the retreat, considering that it happened 5 years ago. But I remember certain songs were taught, like Times of Refreshing and Ito ang Langit. Activities were also given. And also the favorite part, the Snacks! We were taught the essence of prayer, and real meaning of the Catholic Faith. However, there are times when the batch were in their prank mood. Pa-trip-trip lang, kung baga. I just knew that they are just enjoying the time that they were there.

Of course, there are crying times. Hindi na mawawala yun. On the last night of our Retreat, I heard the sobs of my classmates while reading the letters of their mothers. I have my share of it. I thought that my mommy would not write a letter for me because she was always mad, when all of a sudden, my Religion Teacher, passed on an envelope to me on that night. It was from mommy. The content was a very touching one. I had the natural defense... crying. My mom was there for me all throughout. In response, I wrote a letter of thanks for her for everything she did for me. I never received that letter again. I don't know where it is now, or even if it was given to my mommy, I don't know.

The Retreat ended with a Mass. One thing was heard in the Chapel towards the end of the Eucharistic Celebration: Gagraduate tayo!!! I know, this came from the bottom of their hearts, and with smile on their lips. I know, that they have this certain outlook in life, though we have different attitudes. And the outlook is this: They have dreams to achieve, and they will reach it no matter what.

Before we left the Retreat House, we received the other letters which came from our teachers and fellow classmates. Before we left for the retreat, I handed over to my teacher the letters I wrote, and those which I received before the retreat, knowing that it would not grow in numbers. However, when I received my envelope labeled, "Collection of Letters", there were added letters. I did not expected it. As we rode the bus back to Malabon, I read the letters one-by-one. These led me again to tears.

I never thought...

For a student like me who has been considered lunatic through my high school years, to think that I even have friends is worth it. Hindi rin naman pala ako nag-iisa noong mga panahong iyon. There are still people who cared for me though they continue to bully me all throughout those time. I just did not noticed it, but there are still guys out there who appreciated my every good move for them. I was the atchay of the batch. I thought that this was even a way of their bullying, but I was wrong.

That changed my impression of my classmates then. Hindi naman pala silang lahat ay ganoon. And at one point, I thought that they still love me despite my impression to them. They saw my growing up, from a crying boy, to a tough teenager. And they are impressed. (I would end my thoughts there, I would reserve some for the Birthday Essay)

And so, as I look back on their letters, I can't help but cry. As I am only days away from my birthday, the letters reminded me that there are still some people who would care for me. May babalikan pa ako sa ICPS. I know that.

To end the post, my cleaning mission ended worthily. Some have gone their way to the bin, others stayed because of their sentimental value. I slept last night, knowing that my day has been done well and good.

To date, this is my Ninth Post. Only nine posts away from the Two Great Posts of the year: the Birthday Essay and the Three Wishes. Continue to be with me as I count the days away to A19. Peace!!!

KuyaZeke,ccs_080410 :)

Happy Priests' Day!

As priests uphold their people in prayer, so their people are to uphold them with prayer and love, for he cannot work without his people.
~Arthur Middleton

HAPPY PRIESTS' DAY TO OUR BELOVED PRIESTS!!!

August 04, 2010

May God, through the intercession of Mary, Mother of Priests and St. John Mary Vianney, continue to guide and strengthen you as you lead the Flock of Christ towards the Heavenly Jerusalem!

KuyaZeke,ccs_080310 :)

ZEKE XX: Pic-Reflection...

Here are Picture Quotes which the CCS Director edited, focusing on the importance of Holiness on every individual. No more words, here are the pics.

And here is another one.

KuyaZeke,ccs_080310 :)

ZEKE XX: The Thrill of being there...

The date was August 04, 2009. After a day of celebration for the Priests of the Diocese, we proceeded to the Manila Cathedral to take a final glimpse of the woman behind our democracy: the late President Cory Aquino. With me were my mother, my priest-friend, Fr. Junjun de Guzman, a handful of parish friends. we left Tanza at 10:00 PM, and arrived at Intramuros at exactly 12:00 Midnight of August 05.

