PAGSUSURI SA SARILING DAMDAMIN AT KILOS

Nuon pa, Mahal na Araw ang pinakagusto kong okasyon sa Pilipinas. Kasi taimtim, tahimik simple banal, at ito ang panahon na nararamdaman ko na napakalapit ko sa Diyos. Nuong bata pa ako ay sumasama na ako sa prusisyong-bayan, nang mag high-school at college ay nagfa-fasting ako ng halos 24-oras na hindi kumakain, at nagtratrabaho na ako nuon nang sumama ako sa Alay Lakad. At higit sa lahat, ito ang panahon na nakakapagmuni-muni ako.

Tuwing Mahal na Araw, kadalasan ay Biyernes Santo, ay naglalaan ako ng oras ng pagsusuri sa sariling damdamin at kilos na isipin ang buhay ko at kilatisin kung makasalanan ba ako? Nung panahon na nasa 20's hanggang 30's ako, tuwing pagmumuni-muniko ay palagi iyung kung ano ako ang pinaguusapan namin ng Diyos Taun-taon ay kinakausap ko Siya at tinatanong kung bakit. At taun-taon din na sinisisi ko ang sarili ko, ihinihingi ko ng tawad sa Diyos at ipinagdadasal na sana ay maitama ko ang sarili ko. Umiiyak ako dahil sa pakiramdam ko ay ito ang humahadlang sa buhay ko para kunin ko ang mga pangarap ko, maging buo ang pagkatao ko, at maging masaya akong tao na nakikihalubilo sa iba, pero wala akong magawa na para bang hindi ako para duon.

Pagkalipas ng maraming taon, kapag nagmumuni-muni na ako ngayon ay tinitingnan ko iyung malayong pinanggalingan ko, yung maraming taon na dinaanan ko, at iniisip ko kung naging mabuti pa rin ba akong tao? Makasalan na ba ako? Sinusubukan ko laging maging patas sa kapwa at komunidad ko. Hindi naman ako yung mapolitikong tao na nilalaro ang sitwasyon at ginagamit ang impluwensiya upang makuha ang gusto. Hindi rin naman ako iyung mapanglamang nagpapahamak, naninira, palapintas, nananakit ng kapwa. Minsan nagsisinungaling ako, nakakapag-uwi ako ng maliit na gamit, at may oras na nagiging mapanghusga. Pero ang malaking kasalanan na iniisip ko ay katulad pa rin nung ipinagmumuni-muni ko nuong 20s hanggang 30s ako. lyun ang ikinakatakot ko kung pagdating ng araw na huhusgahan na ako ng Diyos. Bagamat hindi ko naman isinasagawa, ngunit ang pag-iisip at damdamin ko ay hindi ko kayang pigilan at duon ako nakakaramdam ng nakukunsiyensiya.

Itong mga sumusunod sa salita na lamang ang nagpapahinahon sa akin kapag naririnig o nababasa ko: Ang ating mga nakikita, naririnig, at pumapasok sa ating isipan-marumi at mali man, ay hindi natin kasalanan. Hindi ito nagpaparumi sa atin dahil wala tayong kontrol sa mga iyun. Sa halip, kung ano ang mga lumalabas sa atin tulad ng mapanira at masakit na salita sa kapwa at mga gawain na labag sa mga kautusan iyun ang nagpaparumi sa atin dahil ang mga iyun ay galing sa ating puso, damdamin, at kunsiyensiya. lyun ang kasalanan dahil may kontrol tayo na huwag gawin ang mga iyun pero ginagawa pa rin natin.

Ang mahalagang natututunan ko: May mga bagay na wala tayong magagawa kundi tanggapin na lamang. Ang mga bagay na hindi naman natin hiniling o pinili kundi kusa at nasa atin na sa pagsilang pa lang natin. Tulad ng kung ipinanganak kang pilay, hindi mo kasalanan yun. Kaya habang lumalaki ka, kumikilos ka kung paano kumilos ang isang pilay. Kung may pagkakataon kang makagawa ng paraan na magkaroon ng artipisyal na paa upang mas makakilos ka nang mas madali at mas mabuti-walang masama sa pagbabago kung wala ka naman tinatapang ibang tao. Ngunit kung gagamitin mo ang sitwasyon mo upang magkamal ng pabor at benepisyo-duon ka nagkakasala

Mahalagang aral Para sa lahat: lahat tayo ay makasalanan pero pilitin pa rin ang makawala sa kasalanan. Huwag isabuhay ang imoralidad tulad ng pambabastos, kasinungalinan, pananakit ng kapwa at pagpasok sa bawal na relasyon. Isipin palagi ang pagdating ng araw kung ikaw ba ay makakasama sa paraiso o hahatulan ng kaparusahang walang hanggan.

GOOD PEOPLE

People should not antagonize Alvin Aragon's point of views and opinion when it comes to his faith but understand where he is coming from. He had past mistakes, repented and now living his life according to the teachings. He has points, a lot of points actually, but they were misunderstood and lost because of the delivery how he articulated his words, how he conveyed his opinion, how he laid his points. It is how he spoke it. Of all these, our answer should be kindness

True, you will be persecuted because of your faith. Like us, he was a sinner but he has changed unlike most of us. He had dark past but he found God, able to repent and followed the words of God. He preaches the scriptures because he knows he's the living proof to attest the words of God. I fully agree with his belief but I do not agree when he gives the verdicts through his power.

His is valid but when you control others and when you attack other people, there draw the line between good pastor and turning into false prophet. There where the arguments start, people will disrespect your truth and facts because you judged them. Do not use other people to praise yourself. Let us not judge other people just because we know that we are the right, the good, and the truth. Because this is where we become wrong even our intention is good. This exactly goes to saying to be more kind than right.

