Friday 28 March 2008

Song of Renaldo


“Believe me you fit in,” Ryan Seacrest told American Idol wannabe Renaldo Lapuz in going to Hollywood. If it was meant as a compliment, it could be that Lapuz was unique and had something special to offer. Singing his original song, “We’re Brothers Forever”, the Filipino contestant gave all that he had, entertaining Simon Cowell and bringing Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul to join in the singing. While the show presenters may have thought of making a laughing stock out of him, Lapuz instead stole the hearts of viewers. When told that he failed in the audition, the man accepted the rejection without any rancour. He thanked the judges and the show for giving him the opportunity to share his talent and song. He found it a “privilege to sing to the whole world.” 

What did Renaldo do that made him memorable? For one, he was true to himself. He did not pretend to be someone else. He stuck to his ordinariness, and just gave it his best shot. Secondly, he exemplified humility. He took no offense when asked to sing over and over again while everyone else in the room laughed at him. Thirdly, he was pure in heart. His message of friendship, peace and hope through the lyrics of his composition and by assuring the acerbic Cowell that he is well-liked created a positive impact on everyone who viewed the show live and even those who saw the repeats.

When Galilean fisherman Simon Peter went to the heart of the Roman Empire, it must have been an overwhelming challenge. He was not going for an audition rather he was tasked by Jesus Christ to establish His church. "I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.  (Matthew 16:18)  Accepting his human frailty, St Peter went about doing God’s business with humility and being pure in heart. He was crucified; but then he had succeeded in firmly putting the foundation of the early Christian church.

It takes a lot of courage to do pursue something outside of one’s comfort zone. More so if you know that you will be subjected to scorn, ridicule or worst, death. But for as long as one dares to do what is right and good, one has God’s protection.  “Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

There may be times when we think little of ourselves and surrender to the belief that we cannot really make a difference in the world because of our ordinariness.  Think again. The Lord gave me this message: “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:4-5)  Each one of us is a star in the eyes of God and He wants us to shine in the stage He sets for us. Delight Him by doing your role memorably – and be assured that in His Kingdom you fit in.

by Mel Libre

Friday 21 March 2008

Call of the Lord


“Listen to the call of the Lord,” the elderly priest of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Glen Eden, Waitakere City appealed to worshippers, especially the youth, attending the Maundy Thursday mass.  He was expounding on the meaning of the act of Jesus in washing the feet of the Apostles. “If I, therefore, the master and teacher have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet”. (John 13:14)  Jesus was showing His disciples the path of genuine service, one of humility and of willingness to sacrifice.

The sad timbre of the priest’s voice reflected the melancholic atmosphere of the Church on the dwindling number of young people responding to the call to the religious vocation. Europe and the United States are experiencing shortage of priests. While there may be increases in less developed countries in Asia, Africa and South America there is not enough still to shepherd God’s flock today.   Jesus’ words have remained true. ”The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” (Matthew 9:37)

In the island of Bohol in the Philippines, there was a tradition among families to have at least one son pursue the priestly vocation. But times have changed there, as in many other places in the Christian world. In Third World countries, young people opt to take courses that would allow them to work abroad; while in First World societies, the lure for material wealth, instant fame and social gratification take priority over God and family.  Have we fallen deaf to Christ’s call? “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)  

While the voice of the Lord is personal to a chosen individual; there are many among us who have to take up our crosses as well if only to lead the one meant for the religious vocation. “Without counsel plans go wrong, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22) ‘Counsel’ may be expressed in words or shown through actions. Parents leading prayerful lives will reveal God’s living presence among the children. Priests through their conduct and homilies inspire the youth the way Christ encourage His disciples. Teachers and other professionals espousing good values in work and in play nourish the minds of the young to follow by example.  You and me, we can be the advisers that God puts during the opportune time to reflect His shadow on those He chooses to be priests or nuns.

Let us learn from the Isaiah. “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?"  And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8)

by Mel Libre

Friday 14 March 2008

Workers in the Field


As I entered her car, Agnes Granada excitedly talked about her conversation with Lincoln Tan, a columnist for the New Zealand Herald. She said that Mr Tan had agreed to interview and write an article on the plight of Roderick Catuday, a Filipino migrant who was diagnosed with cancer in January and whose meager resources cannot afford the staggering fees (NZ$150,000) required for medication and treatment. Catuday had gone through the government red tape to seek assistance; but was only met with cold shoulders from rank-and-file personnel up to a minister who all blamed policy restrictions on his work-to-residence migrant status. "I feel totally let down by New Zealand, and really am at a loss," the frustrated father of three children aged between 12 and 15, was quoted as saying in the published news story written by Tan.