What I thought of as a peaceful line of people turned out to be a flood. I experienced first-hand the whirlpool of people waiting amidst the rain and bad weather to enter the magnificent Cathedral to pay their last respects to Tita Cory. Truly, I saw how the Filipinos love the woman that stood for their rights from the hands of a dictator; The woman behind the freedom I am experiencing right now.

While everyone was behind, I stayed close with Fr. Junjun in the line. When we were near San Agustin Church, we heard the rumors that the wake would be closed to public viewing. I knew, though, that it would be closed by 4:00 AM, but when I looked at my cellphone, it was only 2:30 AM. OMG! It is very early than scheduled.

The crowd turned eery, and so does my emotions. Fr. Junjun knew it already, so he pursuaded me to come with him back to the van. However, I thought of my mother who was behind the line. I must see my mommy!

At one point, I realized why I searched for my mother. Then did I realized, Just as I loved Tita Cory, I still love my mom more. Though I had many wrongdoings against her, I still cannot resist the love that I have for her. And everytime I remember that crazy night, I would also remember how much I loved my mommy at that moment.

I returned, alone, to our van only to find out that she was there. Because I was really wet, she helped me change my upper clothes. That was the moment I said, "Salamat, ma."

it was already 4:30 AM. We were ready to leave in dismay, when we found out that priests are privileged all these time to go ahead the line to show their last respects. Fr. Junjun, together with me and another friend, proceeded to the barricade near the entrance of the Cathedral to inform of this. He was allowed to enter with one assistant. He called my name and that was it!

That was my first and last time to see Tita Cory. It was also my first time to enter inside the Manila Cathedral. I saw her, though thin, in her most serene mood. It was like she was sleeping in her bright yellow dress, and with a rosary in her hands. As I make the sign of the Cross, I said, "Salamat po, Tita Cory!" It was a thrilling moment for me. I knew in that instant that she was truly at peace with God. In her was a living testimony of somebody who trusted in God.

As for my mom, she did not managed to see Tita Cory because the public viewing came to its close. But for her, being close to the Cathedral is as good as seeing the Lady President in person. "Mas mabuti nang nakalapit ako sa Simbahan. Ayos na iyun." That was her good thought.

As for me, I learned two things while I was there...

Love your parents, especially your Mother, since it was she who gave birth to you, and continues to provide you with everything you need.

Love your Country, for it is your identity here on Earth. Be proud that you are Filipino. Be proud because somebody helped you to become a true Filipino.

We left Intramuros in a good mood. We came home at the early morning of August 05. I slept for barely 6 hours, as I managed to watch only her Funeral March on TV. It was the time of my life for that day. Being there among the crowd amid the heavy rain, and seeing her in her serenity. It was worth it. Up until today, I still thank the Lord for giving me the grace of being there, and seeing the woman, the Saint, behind the democracy of the Filipino People.

+

RIP

CORAZON COJUANGCO AQUINO

KuyaZeke,ccs_080210 :)

Ur Sunday Dose: Does Money Really Matter? (18th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

August 01, 2010
18th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lk 12,13-21

DOES MONEY REALLY MATTER?

I remember somebody who has been my friend once. He was a son of a very rich family, very rich because they hold one of the biggest fishing consignacions here in Navotas. They always have good food on the table, latest gadgets, and everything my friend wishes, his parents would grant it. However, it is only I who could bear his attitude. He has only a few friends because he was very selfish. He does not give to those in need, in fact he ridicules them down to their bones. Everytime I borrow his iPod, he makes sure that I would only borrow it inside their house, and not to take it outside for fear of theft.