Yes, women should not be dressed up showing skin in public because this poses for other men tempted to commit sin. And yes while indeed it is true that these women have nothing malice wearing such dresses and malice could be only in the eyes of the onlookers, we have option from the start to skip any of these both the onlookers and the women. This is exactly why our Muslims brothers are covering their women with abaya clothing and jihab since old times up to these days. It is the same with our Christian's conservative clothing during 19th century era when our women were covered with long Filipiniana dresses but have just changed today.

I understand his stand against homosexuality which is man and woman only but we should not invalidate the creation of homosexual man and woman. It is in the blood since birth that a child will feel naturally even without anyone is coaching and ordering. It is not abnormality that should stigmatize, not illness that should cure, not infection that can get. It is not intentional, prayed for, and choice but an identity like emotion and behavior. In the book they were condemned not because of their existence but because of their acts because there is nothing wrong of being homosexual, but what makes it wrong like any man and woman is the act. What comes in to your sight, mind, and emotion is not wrong but what comes out from you makes you dirty because it is from your heart

Religion is an old, long and maybe ünending debate. It teaches us the good news but it is our faith that will do our salvation. Do not be self-righteous as if you are the one who is right, do not fight just to prove you are right. Just because you are preaching the words of God means you will go to heaven. If you want to be save, being good is not exclusively being religious but it is investing good deed. God wants us to spread the good news but if you do not have the gift and opportunity to do it, then there are other ways you can do like being good leader, neighbor, leader and citizen. Be good a Samaritan and most of all be a good person even when no one is seeing, looking, and watching.

CHECK YOUR NUTRITION

Because July is nutrition month, so here is my diet plan that I follow for many years now. First disclaimer, I am not in medical field and not a health guru to claim my practice is correct and this is not unsolicited advice but it's rather a share of a matter how I do my diet that works for me. Second disclaimer, I don't have excellent health because I have medical maintenance for hypertension which for whatever reason I do not know how come, despite I'm always having generally good results of complete blood check tests.

Let say we have 30 days in a month, on average of 20 days of which are my no rice day. This is how I dispell the claim "rice is life". 20 could be the average because there are weekends that I do not eat rice at all and there are few days during weekdays I eat congee, or the starchy potatoes, corns, or pasta. I don't like to totally cut carbohydrates because this is the source of energy but I have to really limit seriously this culprit of diabetes. Although lately I am into Filipino "silog" dish once a week because it serves my source of fish nutrients.

Bitter melon and leaves, bottle gourd, monggo, bok choy, eggplant, cabbage, water spinach are my main menu in a week. When there is excess in budget, I get other leafy vegs such as broccoli, lettuce, celery, parsley, and kale. Can you imagine how I managed to get used to alternately eat them in breakfast and lunch in weekdays, using chicken breast to taste? Dinner could be same or alternate is brown bread or an available fruit. I do have sardines once a week. Almost all-times I don't have soda drinks, no processed foods, no junk foods, and no sugary snacks. And same goes with red meat like beef, pork, and their internal organ.

By the way, I do not have books and not using measurements when I do my diet. Let just put it in this way - this is my guiding dogma: keep away from sweet, salty, and fatty. That is it, just be in the look to know what foods are these. Keeping my eating habit in this way, I do not feel afraid when I eat out with friends for lunch or dinner. The guilty feeling I am still struggling to control is more black coffee and sometimes some sweet when I cannot say no to friends. And one thing more when dining in, having sweets, salty, and fatty: know the boundary. I have to know the line when it is the genuine occasionally and when it is too much. When I said I have a full meat dish once, this is not once a week but the least could be once a month.

This is how I do my diet. And then these efforts should be done simultaneously with workout. Workout doesn't mean going to gym to gain muscles or playing sports in courts or fields. Workout can be simple run, jog, or walk; as long 

as the calories are burnt. My way of burning is walking and I do not have to exaggerate it by walking hours. A consistent at least 30 minutes of minimum 4 days in a week is my goal.

Your source of nutrition is in right quantity and quality because you are what you eat and it pays off. For decades now, I have maintained my ideal weight, I do not easily get sick, I don't have underlying medical or health condition or chronic disease. And not to mentionel gout, arthritis, rheumatism up to this age, and sometimes I forgot my age when lifting heavy objects and walk the miles.

All these things and my writing, and my job give me the life-balance I am usually doing in long years now. Taking care our health to be in good condition is not just a matter of avoiding illness but also taking less worries and burdens to your loveones, enjoying the life without complaining body aches, and empowering your financial capacity because really health is wealth.

FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND (As Narrated by Alex Villamayor)

A 2024 Maundy Thursday and Good Friday message:

The message of "Footprints in the Sand" is a personal experience that moved me really big. Years 1998 and prior to 2000 were my lowest and saddest point of my life to the point I planned to change my religion. Jobless, negative savings, friend denied me, family was financially short…. Going to church, praying so hard, and attending some worships but I was still undergoing these difficulties – so I thought of going to other religion because I thought maybe I was addressing my prayers to wrong God.

But I was answered. I was answered in a way that was for me. I like reading short stories and messages, and so God gave me a reading material. I found this short article in a journal that when I saw it, the first sentences I read were exactly written like these: “why are you still looking for me? In times when you are in difficulties, in times when you are in pain, those are the times that I am with you, because I am with you who are crucified on the cross".

CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS

Someone may say again “It is not the date of Jesus Christ's birth”. How come He was born on December 25 while it was not even mentioned in the book? Why December 25? It is interesting to note that the scholars’ researches, evidences and signs were consistent and conforming to their studies. If the scientists have made insightful, meticulous and phenomenal studies, and we believed on them so why not December 25? It was based on the bible events sequence that are all leading towards the day, in which these chronological events were revealed in the book. It signifies the first Noel and this needs to celebrate that we call christmas because this is how big we praise Him. Skeptics will still insist to disagree but we reasonably need to have a certain day every year to celebrate, glorify, and remember His name and His blessedness. And we are celebrating it hundred reasons.

