Busyness as Usual

Life is demanding. Whether one is depressingly poor or is excessively rich, much time is required to pressures of having food on the table for the former and in maintaining, if not increasing, one’s fortune for the latter. Even those in between are torn between spending quality time with family and meeting endless demands at work.

In the past, I kept a tight schedule of activities: juggling work assignments with civic commitments; stretching time for family and teaching in the university; plus meeting deadlines in column writing and finding some moments for artistic endeavours. The frenzy seemed to go on forever – and I thought the busyness was the reason for being. Then it stopped abruptly. I migrated to New Zealand and found myself out of work for 9 months. The first two months seemed fine as a fitting break from 30 years of working, but by the third month, depression crept in when rejections from job applications started to pile up.

Then I found more time to reading the Scriptures, writing reflections, joining Couples for Christ and founding TawagAwit. From busyness as usual, I found more meaning and fulfilment doing God’s business."Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men...It is the Lord Christ you are serving." (Colossians 3:23, 24) Now, the ‘8-to-5’ job I currently hold seems like a breeze as I start each morning with prayers and reflection on the gospel of the day; and hum new songs throughout the day inspired by readings. Not only do I look forward to the weekly gatherings of TawagAwit when we pray and sing to the Lord, but also to the prayer time with family members. It is amazing that as we give priority to God’s business, He puts order in our lives, freeing us from the pressures of the world and the temptations of Satan.

Fools work for their own satisfaction, while the true follower of Christ works selflessly for others. "Don’t be fools; be wise: make the most of every opportunity you have for doing good." (Ephesians 5:16) Life on earth is a test given by a perfect God. Our priority in the use of our time should therefore be focused beyond four square meals each day or amassing earthly treasures. So it was asked in the Old Testament:"What profit hath man of all his labor wherein he laboreth under the sun?" (Ecclesiastes 1:3) So it was responded to in the New Testament: "For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his life in the eternal kingdom of God]?" (Mark 8:36)

We must set our eyes on the promise of limitless joy with the Lord who keeps tab on how well we spend our limited lifetime in this world.

by Mel Libre

Miracles in Instalments

The outpouring of sympathy, prayers and help must have been an overwhelming experience for the family of Roderick Catuday. Charity in the form of money brought NZ$45,000.00, short of NZ$105,000.00 required to commence the operation and medication of the cancer-stricken Roderick.  More activities – like garage sales and concerts  - were lined-up by helpful individuals determined to reach the seemingly unreachable target. Yet God, seeing the unity and hopefulness of His people, performed a miracle. He enlightened the Visa Officer who approved the two-year work visa of Roderick, thereby making him qualified for government funding for the cost of treatment at NZ$150,000.
In October last year, Len Reyes, who had a 7 month-old baby in her womb, was diagnosed with pituitary gland tumour.  A delay in the surgery could have resulted in the complete blindness, if not death, of the mother. There was a slim chance of saving the baby.  When the child was delivered, Len had severe sepsis and septic shock that required her to be transferred to the critical care unit. Brethren in the Couples for Christ, friends and acquaintances sought God’s intercession in the difficult hours and the Lord performed not just one, but two miracles: Len and baby Yana survived. After nearly six months since those agonising days, both mother and child enjoy their lives in the company of family and friends.

Praise God for His mighty deeds! “Give thanks to him who alone does mighty miracles. His faithful love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:4)

Even with the Lord’s wonderful works, Roderick, who has begun treatment, has yet to be healed of cancer, while the Reyes family have still to settle unpaid hospital bills of approximately NZ$35,000.00, which cannot be covered by government funding.

God’s miracles can come either in full or in instalments. In many instances during his ministry, Jesus healed instantly those who had faith in Him. There are times though that God does not grant miracles. In the passage, “(Paul) left Trophimus sick at Miletus” (2 Timothy 4:20), St Paul, who performed miracles, acknowledges a time when God did not grant a miracle. There are times too when God performs miracles in instalments, as shown in the situation of Roderick and Len.  

What moves God to perform miracles? One is faith in Him like the woman who had a hemorrhage for twelve years and touched the fringe of Jesus’ cloak. And He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace." (Luke 8:48) So did the enthusiasm of the crowds wanting to learn, listen and be healed by Him. “...but the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing.”  (Luke 9:11) For God has compassion for His people. “Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.” (Matthew 14:14)

Let us with faith and enthusiasm continue to pray for the healing of Roderick as we call on God to enlighten those in abundance to help Len. “If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion – how can God’s love be in that person?” (1 John 3:17)

The Lord did not fail those who believed in Him in the past. He will not fail us now. “So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting his glorious miracles and obeying his commands.” (Psalm 78:7)

by Mel Libre

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

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

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