Tuesday 29 December 2009

Achieving A Good Rating In Heaven


The Christmas weekend of 2009 brought about the highest grossing receipts for movies - $278million - breaking the previous record set in July 2008 ($253 million) the weekend “The Dark Knight” was released. Leading in the juggernaut was the epic sci-fi “Avatar” written and directed by James Cameron whose previous feature film remains to be the highest grossing of all time, “Titanic”.

I dare ask the question, “Were there more people going to the cinemas than there were faithful who attended the Christmas mass?” With promotion costs reaching millions, the movie industry can draw people to queue in line to see a film, while the churches depend much on its eternal superstar Jesus Christ. Of course, there is no comparison. The message of salvation is of far more importance than the fleeting entertainment and escape in the movie house.

During His ministry, Christ entertained the people with parables, if only to let them understand the Good News that He brought. Even to this day, human beings love to be entertained, thus they spend a good portion of their income for arts, music, sports, shows and movies. Why would James Cameron pour out $500 million to produce and market “Avatar”, if he did not expect a good return of investment?

While movie producers are profiteers, they must realise too that they carry a huge burden on society that feeds on the message their films bring across. Thus, the industry has classifications and ratings to ensure that harmful films do not contaminate the minds of young and old alike.

“Avatar” is an example of a movie that works like a parable, easily catching the attention of viewers, and creating a lasting impression on its similarity to life, to people, to faith. When I left the cinema, I thought about the purpose of my life, about the greed of people, about the wars waged between nations, about the destruction of earth’s environment, about our relationship with the Almighty God. 

Movie producers together with directors and scriptwriters are messengers who can lead viewers to damnation or to salvation. When they bring their films to multitudes of people, they can affect their thinking, their values and even their lifestyle. If the movie industry has impact on people and society, so has each one of us.  We carry as much responsibility, in the things we communicate to others, in the deeds we do each day, in the way we relate to the environment around us.

We are messengers and witnesses of God. “Go into all of the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” (Mark 16:15) He sent His Son so we can model our lives to His teachings, to His examples. For instance, think about the stories you tell to others. Are these in keeping with the Word of God? Do these promote better relationships? Do these lead towards the salvation of the listener? If all your answers are positive, then you have achieved the feat that James Cameron did with “Avatar”. Otherwise, you need to do better to gain a good rating in Heaven.

by Mel Libre

Monday 21 December 2009

A Blessed Christmas and a Blissful New Year


A handful of members of TawagAwit prepared the Fr David Nolan Auditorium for Open Gathering on December 20.  Each one went about doing what was necessary to ensure that everything went smoothly for the party of giving, sharing and caring. “Will they come?” most of us wondered. We had done our best, God would do the rest.

We prayed for good weather (it was forecasted to be rainy) and a good turnout (only a few confirmed attendance).

We got more than what we expected.

1.     The weather was cool and sunny, just perfect for the celebration.
2.     By the time the programme started, we had gathered more than a hundred that grew to 300 midway through the proceedings.
3.     People graciously brought food and gifts, that there was enough for everyone to partake and receive.
4.     Bro Bob and Sis Cez Nacario brought a six-foot tall Christmas tree that brightened up the bare stage with all the donated gifts placed underneath the tree.
5.     Initially, we only had three sure performers, but as the days toward the event grew nearer, we obtained commitment from diverse talents from acoustic performers to classical artists – plus a big congregation of Visayan-speaking talents rendered a thoroughly rousing number.
6.     Four speakers – Fr Mike Tria, Fr Reno Alima, Bro Oscar Batucan and Sis Miriam Batucan – gave wonderful insights on celebrating Christmas and strengthening the family.
7.     Clarinda Bonilla who offered to design and bake a special cake for the birthday celebrant, Jesus, said that she felt wonderfully fulfilled when she came out with the simple, yet meaningful design of the images of Joseph, Mary and Jesus placed on top of the cake.
8.     Holding the event required finances to pay for the venue and other necessities, and kind individuals gave voluntarily which made the event self-liquidating.
9.     There were lots of smiles, of Christmas greetings, of gratitude throughout the celebration. One participant emailed: “Well done to the organizers of OG!!! Thumbs up to all of you!!”

The Holy Spirit never abandons us. “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” (Luke 11:13)  Instead He gifts us with more than what we pray for, especially if the prayer is meant for others and for the good of all.

If you feel lonely and abandoned this Christmas, open your heart and allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with the love and peace of the Child Jesus who was born to save you and me. You may get more than you expect.

by Mel Libre

Monday 14 December 2009

Touching the Doors of Heaven


The majestic 40 voices of the North Shore Male Choir filled the St Mary’s Church, Northcote in Auckland, New Zealand. Two other guests – a duet of tenors and a young soprano – brought the level of performance higher with classical hymns interpreted with exquisite precision.