For the children. We are celebrating Christmas not just for the date of birth but we are doing this for children who represent the infant Jesus. This is the time of the year to give them extra special day. The innocent and pure children deserved to give their big day, make them smile and celebrate their goodness, cuteness, and genuineness just like with the infant Jesus. Because Christmas is for children, Christmas is time of giving.

For Giving and Sharing. It is the season of giving not only to children but to every young and old, every needy and well-off, and every man and woman. We have the whole year-round to do but is it such so nice to have a special day in a year dedicated to celebrate regularly, express vividly, treasure and honor highly the sense of giving? It is not because you need to but you want to. There is satisfying feeling in giving something out of the most you can even in the smallest way. Giving gift is not always available. At times, some people are not doing it at all during the rest of the year but when December comes, there is something automatic in every heart to have the generosity to give. Christmas is sharing. Sometimes, in spite of life’s difficulties all year round but even some people don’t have enough but they don’t’ stop and can always find ways to give, help, gift, and share any amount or in kind regardless if it is small or not. There is divine intervention

For Kindness. Celebrating Christmas is not just giving anything but also treasuring relationships. Christmas is the time where it is easy and so organic to not only give and share but also to forgive. There is always natural feeling to make-up faults, reunite, be sorry and reconcile with your families, friends, and “enemies”. It’s an old and trite phrase to hear “in the spirit of Christmas ” but true this makes these things easier, in the spirit of Christmas. There is magical feeling of instant mutual understanding to humble one another, forgive and forget each other, and start just right or refresh anew. People surprisingly become kind. The snobbish boss, and ill-tempered neighbors, and the street tough guys become softhearted during the season, especially on Christmas. There is always big heart during the season and we celebrate it through valuing the people around us. No matter what, Christmas makes the world thankful, grateful and humble.

For yourself. In all these, there is validation of self-worth living in your heart because you feel you are living kindheartedly and rightfully. There is a fulfillment feeling that you can have in sharing because you care and that makes the person feel the sense of belongingness. The positivity lives and the law of attraction transcends, and that makes you feel your worthwhile.

We were trained to be kind but we need a day in a year to be further kindlier thru sharing, giving, and forgiving, and there is no wrong in giving kindness to humanity. We are celebrating Christmas because we are acknowledging God, paying tribute to children and improving ourselves at least just in a day from the rest of year.

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MGA SENYALES NG KATAPUSAN

Hindi ako pala-panood ng mga ebanghelikong bidyo tungkol sa mga palatandaan ng katapusan ng mundo, pero nitong nagkaroon ng pandemiya ay dinala ako nito sa pagmumuni-muni at natagpuan ko ang sarili ko na nanonood ng mga ganuong bidyo.  Isa sa mga napanood ko ay bumalik sa aking ala-ala at bigla kong naisip na, oo nga nangyyari na ang mga sinasabing senyales lalo na sa Pilipinas.

Bukod sa mga kalamidad, digmaan, mga sakit, at tag-gutom na nangyayari sa ibat-ibang bansa maging sa Pilipinas man, may mga sensalyes na nangyayari mismo sa Pilipinas, tulad ng mga naglalabasang bulaang propeta at tinutuligsa ang kristiyanismo.  May mga pinuno ng sekta ng relihiyon ngayon ang umaangking siya ang Diyos, sugo ng Diyos, o sinasabing ang sekta nila ang totoong relihiyon na tanging malililigtas.  Lumalakas sila dahil hindi naging kasanayan ng Kristiyanismo ang makipagtalo kaya madalas nilang gamitin ang Kristiyanismo sa pagpuna sa mga katuruan nito kung kaya dumadami ang nakikiayon sa kanila at tinutuligsa na rin ang Kristiyanismo.  Ito na ba ng sinasabing mga bulaang Propeta?  Ito ba yung sinasabing paparito at magsasabing siya ang Mesias?

Senyales daw na marami ang panghihinaan ng loob at tatalikod sa pananampalataya.   Nangyayari na sa mga Pilipino ang humina ang pananampalataya at kaya na nilang kutyain, paratangan at kalabanin ang relihiyong pinanggalingan nila.  Kapag malapit na raw ang katapusan, kapopootan daw ang mga Kristiyano.  Hindi ba’t nangyayari na ito sa Pilipinas?  Marami ang mga lantarang nililibak ang mga pinuno ng simbahan tulad ng sakim daw at mukhang pera ang mga Pari.  Sinasabing yw na nilang magsimba dahil; sa mga kurakot na pari pero ang totoo ay dahilan na lang hila iyon dahil kinatatamaran na lang nila ang magsimba - hindi ba't nanghina na ang kanilang pananampalataya?  Hindi lang minsan kundi maraming beses narinig ng mga Pilipino ang sinabing saktan ang mga Obispo, nakawan, barilin sila, at murahin sila.  Hindi ba’t nagpalakpakan ang maraming tao nang marinig iyon?  Hindi ba’t mismong Snto Papa ay minura na?  Napakasama na ng mundo hindi ba?

Ililigaw daw ang mga tao tuloy sa pagdududa sa mga kautusan tulad ng ang “Huwag kang papatay” ay puwede naman daw pumatay.  Binabago nila ang kahulugan ng mga katuruan.  Ang hindi katapatan, pagsisinungalin at kabastusan ay tila tanggap na ng mgaraming Pinoy.  Hindi ba’t ang mga ito ay tinatangkilik ng mga Pilipino?  Ang pagsisinungalin kapag nauungkat ay ginagawang biro na inaayunan ng mga nakikinig sa pamamag-itan ng palakpakan.  Ang kontrobersiyang nakawan na umaabot ng bilyon-bilyon ay hindi ba’t ilang beses na nating narinig nitong mga nagdaang taon?

