CALL TO FAITH

By: Sem. Mark Gil D. Yongco

  Reflection on “Faith as Understanding"

 St. Anselm of Canterbury once gave definition of Theology as “Faith Seeking Understanding.”

 Perhaps you might ask, why do we need to understand our faith?

In my Opinion, understanding in any aspect of life is a natural and basic desire of each person in the world...

For example, in our childhood, we wonder about the mystery of things, experiences and events that surround us like- the proper way of eating, walking, dressing, communicating, speaking writing, reading, and so forth... because as humans, we have the natural desire to understand the things/event/experiences/wisdom which are not familiar or known to us... therefore we want to understand

In relation to our faith as understanding, first, we believe in God as the Creator and source of our faith and life, but in my opinion, we must not stop there! Faith is not static like our life in the world!!

We must ignite our desire to know more NOW, about our Faith by reading the Scriptures, participating in the Mission of the Church (to be holy and make others holy), celebrating the Sacraments, specially the Living Eucharist; and by living out the Gospel Message of love, justice and peace for all God's creation.

Indeed Faith as understanding, will lead us to transform ourselves, the Church herself, the society, and the world as the true Kingdom of God.

2.      Reflection on the "Humility of Incarnation"

 The Incarnation of Our Lord Jesus Christ is the true model FOR HUMILITY, PASSION FOR LIFE AND SERVICE as a PERSON FOR OTHERS. We learn from Saint Paul in his Letter to the Philippians 2:5-8:

 "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon himself the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Indeed this is the key term for the genuine meaning of Humility as manifested in the life and works of our servant, Jesus Christ.  

Remembering Faith: Love as the Call

By: Sem. Yohan D. Rojo

There can never be anything more universal in this world than love. It is an essence that we human, children of God, share. It is something that somehow necessarily clings to us from the moment of conception or even before it during the moment of our parents and ancestors’ union as husband and wife, as bride and bridegroom, as lover and beloved, or as man and woman. Love is carefully woven in this fine spread of cloth that is life - we are wrapped by love. It is abundant, but like the abundance of good air we who benefit from it pollute it, consciously and unconsciously, and then later on forget how good air feels, how love feels.

The sickness of our being, as human, is forgetfulness. We forget that we are creatures of the creator, the children of God out of love. Our age today provides us with so many possibilities and opportunities which we can simply grab for us to live according to our time and not according to our purpose. It is as if our lives are solely driven by our needs and wants and then ultimately become our masters. At a later time of our life we realize that there are so many things that we cannot comprehend and then embark on a search for meaning, for purpose. Some stop trying and let the temporary things of this world satisfy their “missing part”, and so they simply fade away in history. It is a choice between remembering and forgetting. Our decision to remember is the cure for this affliction. It is the act of keeping, of being faithful to what is already given, which is love.

“To love is to will the good of another”

                                                                - St. Augustine

There’s a story in the Bible about such love. It’s the story of Nehemiah and the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s ruined walls. Nehemiah gave up a good life in order to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Though he and those who helped him rebuild the walls were faced with many challenges and so they suffered, they nonetheless succeeded. They were all joined by love. This work that benefited everyone - the walls were for protection against hostile neighbors - is an act of love for another. Their faith for God’s help was enjoined by their love for their own.

“We are heirs of the work of generations and at the same time shapers of the future of all who will live after us”

                                                - Compendium of the Social Doctrines of the Church, P. # 274)

Our keeping of love and our embracing of the Faith that we profess are the works of this present generation and that someday these works will be the works of the next generation, an inheritance indeed. Just like a responsible parent, we would wish to provide the children a good life. We do this by doing what Nehemiah and his followers did, which was to work together for everyone’s sake. if we fail to do so many may suffer for when a Christian suffers, we all suffer (1cor.12:26). Just as when our heart fails, our body fails with it.

It is love like that of Christ, the one who bore the cross and then was nailed on the cross and suffered pain and death to allow and to guide us to salvation, that must reign in our hearts. With this love we can keep on rebuilding our faith that was and is still divinely provided. Let us then have recourse to love and witness Christ’s resurrection in everyone who remembers.

FILIPINO MARTYR SAINT

THE TRUTH OF FAITH OF A FILIPINO MARTYR SAINT

            Pope Benedict XVI surprised the Filipino Catholic at his announcement of the canonization of Blessed Pedro Calungsod. The elevation of Blessed Pedro Calungsod to sainthood was held on October 21, 2012. He is honored as the patron Saint of all the Cathecists. Pedro Calungsod become a saint primarily because of his Martyrdom. According to the CCC n. 2473 “Martyrdom is the supreme witness given to the truth of faith: it means bearing witness even unto death. The martyr bears witness to Christ who died and rose, to whom he/she is united by charity. He/she bears witness to the truth of the faith and of Christian doctrine. He/she endures death through an act of fortitude.”