As the Christmas concert on December 13 went on its final set, TawagAwit with 10 singers (5 males and 5 females) took the stage in front of the altar and sang two numbers, a sweet melody “Who will send a Baby?” and a Christmas medley consisting of a Visayan song, a Tagalog carol and its English translation. All of our members are untrained musicians who do not read notes, so it was natural to feel intimidated by the other performers. As Jenny Fox started playing the opening melodies of the first song on piano, we started softly like singing a lullaby. By the end of the song, we could feel that we had touched the hearts of the audience.

Before we rendered the second song, Seminarian Larry Rustia, dedicating the song “Have a Merry Little Christmas” to his deceased father, intense in emotion made a few shed tears. We then lifted up everyone’s spirit as Bro Bert Adviento and I strummed the acoustic guitars, and the female members swayed to “Ania Kami/Ang Pasko ay Sumapit”.  A spectator later said, “I felt the warmth of the sun with your Spanish inspired melodies and I could feel the joy and fun, though I could not understand what you were singing.”

Sis Cez Nacario had our performance videotaped by her daughter; and a day later gave me feedback that she noticed that as we sang the life-size crucifix of Jesus seemed to glow as we performed. Prior to our performance as we usually do, we prayed for the guidance of the Holy Spirit and we offered our songs to the birthday celebrant, Jesus Christ. Each time we render music offerings to the Lord, we seem to touch the doors of heaven.

God loves to listen to music that honours Him. “For the Lord your God is living among you...He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” (Zephaniah 3:17) Thus, let us “sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.” (Psalm 33:3) When we turn God’s written Word into music and share these with others, we become true disciples. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Colossians 3:16)

by Mel Libre

Monday 7 December 2009

10 Ways to Make Christmas Meaningful

Many people look forward to Christmas for different reasons.  For some, it is a break from work, while others find extra work with the increased business activities. For some, it is a time to play Santa Claus, while others expect gifts to come their way. For some, it is having fun, while others spend time to pray.
 
Whatever way we spend Christmas, it is important that we put the first six letters of the word Christmas on top of everything we do. All the rejoicing, gift-giving and partying will be meaningless if we forget about the birth of Christ who brought hope and salvation to us, God’s children.
 
To make Christmas meaningful, here are ten things to do:
 
1.     Wish everyone a “Merry Christmas”
There is magical warmth to a Christmas greeting. It brings about a smile, a hug or even a kiss. Though you may not know it, you are actually evangelising – sharing the wonderful story of the King of Kings who was born in a manger.
2.     Attend Christmas church services
To honour Jesus, we must attend masses where His presence is in the bread and the wine, His Body and His Blood. The mass is the highest form of celebration for faith believers.
3.     Give affordable gifts to loved ones
The essence of Christmas is that of giving, for such was the reason for His being born on earth. He was so giving that He died for you and me.
4.     Display the manger scene at home
Forget about Christmas trees, lanterns and Santa Claus. If there is a perfect reminder about the birth of Christ, then it is the Nativity scene that shows us of His humility and sacrifices.
5.     Read the Bible and watch a Christmas movie
By reading the Holy Book, one is able to strengthen the cord that binds us to our Creator. By reflecting on God’s Word, one can gain deeper insight on the love of the Lord to His people. There are many wonderful films that carry the message of hope, peace and love; most importantly the Nativity movie. These kinds of flicks seen together with family can bring about respect, closeness and understanding.
6.     Give a stranger or a new migrant a treat
It is human to give to those whom we know and care for. It is divine to share what you have to others, especially the needy and the helpless.  Joseph and Mary were migrants and strangers in Bethlehem and nobody opened their doors to give them shelter. If we open our hearts to strangers and migrants, we will have given shelter to Joseph, Mary and Jesus.
7.     Sing a birthday song to Jesus and Christmas carols to believers and unbelievers
When Christ was born the angels sang “Gloria in excelsis Deo” that resonated in Heaven, Earth and even in Hell. Acclaiming Jesus through songs will certainly fill the void in the world. The power of a song can penetrate hearts of stone and disarm Satan and his minions.
8.     Volunteer in a Christmas event
The shepherds and the Three Wise Men visited and adored the Child Jesus. They did not demand anything in return, for they came with love and awe. There are many events organised where you can be of help. Lend a hand and you will experience immense joy and inner peace.
9.     Cook your best dish and share it with others
If Jesus was your guest what would you cook for Him? Surely, you will cook that you know best and have been complimented many times in the past. You would want Jesus to taste and savour your dish. Wouldn’t you be delighted if He says thank you and asks you for the recipe? In the physical absence of Christ, every other person represents Him; thus feeding others is actualising your finest cooking for Christ.  
10. Join Open Gathering 
What great experience it would be if you joined Open Gathering (OG) where people party to give, share and care. An OG will have artists sharing their talents, those who have more giving gifts to strangers, and everyone bringing food for a feast. While OG happens in Auckland, it can definitely happen anywhere so long as there are people who want to make Christmas meaningful for themselves and for others. OG can best be described in this Washington Irving quote: “Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart.”

by Mel Libre