Magsusulputan ang mga anti-Kristo – iyung ayaw kumilala sa Ama at Anak.  Ang senyales na ito ay nangyari na sa Pilipinas.  Tinawag na kalokohan daw ang doktrina ng holy trinity, iyung sabihing nakakawala ng bilib na ipinako sa krus ang Diyos sabay mura dito.  Sino itong estupidong Diyos na ito?  May mga kristiyano na napaisip na “oo nga ano?” at pilit ipinaliwanag kung bakit tama ang narinig nila.  Pilit nilang bibigyang katuwiran na tama ang sinabi ng tao na iyon.  Hindi ba’t nangyayari na nga ito ngayon?

Ayokong maki-isa sa mga senyales ng katapusan.  Ayokong maging isa sa mga katibayan ng mga senyales na ito.  Ayokong maging bahagi at halimbawa ng kasamaan.  Ang pandemniya ay naghatid sa akin ng pagmumuni upang isipin ko kung ano ang mga nagawa ko at ano ang mga dapat kong gawin.  Gusto kong maging solusyon kaysa maging problema.  Gusto kong makatulong, hindi kinakailangang pera kundi sa ibang bagay o paraan.  Sa pamamag-itan ng pagpapakabait, naniniwala akong kahit papaano ay maiibsan natin ang pangamba ng pagtatapos ng panahon.  Sa mga pinagdaraanan ng Pilipinas, masuwerte ako dahil hindi ako nagiging biktima kaya pinipilit kong maging bahagi ng pakikiramay, pakikibaka at pagbangon.  Hindi kinakailangan ang malaking kayamanan o tulong dahil ang maliit mong bahagi, kapag isinama sa marami ay malaking kapakinabangan sa marami.

OF BEING IN THE 3rd SEX

In light of Pope Francis Benedict’s comments in support of same-sex civil union, I do not go against it because for me civil union is for civil and social rights.  It is civil union, not the sacrament and covenant of marriage.  And it doesn't contradict my objection in same sex marriage because on my understanding, one of the purposes of marriage in spiritual point of view is the doctrine of procreation and multiplication.  Civil union is for civil rights of all gender.  For me, marriage is for man and woman.  But let us not set side the battle cry of the gays and lesbians.  Most of the time, the common impression of the general public about their causes is about their feelings.  People are thinking it is too much to ask for what they are fighting for.  But it is not all about the emotions or label of relationships but more than these is their civil rights that are enclosed in what we already heard SOGIE (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression).

 

Let’s admit it, there are so many people in 3^rd sex group who have deprived of their rights, opportunity, happiness and success.  Many have been preempted, or lost their opportunity, job promotion and even education because the gauge doesn’t concur with SOGIE of the person.  There are those who were denied the access to public program, health and medical services, those who were refused to provide goods and services, and all these are just because of their gender preference.  They have been marching equality and acceptance.  And it still happens in real life even at these days, many of them have been discriminated, harassed and subjected to physical and verbal attack.  Actually, there are groups that organize events that incite bigotry against the 3^rd sex.  These are the real and painful dilemma that those in the 3^rd sex go through and fighting for, along with right to conjugal properties and same sex marriage which I don’t support despite of our modern days.

 

Being in the third sex, it is off for same-sex marriage not for the capability to multiply but because of our origin since Genesis.  It’s their sad reality.  There is nothing wrong with being gay/lesbian because they too are creations of God.  It is not sin to become.  What makes it wrong and sin is when we go against the Words of God.  Give the civil rights because it is for every citizen.  Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and give to God what belongs to God because this is the word of God.  Sacredness of marriage is to man and woman.  Gays and lesbians have causes that are rights but there are also not right, and same-sex marriage is one.  This is religion, go to civil where it is acceptable.  Procreation needs biological compatibility to fortify their flock.  Civil union needs two persons preference to become legal.  Either of the two, the essence of marriage is to ensure the preservation of the human species to continue the human race.  Adopting may fill up the needs but doesn’t make complete the very idea of a family that has the images of father and mother.

 

Being gay and lesbian has been an old unpopular perception and stigma in our society and faith.  Millions of men and women way back in the old-old times have already suffered because of this injustice.  First of all, being gay (and lesbian) is not inherited and it is not by choice.  Did the straight men and women need to choose their sexual identities?  No, because their sexual identities are inborn just like with gays/lesbians, therefore it is by birth.  If each child goes through the same path that confuses their preferences and they chose to be a boy or girl, then being of 3^rd sex is by choice.   But it’s no, not all children have been in that confusing stage, therefore being in the third gender is inborn or natural trait.  It is not a disease that needs to heal from, that to heal it is to get married.  Getting married is by choice and doesn’t cure because at the end, the attraction to same sex is still there but has just learned to suppress it.  But because of stigma, some have denied it and some have forced themselves to ignore their emotion, or live alone.

 

“If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?  We shouldn’t marginalize people for this.  They must be integrated into society” – Pope Francis Benedict.

WORSHIPING GOD-2

Speaking as Christian, I have nothing against beatification, I am not against sainthood.  First, we Christians acknowledge the extraordinary kindness of the life of these Saints while on earth and we want to let their stories remind us to follow their good deeds.  And they inspire the flock to live the same way how these Saints have lived their life, which is why it is allowed to be with us. Also, I am not against in images of Saints and even the Lord Jesus because they are just merely symbolism. When we see the image of man with a dog, we know it is St. Rocco and we must be good in dogs.  When we see an image of a man with buffalo, we know it is St. Isidore and we must be good farmer.  Besides, being Patron doesn’t mean being God that needs to be worshiped, it just means an identification of a good people that need to be recognized where they were known for.  When you put pictures of your spouse in your wallet doesn’t mean you are worshiping your wife or husband. We can talk to these pictures but it doesn't mean we are worshiping them. When you bring flowers and candles to the grave of your deceased loved ones doesn’t mean you are worshiping them. These are just the same with these images, we are just remembering them but not worshiping.  We are just reminding of their symbolism to follow their message like when you see the sign of no entry, you will not enter.  That is symbolism all about.  This is not blasphemy because you are not worshiping them, thus you are not disrespecting God.