            Going back to the story of the life of Pedro Calungsod, we would know that he was killed in the town of Hagatna in the island of Guam a companion of Padre Diego doing a mission in that area. When they were attack with spears, what Pedro did was according to those who witness, was is one may narrate: “Pedro had all the chance to scape because he was very agile, but he did not want to leave Padre Diego alone” and both of them were martryed on April 2, 1672 which was the Saturday before Passion Sunday of that year.

            But most prominently before his martyrdom, Pedro Calungsod lived his life as a faithful Christian was exemplifying the virtues of Hope, Charity, Generous Service, Courage, Consistency, Purity, Trustworthyness, Piety, Faith with Love and Compassion to others. At early age Pedro voluntered to be a missionary and at his early age he already practiced these virtues in his life, virtues that exemplified by saints. Even if his life in this world is too short but then he practiced being a good Christian that makes his life bearing the truth of faith. However, while he experienced a terrible death, he died with a peaceful heart enabling him to endure death through an act of fortitude. Pedro Calungsod remained faithful in spite of the pain that was implicated to him at the very last moment of his life.

            This gift that was given to San Pedro Calungsod is a manifestation of God’s word and Christ teaching which says: “If a man wishes to come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and begin to follow in my footsteps. Whoever would save his life will loose it, but whoever would lose his life for my sake will find it.”(Mt 16, 24-25) This is evident in the life of Pedro Calungsod. Jesus continues “The Son of Man will come with his Father’s glory accompanied by his angels. When he does, he will repay each man acccording to his conduct.” (Mt 16, 27).

            The Filipinos are so very grateful about this goodnews. It is really a precious gift for the Filipinos that Pedro Calungsod was canonized as the 2^nd Filipino saint. Through San Pedro Calungsod we are reminded again of our Christian virtues. We are also reminded of the challenge to stand firm, living out our faith even in the face of persecution. In this year of faith he becomes our model in the faith we professed.

We may not able to become like San Pedro Calungsod in terms of the very same martyrdom but we are all called to be a good Christians, making the virtues of  faith, hope and love alive in our own little capacities a midst the struggles of everyday life.

FILIPINO CHARACTERISTIC OF KATATAGANG LOOB

FAITH WITHIN THE FILIPINO CHARACTERISTIC OF KATATAGANG LOOB

BY: MARK JOY G. BASALLAJES

January 13, 2013

            The declaration of the year of faith in this post-modern time is very significant so to speak. Many Filipinos today are struggling in many ways such in terms of injustices, hunger, aggression, deprivation, homelessness. But in spite of this struggle, are they staying strong in their faith?

          One of the characteristics of the Filipinos is what we call Katatagang-loob, according to Joseph Anthony Narciso Z. TiangcoKatatagang-loobis the spirit of undying resiliency reflected upon acts of self-endurance and self-durability amidst of adversities. This reflection tries to rekindle this characteristic of the Filipinos which we call the Katatagang-loob. This Katatagang-loob, itself, challenges us to celebrate this year, the year of faith.

          When we face problems in our life we can sometimes experience dryness with our faith or with our spiritual life, sometimes we lose hope, and sometimes we simply escape the harsh realities of life. Nevertheless many are trying to stay strong in their faith in the midst of the many challenges because without the capacity to face life’s difficult situations, life is seems to be meaningless.

          My experience in the seminary is full of expectations. I cannot hide the fact that even if others look at me as spiritually fit, I am still struggling within. Sometimes, I doubted my faith because of the different philosophers that I am reading. But in spite of this, I always try to purify my motivation. And sometimes I can experience discouragement but I always strive to go on with my formation. In the face of discouragement, I know, I must be a Matatag ang loob. God is the one who calls me and around me are the instruments that God uses in order for me to grow in faith.

          Last year the Philippine government under Aquino administration already signed the very controversial law of the nation, “the Reproductive Health Bill” (RH Bill).  Many of the Pro-Life advocates, especially bishops were so dismayed of the result when it was legalized. We saw bishops of strong faith conviction at that time. It might be that we have lost the fight with regard to the passing of the RH Bill but our aspiration for a better society that is governed by faith continues. And we hope that we would become more responsible as regards the promotion of life.         Sometime when we are facing problems in our life we don’t know what to do, we don’t know where to go. In this year of faith, the challenge remains that amidst the challenges and adversities, Katatagang-loob is what we need. And this would be the most relevant expression of our Christian faith, both as individuals and as well as a community!