At times, he would realize and ask himself why he has only a few friends. I always tell him, “kung gusto mong dumami ang mga kaibigan mo, dapat mas lalo kang maging bukas sa kanila. Ikaw naman kasi, iniisip mo lang ang sarili mo, pinagmamayabang mo sa akin, sa amin, yang mga bagong gamit mo, pero ni piso hindi ka makapagbigay sa namamalimos. Nanlalait ka pa! Malaki nga bahay nyo, sagana ang huli, pero hindi sa lahat ng panahon, ganoon. Matuto kang magbigay sa kapwa mo. Huwag kang magmataas. Bahala ka.” I gave all my effort to persuade my friend, but all in vain.

One night, when everybody’s sleeping, somebody stole all their riches hidden inside the family vault inside his parents’ room. His family was totally shocked of the event. His mother had the gravest shock, she had nervous breakdown. His father tried to cope up with the situation, but because of the ban in the Pacific Ocean, the situation worsened and the father cannot cope up already. The house was sold out, including their gadgets. Debts turned the situation even worse. As far as I know, they are already living in the suburbs of Tondo. The last time I talked to him, he told me that he is really ashamed of himself. “Nakinig na lang sana ako sa iyo, naging mapagbigay sana ako, kami. Di sana nangyari ito. Ngayon, alam kong pinarurusahan kami ng Diyos dahil sa mga kamalian namin.” He said this in tears, though I know that those tears are already late.

Everything happened because (sorry for the term) they are excessively rich, and it had gone up to their nerves. They never thought of their neighbor, and continued to have possessions purely for their own personal perusal.

In the Gospel of the day, we hear Jesus telling his disciples the Parable of the Rich Fool. A very rich man had produced a bounty of harvest. He does not know what to do. Then, he tore down his barns and replaced them with bigger ones. He’d put everything in it, and began to eat, drink and make himself happy, knowing that he would have a reserve of aplenty for the coming years. However, God came that night and took his life. The end result: nobody took care of his harvest. Everything rot. At the end, Jesus said, “Thus will it be for all who store up treasure for themselves but are not rich in what matters to God.”

This is very evident in our day. People tend to be laxed enough with what they have for themselves. They, or WE, do not think of others anymore. Para bang makahawak lang tayo ng kaunti, parang wala na tayong kilala. We spend money on worthless things: imported bags, new cellphones, you name it, you have it. We have no time for others. We don’t care for them anymore. We always think of ourselves. We spend a lot for our own well being. Para sa ganito ko, para sa ganyan ko. Dapat, meron AKO nyan.

That’s where Divine Justice enters. Everything is swept away. It may be through the hands of a robber, or the sweet kiss of the flames. Worse, it may come on our own hands when we spend and spend, never thinking that what we have is carefully lessened. Makikita na lang natin isang araw, ubos na. And, like my friend who was once rich but is now poor, we tend to be sorry but it is too late. That’s our reality. That’s the cycle.

When we have something, it is but a test, to see until where are we loyal to God. It may sound odd, but this is true. Money and material things – they are just an aid for our well being, and for others. But as said, Ang sobra, nakakasama. Money is never to be considered as a god, though it rarely happens.

Hindi masamang magkaroon ng kaunting kayamanan, basta marunong tayong gumamit nito para sa ikabubuti natin at ng ating kapwa. When we have something, do not forget our poor brethren. We are given for us to give. Never be selfish. Never think for yourself only. The more we think of ourselves, the easier the money would be taken away. The more we give, the greater we would have.

Finally, there would be no greater message than this: No man is an island, no man is alone.

KuyaZeke,ccs_073010

ZEKE XX: My Grand COF

I've been busy making and editing my COF Album for two months now. Some had been criticizing it, considering it as worthless. For some, it is just vain time editing pictures of your so-called "COF-Circle of friends" or as I put it, "Calokang Oval (Hindi Circle) ng aking mga Friendshops."

Well, I've been asking myself, why edit?

It all started when I am editing my picture, when I came up with the ides of editing some pictures of those who I consider as friends. From one, they became three, until they became 26 (as the number of pics today indicated). They come from the different spheres of my life. From my CCS Family, to my Xtr@Rice, to classmates and Ghoy Ghang, down to those people who had been a part of my petty life.