Granada had worked tirelessly to bring Catuday’s case to the concerned agencies. Bringing the matter to the media was the final card on her sleeves. Like a child receiving a present from Santa Claus, she was bursting with enthusiasm assured that Catuday’s story would be given light to the public. The published item brought instant response from readers and ignited the ‘bayanihan’ spirit among Filipinos in Auckland. Emelita Catuday, Roderick’s wife, could not help but declare, in the follow up story in NZ Herald: “We feel very blessed, and your readers just don't know how much their kindness means to me and my children."

It is not easy to fathom God’s way – afflicting a family man with growing children in a foreign land – but one religious writer says that “suffering is an opportunity for God’s glory to be revealed.” In this situation, how can God’s glory be revealed? The Lord has labourers in the field – doing His work; fulfilling His promises. We are those workers, all children of God, each empowered with gifts to benefit others. “And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with giftsof administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.” (1 Corinthians 12:28) We are told: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

Granada did her share. “For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, tell them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action.” (2 Corinthians 9:2) Let us then allow God to work through us.  For those who have financial resources, fill the wanting cup of the Catuday family; and for others, storm heaven with prayers for the healing of Roderick.

To Roderick and to his family, be assured:  “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.” (Nahum 1:7) God tells us: “I will never, never fail nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)  

by Mel Libre

Friday 7 March 2008

Walk in Faith


I thought it was not possible. You see upon disembarking the bus each morning and after walking for 20 minutes from the bus stop, I notice this stranger, whom I thought disembarked from the same bus, walk opposite my direction as I huffed a few meters from my workplace. Curious, I took an opposite route walking to my office, to trace the possible alternative way used by the mystery man. That route took me nearly 30 minutes to get to my workplace. I, thus, concluded that the individual who walked opposite my direction just resembled the person who got down in the bus stop.

To put a closure to the matter, I spied on this balding co-passenger one day focusing on the colour of his shoes and his bag just in case I met the similar-looking gentleman. I was dumbfounded when I encountered the very same person (wearing brown shoes and carrying a black bag) walking towards my direction, as I was about to arrive at my destination. Days later, I successfully solved the puzzle. The man disembarked from the bus we both took, then crossed the street while I continued walking on the other side. He then rode on another bus that brought him to a bus stop a few meters from my workplace. He then walked opposite my direction where his office is located.

It is a tendency for human beings to be sceptical on things or events that go against the usual. Civilisation has advanced through centuries because of Man’s curiosity and desire to understand himself and everything around him by using the senses. Scientists, philosophers and educators have developed techniques and in recent times used sophisticated equipment to break into new grounds to answer questions in areas that seemed mysterious. The free flow of information through technology has contributed further to breaking into new frontiers that allow Man to tinker even with what is God’s exclusive realm.

There is no doubt that Man’s ingenuity has brought considerable improvement on humanity. It was and has always been God’s intention to allow Man to use his full faculties and gifts. "Having gifts that differ according to the grace given us, let us use them" (Romans 12:6) God finds immense joy in Man’s achievements. "Let each one give as he has made up his own mind and purpose in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7) As God tempers Man when the latter abuses the gift, He punishes those who questions not only His power and might, but also of His existence. "The Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgement, while continuing their punishment." (2 Peter 2:9)

God the Father sent His only Son, Jesus Christ to tell humankind of His greatness and love; to strengthen the cord that establishes our being of Him and in Him; and to provide for us a model of a true servant. It is therefore for Man, like Christ, to illuminate God’s greatness and love through good work and inventions. It is for Man, like Christ, to acknowledge the hand and will of God in the fruit of one’s labour, discovery or creation. It is for Man, like Christ, to use one’s talent, gifts and resources in humility and selflessness.

Life is a puzzle. God meant it that way. There are times that by ourselves we can put the missing parts by simple logic or close observation. There are instances when the puzzle becomes complicated and the more committed, the more talented, the more gifted get to resolve the situation. Finally, there are instances that the puzzle is beyond rhyme and reason, beyond mediocrity and genius. Faith in the Supreme Being will fill the gap. For if we have faith, we walk in confidence in the path of life. Whatever seems impossible to hurdle and impossible to comprehend are surmountable, knowing well that He guides and leads us. "For nothing will be impossible with God." (Luke 1:37)

by Mel Libre