If people were to argue we worship these images, then the answer is actually not. If you are a Christian insisting having images is worshiping, then it only means either your faith as Christian is weak or it is because you worshiped these images before, and your understanding is wrong. As true Christian, we only acknowledge these images and Saints, no more-no less. Having these images is not worshiping God even sainthood is not worshiping neither.  You should not exalt them and adore them because these things should give only to our God.  Remember, worship and prayer are different. Prayer is communicating while worshiping is act of praising and devotion.  Worshiping is where you are giving your life to God only.  Worshiping is where you are offering your highest respect, utmost devotion, purest love and the best of you to God only. You are servicing God, doing what makes Him happy by following His words.  That is worshiping which a true Christian doesn’t do to Saints.  We only worship the God.  We communicate with God, and we can communicate with Saints also but worship should go to God only.  Note that we “can” communicate with these images and it is not we “should” communicate, “can” and “should” are different.  There is freewill, there is no obligatory.  Saying litany is not worshiping but it is communicating to refresh, reminisce, and relive the blessedness of the Saints.  Reciting the rosary is not worshiping but emphasizing the kindness of Mama Mary.  We can communicate with Saints like we communicate with God but never worship them.

God is everywhere.  He is in our heart, beside us, in the mountain, in the prayer rooms, and in the spirit of the images.  The moment we say our prayers to these images, it doesn’t mean these images are the God, but this is where God is.  And again, praying or communicating is different from worshiping.  I have nothing against with these Christian practices but personally, when I pray I do not kneel in front of any object and image. I close my eyes and say my prayers. In this way I can be sure that my heart is praying directly to God only.  I admire the life of these Saints but I do not elate or idolize them as I highly elate God.

REVIVING DEATH PENALTY

So the staunch supporters are starting to back-up the pleasure of the President to revive the death penalty.   Saying God has given governments the right to impose capital punishment, he made an example of Jesus Christ who he said was sentenced to death by the government, “even Jesus was sentenced to death” said eight Division World champion born-again Christian Pastor-Senator Manny Pacquiao.  When someone is citing verses from the bible to support his argument, give him the dose of his own medicine.  Confront him with verses too.  With all due respect, I think the Senator has a little understanding on the statement he cited.  “The wrongful execution of Jesus showed an imperfect and unfair justice system, this exactly show that such judicial system can sentence an innocent man to death.  Jesus is an innocent victim of death penalty” a reaction from his colleague.

Me I must say, yes Jesus was sentenced to death.  And this is exactly the lesson that the Senator must understand.  The Christ was sentenced by these barbaric people who play the justice system like a kangaroo court.  Even Pontius Pilate refused to sentence him because he knew Jesus was innocent.  In our modern time, we have 71.77% rate of judicial error committed in death penalty and then here is Sen. Pacquiao saying the best example of death penalty flaw.  The reality is we have the wrongfully sentenced to death.  We both have “Though shall not kill” in the Ten Commandments.  Being a Pastor himself, I am wondering how he interprets the scriptures.  In His sermon on the mountains, Jesus preached to his followers not to observe the Jewish law that allowed for severe punishment.  He said “You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth." But I say to you, do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other cheek also.” 

In another chapter and verse, there was the passage about an adulterous woman when a group of scribes and Pharisees presented the woman to Jesus asking Him whether the punishment for someone like the woman should be stone to death.  And He said “Let whoever is without sin cast the first stone.”  No one did because no one is sinless.  This is how Jesus taught us that to you should not kill.  Though shall not kill.  Only God should have power over death and life.  Taking someone’s life is nobody’s rights.  “Has killed” is not the same as “to kill”.  Killing during heated brawl or under the influence of drugs is different from killing someone when you are on your conscious mind during death execution.  You have that criminal mind.  You are now no difference from the criminals, you are just legalized criminal.

So those in favor of death penalty are on their own best grandstanding to justify their takes in the issue.  The Senate President, ex-Police Chief Director, and Selfie King who are all equally loud supporters and defenders of every presidential matters, are claiming pro-life by saying better to kill one criminal for the sake of majority people, to save the majority people, to save the nation to be more nationalistic.  Killing one or one thousand, criminal or not is still the same killing that prohibited by God. Criminals are still human that should not be killed. There were times in my perspective when abominable crimes and violence were rampant, I was perceived that death penalty should be legalized to combat these cruel criminals. But I have changed my point of view when I’d watched a movie about the true to life story of a murderer who was sentenced to death. It was so heart breaking to realize the true feeling of the person to be killed, the anxiety, sadness and fear of a conscious man that is so weak, remorseful, humble and harmless – it is inhuman to kill them. Human should be compassionate, we must remember the compassion of Christ.

Do what is due.  If by all means we will just fully impose the laws, we don’t need death penalty. Lifetime imprisonment is tantamount to death penalty.  Do what is due.  If the sentenced will truly undergo the full meaning of his punishment, serve every inch of the verdict, then it’s worse than died because nothing could hurt more or could be worse than depriving your freedom every day.   On contrary, we have these situations: there are prisoners that have become chief living like a king inside the penitentiary, special treatments, privileges, or the relatives can make ways to release them, or they can still continue their illegal activities while in captive, or they befriended the guarding policemen corrupted by incorrect system.  The penal code becomes community like in the outside world that they can enjoy the latest gadgets, television, internet, music.   So how will they suffer their crime?  Due what is due.