It became my joy to edit my friends' pics, especially if they are really close to me. It is so because they are a part of me. This is my way of appreciating them for being a simple part of my colorful life.

I also consider this as a way of killing idle time. rather than doing something which could be boring enough like strolling or sort, I devote my vacant time to editing pics, aside from making blogposts, and studying.

Ok, gotta go! I'm still editing pics. Anyway, if you would like to see the pics, you can view them by clicking here. This would direct you to the album. Ciao!

KuyaZeke,ccs_072810 :)

ZEKE XX: Bitoy's 100 Truths

(Actually, this is just a bare repost from my Facebook Site. However, I revised my answer to some questions to make it accurate with the situation. Enjoy reading.)

WHAT WAS YOUR:
1. last beverage = tubig.
2. last phone call = matagal na yun. I remember it's Fra. Dave.
3. last text message = ewan ko, matagal na rin akong walang cp.
4. last song you listened to = Alaala Mo (White Lies)
5. last time you cried = my last confession.

HAVE YOU EVER:
6. dated someone twice = nope, never gone to a date.
7. been cheated on = yah.
8. kissed someone & regretted it = OO. Sobra!
9. lost someone special = naman.
10. been depressed = ngayon depressed ako, kapag nakikita ko ang taong nagpapasama ng loob ko.
11. been drunk and threw up = nung Fiesta last year. It was a drinking spree! Unforgettable!

LIST THREE FAVORITE COLORS:
12. black
13. white
14. blue

THIS YEAR HAVE YOU: (2010)
15. Made a new friend = naman.
16. Fallen out of love = pwede.
17. Laughed until you cried = ay talaga!
18. Met someone who changed you? = yes.
19. Found out who your true friends were = oo.
20. Found out someone was talking about you = oo. napakasakit nga eh.
21. Kissed anyone on your fb friend's list = maybe 1 or 2.

GENERAL:
22. How many people on your fb friends list do you know in real life = a lot. Merong mga friends na hindi ko pa nakikita, pero kilala ko.
24. Do you have any pets = 3 Askals, 1 Shihtzu.
25. Do you want to change your name? = open for negotiation.
26. What did you do for your last birthday = nagpakain nang walang humpay.
28. What were you doing at midnight last night = I did not reached midnight last night. I slept early.
29. Name something you CANNOT wait for = my birthday. I'm turning 20!!!
30. Last time you saw your Mother = kanina, may tinanong siya sa akin.
31. What is one thing you wish you could change about your life = my face, especially my lips.
32. What are you listening to right now = When I'm Gone (Albert Hammond).
33. Have you ever talked to a person named Tom = i just encountered him in a story in Gay Lit.
34. What's getting on your nerves right now = the attitude of some guys out there.
35. Most visited webpage = FB, Youtube, and my Blogsite. Actually, you are also here!!!
37. Nickname = Wewe (my first; coined by my elementary classmate), Bitoy (my second; coined by some jejemons at Tanza), Zeke (my latest, coined by my friend, Shawynn).
38. Relationship Status = taken na ni Bro!
39. Zodiac sign = Grand Lion.
40. He or She? = he. walang kokontra!
41. Elementary = ICPS-Malabon
42. High School = ICPS-Malabon
43. College = CMU, ???
44. Your motto= "Happiness does not come. It is worked for."
45. Weight= mga 54 kgs.
46. Height = ewan.
47. Do you have a crush on someone? = xempre!
48: What do you like most about yourself? = somebody who likes the mix of oldies and newbies..
49. Piercings = wala.
50. Tattoos = wala rin.
51. Righty or lefty = righty

FIRSTS :
52. First surgery = pwede ba ung time na tinuli ako?
53. First piercing = wala.
54. First best friend = The name's Kim. ewan ko kung asan na siya ngayon.
55. First sport you joined = Badminton. Pero I'm not that fond.
56. First vacation = Baguio.
58. First pair of trainers = ...?

