Tuesday 28 October 2008

Value vs. Values


Election is the bulwark of democracy.  The citizens decide on the course of the nation by voting the candidate or party they trust with their future.  If the incumbent has become ineffective or abusive, likewise the people can exercise their right of suffrage to bring about change.

But it is not that easy to discern a candidate or party.  Like a new product sold in the market, the candidate or party is promoted positively, putting forward only the strong points, hiding unpleasant features with utmost effort.  Media takes the initiative to obtain the truth about a candidate or party – separating fact from fiction – thereby, allowing voters to make a balanced decision.

As the voter scrutinizes the person of a candidate and the policies of a party, he must do so, taking into account his own set of values and beliefs. “Listen to me, you who know right from wrong, you who cherish my law in your hearts. Do not be afraid of people’s scorn, nor fear their insults.” (Isaiah 51:7) Candidates deliver sound bites that are soothing to the ears; while parties promise packages that impact on economic benefits for families.  Politicians target the urgent concerns of the citizenry, that of their basic needs – food, shelter, health and education.  The ones who promise better value on the economic front may just get that precious vote. 

The good electorate though must not count the coins in his pocket; rather he should take a holistic view on making a choice. Ask the following question: What is the stand of the candidate/party on the human life; on family and rights of children; on alleviation of the poor and the vulnerable in society; on law, crime and punishment; and on protection of the environment? Most importantly, you must find the answer to the query: Is the candidate/party God-fearing? A positive response to the last question can give some assurance that the path the candidate/party will be guided by faith values. “We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.” (2 Corinthians 10:4)

Let your vote count not just in favour a particular candidate/party, but most importantly for the victory of  the Lord. “The Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)

by Mel Libre

Monday 20 October 2008

Camouflaging with Perfume


Manolo Almendras, a high school buddy, was once sent on a scholarship to France in relation to his research work on milkfish or "bangus" with Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Centre (SEAFDEC). He told me of an occasion when the owner of the place he rented called his attention one morning. "Manolo, why do you take a bath every day?" asked the landlord. He responded that it kept him clean and it was part of his routine. The proprietor said that water in France did not come cheap and asked him gently to cut down on his bathroom time. Manolo realised later on that most of his French classmates simply sprinkled their bodies with perfume to keep themselves socially presentable. He did reduce his bathing; but refused to adapt to perfuming.

Washing and bathing are essential to keep our bodies clean. The elements of the earth can easily accumulate in our delicate skin and the longer these stick the more damage these bring. Not only will the body become dirty, microbes are attracted and soon enough rashes appear. The situation becomes worse with scratching, thereby causing irritation and/or open wound. Camouflaging with perfume won’t make the problem go away.

If it is important to wash or bath our bodies to keep these tidy and healthy; so must we cleanse our souls of sin that destroys its glitter in the eyes of God. "Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Remove the evil of your deeds from My sight Cease to do evil." (Isaiah 1:16) As water washes dirt from the body, prayer, charity, service and sacrifices can cleanse the spirit. We must do these consistently as the devil is persistent in his attacks.

The love of God is like pure water, it comes for free so long as we call and serve Him; we will be kept clean and holy. "Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water." (Hebrews 10:22)

by Mel Libre

Monday 13 October 2008

A Life of Tests, Difficulties and Suffering


Socrates "Bro Soc" Fernandez is a respected figure among Catholics in Cebu and neighbouring provinces. He is a leading Catholic defender who knows the Bible through and through, quoting passages with ease and precision. He is not afraid to debate with anyone who challenges the teachings of Christ or those who undermine the Catholic faith. He hosts a radio program as well as a television show. Bro Soc is acknowledged as a true servant of the Lord.

His exemplary service and sterling leadership, in addition to his personal integrity, caught the attention of politicians who lured him to run for elective positions that he handily won. Currently, he serves as mayor of Talisay City, a growing community south of metropolitan Cebu. Though he is accustomed to criticisms as a public servant, he has been brought under intense pressure – not because of any wrongful act that he committed, rather as a result of alleged criminal acts of his adopted son. By attending to his son, who has yet to be charged in court, but has been convicted in a trial by public opinion, Bro Soc has been castigated for his conduct, and there are even sectors seeking his resignation.

To be a follower of Christ means a life of tests, difficulties and suffering. "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps." (1 Peter 2:21) The Apostles as did many early Christians underwent persecution and faced death for following the path of Jesus. In these modern times, Christians in China, India and Iraq suffer for their belief. Christians who earn a living in the Middle East pray in closed doors under threat of prosecution. Even in predominantly Catholic countries, those who stand by the letter of God’s Word are scrutinised, if not humiliated. "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." (2 Timothy 3:12)

As followers of Christ today, we too will individually experience trying moments. "For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake." (Philippians 1:29) But we should never give up. God is the defender of his children; He is with us today as He was in the past, as He will be in the future. "And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together." (Romans 8:17)

by Mel Libre

Monday 6 October 2008

Forever Young


Meg Ryan captured the hearts of moviegoers in "Sleepless in Seattle" and "You Got Mail". Beautiful, witty and appealing, Ryan not only became the screen sweetheart of actor Tom Hanks but of adoring fans as well. Her career though has been going downhill through the years. In 2008, Ryan and Hanks bumped on each other during an event of the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame. Hanks noticing that he looked quite old in the presence of the youthful looking Ryan, was quoted as saying: "Meg, keep away from Botox", referring to the youth-enhancing drug. He may have meant that if they should be seen as an on-screen couple in a future movie project, both of them should have aged gracefully in their looks. Otherwise, Hanks will have to play a fatherly role to Ryan’s character.

Actors and actresses are looked upon as moneyed and glamorous. But as time passes by, many simply fade away into oblivion. We only hear of them when they have committed a scandalous act or may have died. There are a few with drawing power continuing for a long time until their golden years, in the likes of John Wayne, Marlon Brando and Paul Newman, truly gifted and genuinely talented. In this age of cosmetic surgery, quite a number of thespians whose fame is grounded on looks, try as much as possible to stay forever young. Let’s face it, the body can only take so much – age will take its toll. And the fickle show business industry seeks out younger talents – bringing the curtains down on senior players.

"Vanity of vanities, says Qoheleth, vanity of vanities! All things are vanity!" (Ecclesiastes 1:2) Well-being, in the context of quite a number of people, is to be in the state of youthfulness. So many legends have been told about the fountain of youth and of expeditions pursued to find it. It does not exist. Human beauty is only skin-deep; and the skin depreciates with time. Cosmetic surgeons mostly feed on human vanity.

It is our souls that never ages and live forever. Well-being should therefore be synonymous with spiritual wellness. Jesus Christ purposely came to be amongst us to bring us the Good News that life persists after death. He gave us the formula on life eternal in Heaven: "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment."(Mark 12:30) If we do so, even while living on this earth and growing old, we will forever remain young at heart with the love, the peace and the joy of God’s presence.

by Mel Libre