WORSHIPING GOD

In light of the pressing criticism that Christians are worshiping the images and statues, I want to make a stand to defend and make clear to the best I can although it may impossible to answer the non-believers.  I am certainly much against with it because these are not God and it is idolatry to pray with these objects.  Long before I had this question of why Christians are praying to those images because apparently I see my fellow Christians kneeling in front of these images.  I cannot understand and accept the validations that they are not praying to these images while the fact they are facing and kneeling in front of those images while saying their grace.  But when God makes way, you will eventually fully understand the seemingly unquestionable fact.  Through reading I was explained.  True and good Christians are not worshiping these images.  Doing grace with these images is not worshiping.  Christians praying in front of these images is not forbidden.  How did that happen?  Praying and worshiping are different.  In praying, we are communicating with God while worshiping is praising therefore it is not worshiping the images and this had answered my question and doubt too.

God said “you should not make for yourself an idol of any kind, or an image of anything heavens above the earth below, or the waters under the earth.  You shall not bow down to them or worship them”.  It means you should not make images and then you worship them.  You can make images of anything like Saints but do not treat them God by worshiping them.  These images are just mere reminders, memories and recognition to the holiness of the personalities.  The church allows them to be around to value, emphasize and recognize the consecrated life they lived that its flock can get inspired into.  These images are representation of God.  They are not necessarily the God instead they are symbolism of God.  Representation doesn’t mean replacement and so the symbolism.  These images are just retelling to us that God is always here.  Praying while in front of these images is not really offered to the images themselves but to the image of God.  And so such prayer is not idolatrous because the prayer is indeed ultimately offered to the God.  Praying to these images in the churches or in our home’s altar will only become idolatry if you are giving all your heart to the images while praying.  When you close your eyes and you pour your all-heart to the Lord, regardless wherever your place, certainly you are praying to the Lord.  It is not the place and not the scene of it but it is your heart.

Whether you are facing in front of your home’s altar when you are praying, whether you are kneeling or standing, prayers in this sense is communicating with God thru the representation of these images and not worshipping them.  They may stand right there in front of the images but their hearts are in front of the invisible God.  Bowing to these images and Christians’ festivities are ways of offering worship to God through the images and not worshiping the images as another God.  But on the other hand it cannot be denied to happen that some of Christians are really praying to these images and the Church is condemning this.  But this can happen only if the faith of the believers is poor, misinformed and misunderstood.  So why should they pray there, the critics would cry out.  Altar is sacred place.  This is where the holiness is much present so it would just worth to pray in these places.  Nevertheless this is just a place but again, prayers can be done anywhere.  It is just a place but then again it’s still that heart that prays.  And it might as well ask again why not just remove these altars?  No because these are reminders, memories and recognition to the holiness and greatness of God.  After all you should not bother if you are praying wholeheartedly.

I pray alone in my room without any images of God.  Like when I’m praying in a car or in our living room.  I can pray too in the church with so many images in front of me BUT deep within me when I closed my eyes and see nothing not even the images of Jesus Christ that we have popularly known, I am sure I am praying to the one and only God.  I prefer to close my eyes to feel the sacredness of my grace and the presence of God.

KRITIKO SA KATOLIKO

Maraming mga bumabatikos sa Simbahang Katoliko/Katolika tungkol sa ibat-ibang isyu at bumbato sa Katolisismo ng mga pagbibintang at gawa-gawang mapanirang akusasyon.  Ang mga ito ay nag-uugat sa pagganti.  Alam ng marami na ang Simbahang-Katolika lamang ang may lakas ng loob na pumalag at magkritiko sa gobyerno kaya kung politikahan lang ay hindi nakakapagtakang gumana ang byurokrasya upang subukan, hamunin o wasakin ang Simbahang Katolika.  Narito ang mga kadalasang birada sa Simbahan, Katoliko at mga Pari ng mga kritiko at kalaban:

Mga maling katuruan.  Ang sa pagkakaalam ko ay ang mga nakasulat sa banal na aklat ang siyang itinuturo ng mga pari. Ang bibliya ay pawang kabutihan, kapayapaan at katarungan kaya paano magiging mali ito?  Sa mga tumutuligsa sa Iglesa Katolika na mali raw ang mga itinuturo ng mga kaparian sa kanilang kawan tungkol sa pagsamba sa mga nilikhang imahen at rebulto, nagkakamali ang mga tumutuligsang ito.  Sinabi ng Diyos na “Huwag kang magbibintang sa iyong kapwa”, “Huwag mong huhusgahan ang iyong kapwa”, “Huwag kang sasaksi sa hindi katotohanan”.  Nagbintang ka na agad sa iyong kapwa dahil kahit kalian ay hindi itinuro ng mga kaparian ng Simbahang JKatolika na sambahin ang mga imahen.  Walang dokrina ng Simbahan matatagpuan ang ganitong aral.   Pinapahintulutan ng Simbahan ang mga imahen ng mga Santo at Santa sa loob ng simbahan at tahanan ng mga Katoliko upang magsilbing alaala, pagkilala, paggalang at inspirasyon sa kanilang mga ginawang kabanalan.    Magkaiba ang pagsamba at paggalang.  Ang paghalik at pagyuko sa mg aimahen ay paggalang sa kanilang ginawang kabutihan.  Ang ipinagbabawal ay ang pagluhod sa mga ito habang sinasamba nilang Diyos.  Nagiging masama ang paggamit ng rebulto at imahen kapag ito ay hindi na nagiging paalaala kundi sinasamba na mismo bilang Diyos.  At kinokondena ito ng Simbahan Katolika.  Ang pagsamba ay ang pagdakila at nauukol lamang ito sa Diyos.  Nagiging diyos-diyosan lamang ang mga imahe at rebulto kung ito ay dadasalan mo.  Nagiging masama ang paggawa ng mga larawan kung ito ay iyong yuyukuran bilang Diyos, pero kung bilang alala ay walang masama. 