RIGHT NOW:
59. Eating = nope.
60. Drinking = nope rin.
61. I'm about to = answer this question.
62. Listening to = When I'm Gone (Albert Hammond).
63. Waiting for = me to call this a day.

YOUR FUTURE :
64. Want kids? = perhaps.
65. Get Married? = I'm a professed lay.
66. Career? = teacher/businessman.

WHICH IS BETTER :
67. Lips or eyes? = whatever strikes my eyes first.0
68. Hugs or kisses = hugs muna para safe.
69. Shorter or taller = tall is all.
70. Older or Younger = younger. mas masaya pa nung bata ako.
71. Romantic or spontaneous = whatever.
72. Nice stomach or nice arms = nice stomach.
73. Sensitive or loud = i want a jive of those two.
74. Hook-up or relationship = relationship. mahirap ang biglaan.
75. Trouble maker or hesitant = let me look at the gal first. Wherever he/she may look better, I would accept it.

HAVE YOU EVER :
76. Kissed a stranger = oo.
77. Drank hard liquor = oo rin.
78. Lost glasses/contacts = hindi naman ako nagsasalamin eh.
79. Sex on first date = ni sa panaginip nga hindi pa ako nakipag-date!
80. Broken someone's heart = yes..
81. Had your own heart broken =yes rin.
82. Been arrested = para namang pagkasama-sama ko...
83. Turned someone down = yah.
84. Cried when someone died = naman!
85. Fallen for a friend?= yep.

DO YOU BELIEVE IN:
86. Yourself = depending on the situation.
87. Miracles = Yes. If you have faith, you can create a miracle.
88. Love at first sight = yah.
89. Heaven = naman!
90. Santa Claus = kay Bro na lang.
91. Kiss on the first date = ... ewan nga!
92. Angels = of course! I know somebody's guiding me.

ANSWER TRUTHFULLY:
93. Had more than one gf/bf?= hever never.
95. Did you sing today? = Sunday ngayon, nagsimba ako. Tural, kumanta ako ng mga kanta sa misa.
96. Ever cheated on somebody? = yah.
98. If you could pick a day from last year and relive it, what would it be? = the day when... naku! andami pala!
99. Are you afraid of falling in love? = yah.
100. Posting this as 100 truths? = yah. However, to make it more appropriate with the series, I would add some pomp to the title.

KuyaZeke,ccs_072510 :)

How do you Pray? (Ur Sunday Dose: 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

July 25, 2010
17th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Fil-Mission Sunday

Lk 11,1-13

HOW DO YOU PRAY?

Every time we pray, we usually pray to ask something. It is just seldom that we do not pray this way. We always ask God to grant us something we need or direly ask.

Lord, pahingi ng ganito. Lord, pahingi ng ganyan. Lord, sana po manalo na kami sa Lotto, etc. etc. etc. That is the usual manner of our prayers. Madalang kang nakakarinig ng flow ng dasal na iba sa ganito.

Cute thing is that we often hear parents telling their children to pray in this manner: Lord, penge po ng pe-pe. (Pe-pe is a pinoy baby term for Pera or Money.) Even kids adopt this pinoy style of prayer. Lord, sana po magkaroon ako ng laruan para sa Pasko, o ng pera para pang-computer ko.

Funny. Really funny. It's like we are telling God to grant us something because he has a bodega full of material things that he can give us. He is like a genie who can give us everything we wish. That is the drastic Filipino way of prayer. Very personal, yet very selfish to the ear.

In today's Gospel, we hear Jesus talking about prayer, teaching his disciples what the world would come to know of as The Lord's Prayer. We hear this prayer every single day, especially when we go to Mass. We even sing it to the top of our lungs, hands outstretched, with eyes closed. We call God as Our Father.

We consider God as our Father, and because of this, we ask him every single thing we could imagine. Kahit anong ating pwedeng hilingin, hinihiling natin kasi alam nating ibibigay ng Diyos. Kaso minsan, umaabot sa puntong ang hinihingi natin sa ating mga dasal ay purong para sa maka-sarili nating hangarin. We pray for our own benefit alone, not for those of our brothers and sisters. We ask God to forgive us of our many sins, but do we even lift a finger of forgiveness to somebody who has done something which has hurt us? We ask God not to lead us to the test or to the evil one, and yet we lead our own feet and those of others to our own harm.

We pray, but do our lives pray with our words? Rarely does it happen.

Kapag tayo ay natutuwa, halos lahat ng bahagi ng katawan natin ay nakakaramdam ng saya. Ganoon din kapag tayo ay nalulungkot, nagagalit, o natatakot. Hindi lang natin ito naidadaan sa salita lang, damay-damay na pati ang lahat ng bahagi ng ating katauhan.

Same thing goes with prayer. Kapag tayo ay nagdarasal, hindi lang tayo nag-aalay ng salita lang. Kasama ng mga salitang ito, iniaalay rin natin sa Diyos na ating Ama ang lahat ng ating katauhan. We offer our life. We are a living irony if we pray to God for long life, but we abuse our bodies with drinking, smoking or drugs. We pray for good fortune, yet we spend our money on waste. We pray to God with every beautiful word we know, and yet we curse and tell vulgar words to our neighbor, or child, or mother. If we are these kind of people, praying yet not living according to our prayer, then we are Living Irony.

Nasa Diyos ang awa, nasa tao ang gawa. If we ask God to forgive us, we must also know how to forgive others. If we ask God of something, we must know how to manage it and use it for our good and for the good of others. If we pray for safety, we also know that we must follow safety rules every time and everywhere. We pray, but we are also responsible.

God listens to every prayer, but we must also see to it that what we seek, ask or knock, whatever we pray him, must be in accordance with what we are capable of. We must also be patient. Hindi siya magbibigay ng bagay na hindi natin kailangan. Everything He gives us is enough for our use. He also gives our need in the right time. Kaya hindi dapat tayo manhinayang sa isang bagay na hinihingi natin sa Diyos ngunit hindi natin nakakamit, kasi alam ng Diyos na hindi ito para sa atin, at kung ito ay para sa atin man, hindi pa ito ang panahon upang ito ay tanggapin.

When we receive, we must also give. That's the secret of graces. We pray God to grant our petitions. But we must remember that when the time comes that he gives us the grace we need, we, in turn, must also give what we have received to those who are in need. Wag lalaki ang ulo kapag nakamit na natin ang ating mga dinarasal. May mga kapatid pa na nangangailangan ng mga bagay na meron tayo.

Finally. When we pray, don't just ask something. Above all, give thanks! If our life if filled with many petitions, we can say that our life is one without contentment. If we know how to pray with thanksgiving and praise for everything we have, everything would come flowing without any hard deal.

Real prayer is a prayer where we consider ourselves as nothing in God's eyes. We ask His grace for us to live according to His will. We give thanks for everything we received. We ask forgiveness because we are sinners. We ask for everything we need according to His will.

That is real prayer. But this becomes more powerful if our life is patterned after our prayer. We pray, and we live.

KuyaZeke,ccs_072410

Ur Sunday Dose

Starting this Sunday, July 25, 2010, I shall also group myself among those bloggers who make it a habit to write Sunday Gospel Reflections on their blogs. For me, I shall give it a title:

USD: Ur Sunday Dose

USD: because for typical Netizens like us, going to church on the Lord's day is a difficult thing to do. USD was formed in order for those on-the-go and for those who could pass by my site to have some weekly dose of the Word of God, words of hope for the despaired, and encouragement for those who are in their down moments.

I am not really a master in giving my own reflections, especially when we are talking about the Sunday Gospel. Well, we'll see about that on Sunday when we begin USD-ing.

Hindi ko sana makatamaran ang paggawa ng reflection! hehehe. Besides, The Word of God is something we must put our focus on. All these on TSS on Blogger, One With You.

KuyaZeke,ccs_072310 :)