Huwag mo silang husgahan agad lalo’t wala kang nalalaman.  Kung nakikita mo silang nagdarasal sa loob ng Simbahan na sa unahan ay ang maraming imahen ay hindi ito nangangahulugang ang mga imahen mismo ang pinatutungkulan nila ng kanilang mga dasal kundi ang bawat salitang namumutawi sa mga labi at puso ng nananalnagin ay para sa Diyos na nasa langit.  Ang altar ay nilalagyan ng mga alala ng mga tao na naging banal sa mata ng Diyos.  Kung ang lugar na ito ay banal nga, duon nagdadasal ang mga Katoliko pero hind nangangahulugan na yung mga imahen na nakikita nila ang kanilang dinadasalan kundi yung Diyos na nasa puso at isip nila kapag ipinikit nila ang kanilang mga mata habang nasa banal na lugar.  Ang mga rebulto ay pagpapaalala lamang ng mga tao na minsang nabuhay sa mundo.  Walang pinipiling lugar ng pagdadasal pero mas nakasanayan lang ang magdasal sa altar at Simbahan.  Kahit tambakan mo pa ng isang libong rebulto ang isang totoong Katoliko kung kapag nagdasal naman siya ay ang Diyos ang kanyang isinasa-puso ay hindi matatawag na dinasasalan niya ang mga rebulto.  Kaya ang pagsasabing sinasamba ng mga Katoliko ang mga imaheng ito ay isang malaking kamalian at isa lang paraan ng mga kritiko upang iligaw ang mga tao.  Mayroon silang mga sinasabing bersikolo bilang patunay pero pawang mali naman ang mga iyon o mali ang pagkakaunawa kaya huwag kang sasaksi sa hindi katotohanan.  Pati ang mga piyesta at prusisyon ay hindi pagsamba kundi pagdiriwang ang mga ito upang gunitain at alalahanin ang mahahalagang pangyayari.  Sa luma at bagong tipan ay binanggit na ang mga ito kaya hindi ito mali.

Hindi tumutulong sa mahihirap.  Ang Katoliko ang may pinakamalaki at pinakamatagal na kawang-gawa sa panahon natin ngayon.  Dito sa Pilipinas ay may mahigit limang libong scholars ang Caritas Manila.  Ang simbahan ay tumutulong na makapagbigay ng trabaho sa mga catholic hospital at schools, may mga bahay-ampunan para kumukupkop sa mga batang wala ng magulang at mga matatandang wala ng pamilya.  Tumulong ang Simabahan sa mga biktima ng bagyong Yolanda nuong 2013 at tumutulong sa mga malnourished na bata.  Kahit nuong panahon pa ng mga digmaan sa Kastila, Hapon at Amerikano ay tumutulong na ang Simbahan sa mga Pilipino

Mukha-pera ang mga Pari at Madre.  Ipinupunto ng mga kumakalaban sa simbahan kung bakit may bayad daw ang mga serbisyo ng Simbahan sa mga kasal, binyag, kumpil at libing.  Ang totoo ay walang binabayaran sa mga nabanggit na serbisyo dahil kahit kalian ay hindi mababayaran o mabibili ang kaloob ng espiritu santo sa mga seremonyas na ginawa sa kasal, binyag, kumpil at libing. Ang ibinibigay ng mga kumukuha ng serbisyo para sa mga nabanggit ay donasyon. Ang ibinibigay natin sa simbahan at mga pari ay tulong para sa kanilang pangangailangan. Mga tao rin sila na nagugutom, nauuhaw at nangangailangan ng damit.  Hindi na siguro dapat na ibili pa nila tayo ng mga gagamitin sa seremenyas tulad ng bulaklak, kandila, atbp.  Mayroon naman kasalang-bayan na walang ibabayad sa mga bulaklak o kandila na yan, maaari magpunta duon ang may gustong walang bayad sa kasal.  Kung ikaw naman ay nakakaunawa, paano mo pa isusumbat ang donasyon mo?  Kung binyag, gaano ka ba kadalas magpabinyag?  Kada lingo na lang ba ay nagkaka-anak ka?  Ilan ba ang asawa mo para pakasalan?  Lagi bang may namamatay sa inyo para isumbat mo ang ibibigay mong pera?  Isipin na lang ito: sa mga naglipanang ibat-ibang sekta ng relihiyon ay ang Simbahang Katolika lamang ang walang pirmihang binabayaran ang Kanyang mga kawan. Walang sinisingil tuwing magpupunta sa misa, walang binabayaran kapag binigyan ka ng buwanang limbag ng kanilang libro o pahayagan, walang 10% sa kinikita mo bilang kongtribusyon, walang pananakot na kapag hindi ka nakapagbigay ng obligasyon ay masusunog ka sa impyerno. Kundi, ang bawat isa sa Katoliko ay magbibigay ayon sa sariling pasya at maluwag sa kalooban.  Hindi po ninenegosyo ng mga Pari ang serbisyo.  Walang bayad ang kasal, binyag, libing.  Ang pera nilang ginagamit sa pagtulong at para sa pagkain nila upang mabuhay ay mula sa mga donasyon at makapagpatuloy ng kanilang misyon.  Maaaring may ilan sa hanay nila ang mayroong itinayo o kasosyo sa negosyo sa labas ng simbahan pero ang pangunahing pinagkukunan ng kanilang gastusin ay ang mga donasyon rin lang.

Isinasama din sa isyu na ito ang mga paaralang-Katoliko na napakamamahal ng matrikula.  Unang-una, tandaan natin na obligasyon ng pamahalaan na magbigay ng libreng edukasyopn sa mga kabataan.  Kung mayroong mga libreng edukasyon sa mga pampublikong paaralan, bakit may mga nagbubukas pang mga private, exclusive at catholic schools?  Dahil kailangan ng mga bata ang de-kalidad na edukasyon na “hindi naibibigay” ng mga pampublikong paaralan.  At kung may mga libre na ngang edukasyon ay bakit marami pa rin ang huindi nakakapag-aral?  Ang mga paaralang-Katoliko ay walang subisidya ng gobyerno.  Ang pasuweldo sa mga guro, trabahador at mga pangangailangan ng paaralan ay kinukuha lahat sa ibinabayad ng mga nag-aaral.  Kung pag-iisipang mabuti, marami ang mga umaalis na guro sa ganitong paaralan at lumilipat sa pampublikong paaralan dahil sa suweldo na ibig sabihin ay kulang pa kung tutuusin ang ibinabayad ng mga estudyante para tapatan ang suweldo sa kabilang paaralan.  Pero sinisikap pa rin ng mga paaralang ito na mabigyan ng de-kalidad at advance na edukasyon ang mga bata para makasabay sa hamon ng buhay.  May mga scholars ang mga Pari at Madre sa mga paaralang ito kaya huwag sabihing pang-mayaman at pera lang ang gusto ng mga paaralang ito.  Maaaring may mga pinag-aaral pa rin ang mga pari sa ibang mga paaralan.  Hindi lang ang Katoliko ang may mga paaralan, mayroon din ang ibang sekta ng relihiyon ngunit bakit parati ang Katoliko lang ang gustong-gustong puntiryahin ng paninira?

Kinakampihan ang mga kiminal. Ang palaging sinasabi ng simbahan ay pairalin ang nararapat at tamang proseso.  Wala akong nakikitang pagkampi sa kriminal sa pangungusap na iyon.  Kung ang pinagbabatayan ng mga nagbibintang na kinakampihan ng Simbahan ang mga kriminal dahil hindi sang-ayon ang Simbahan sa mga pinapatay na nahuhuli o sinisistensiyahang kriminal, iyun ay dahil sa doktrina na napakatagal ng sinusunod ng Simbahang-Katolika.  Na sa palagay ko ay tama.  Mahigit dalawang libong taon ng ipinagbabawal ang pagpatay samantalang itong mga bumabatikos sa pakikialam ng Simbahan sa patayan ay wala pang anim na taon na termino.

Kinakalaban ang gobyerno. May separation of Church and State. Pero may mga issue na dapat pakiaalaman ng simbahan dahil nadadamay ang kanilang kawan tulad ng same sex marriage, killing, divorce, abortion, etc.   Kapag ang estado ay may mga itinakdang batas at patakaran na rasista, labag sa kasarihan at mapanira sa buhay ng tao, ang Simbahan ay kailangan kumilos, magpahayag ng pagtutol at tumangging makilahok upang mailigtas ang sangkatauhan.  Aminin natin na Simbahang-Katolika lang ang may lakas ng loob na bumatikos sa gobyerno dahil kailangan nilang gampanan ang kanilang misyon.

Tulad nga ng madalas kong sabihin, may mga namamali din sa hanay ng mga kaparian.  Mayroon sa hanay ng kaparian at pinuno sa Simbahan ang naging abusado at palaging mayroong ganito sa bawat panahon ng kasaysayan.  May mga kahinaan o maraming nagawang kamalian, tao lang ang mga ito pero mas marami pa rin ang nabubuhay sa tuwid na landas.   Ganun din naman, totoo na may mga Katoliko na masyadong nagiging panatiko sa mga imahen at rebulto pero hindi ito ang gusto ng mga Kaparian.  Alin man, ang mga taong ito ang naturuan ng kanilang mga magulang na may maling pananaw o ang mga taong ito ang nagkamali ng interpretasyon o may mahinang pananampalataya.  Gayumpaman, ilan sa mga tumutuligsa o kalaban ng simbahan at iyung mga kapanalig ngunit kulang sa sapat na impormasyon tungkol sa Katolisismo ay ang mga naniniwala na ang mga Katoliko nga ay may maling ginagawa at sumasamba sa mga imahen.  Ngunit ayon sa kasabihan nga, huwag kang magsalita kung hindi mo alam ang buong katotohanan. Alinman sa mga panatikong debotong relihiyoso o mga taong may “mahinang pananampalataya” na nagbigay-kahulugan sa aral ng Diyos ay sila ang may mga maling paniniwala.  Itinuturo sa aklat at ng mga pari na huwag kang papatay pero yung mga hindi maka-Simbahan ay tinutulan ito? Itinuturo din na hindi maaaring ikasal ang magkaparehong-kasarian pero ito ang gusto nila na nangyari.

Hindi ako eksperto sa Bibliya pero nagbabasa ako at wala naman akong nakikitang mali sa mga nababasa ko.  Bukas ang aking kaisipan at nilalawakan ko ang aking pang-unawa, hindi ako yung komo nakagisnan na ay sarado na ang isip ko.  Bagamat lumaki ako sa isang lugar na malakas ang impluwensiya ng katolismo at kristianismo ay may mga bagay na hindi ko sinusunod tulad ng pagdarasal sa mga santo at imahen, pag-bigkas ng mga litanya.   Nagsisimba ako at nakikiisa ako sa Mahal na Araw, Pasko, atbp bilang pagkilala ko sa mga kabanalang ginawa ng mga Santo at Santa pero hindi ako nagdarasal sa kanila, hindi ako humahalik, pumapasan at nag-aalay sa kanila. Oo bukas ang aking isip pero hindi sa punto o sa antas na kapag binastos ang Diyos ko ay hindi man lang ako papalag.