Nothing Left

Karl Rabeder, an Austrian businessman, wants out of his riches. In an article written by Henry Samuel in Paris dated February 10, 2010, it says that with a fortune of 3.4 million euro, the 47-year old has so far sold his six gliders valued at 400,000 euro and his interior furnishings and accessories business. A villa overlooking the Alps and a stone farmhouse with 17 hectares are up for sale.

 

He came to realize the emptiness of his life while going on a 3-week vacation with his wife in Hawaii. “It was the biggest shock of my life, when I realized how horrible, soulless and without feeling the five-star lifestyle is. In those three weeks, we spent all the money we could possibly spend. But in all that time, we had the feeling we hadn’t met a single real person – that we were all just actors. The staff played the role of being friendly and the guests played the role of being important and nobody was real.”

He will be living in small wooden hut with money just enough to survive decently, while the rest of his wealth will go to a charity he set up in Latin America.”My idea is to have nothing left. Absolutely nothing. Money is counterproductive – it prevents happiness.”

 

Rabeder does not fault those who continue to amass wealth: “I do not have the right to give any other person advice. I was just listening to the voice of my heart and soul.”  Surely the message he received was: “Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness!”(Ecclesiastes 5:10)

 

God does not look down upon those who have wealth, but we are warned of the harm it may bring. “Trust in your money and down you go!” (Proverbs 11:28)  We are also told that if we use our money not just for ourselves, but share these with others, one can be given more so he can share to more. “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then he will fill your barns with grain.” (Proverbs 3:9-10) 

 

Rabeder, knowingly or unknowingly, is teaching us a Gospel truth: “Teach those who are rich in this world not be proud and not to trust their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God...Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future.” (1Timothy 1:17-1)

by Mel Libre

Elixir of Life

The young couple with their one-year old child came to office to bid goodbye. Ivy, a co-worker who hails from China, tendered her resignation as Finance Advisor of the government office where I work. Late last year, she was diagnosed of skin cancer; and was told by the doctors that it was in an advanced stage. She did not report for work after the Christmas break; and we were later informed of her decision to stop working, to seek healing and find time for her small family.

She hopped from one work station to the other, answering queries about her condition, her plans, etc. When she came near me, I noticed sorrow in her eyes, though she still carried a smile on her lips. We hugged each other, as she did with the others, and said that she was leaving. I asked her what medication she was taking and she responded, “Alternative Medicine.” After a few seconds of silence, I said, “I’ll pray always for you.” She then joined her husband who was carrying the baby, and bid everyone farewell.

“Isn’t life unfair?”, asked a colleague, and it made me reflect deeply. God knows what is best for us. If we suffer, it makes us more sensitive to God’s presence in our lives as well as that of others. “God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are in trouble, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-5)

There is always a positive outcome in suffering as God promised, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” (Isaiah 43:1-2) Most importantly we should be reminded that suffering cannot last forever. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” (Revelation 21:4)

When I said to Ivy that I’d pray for her; I was depending on the Elixir of life: Our Lord, Our God.

by Mel Libre

Shine as Messengers

In an intolerant society where open discussion on religion is deemed insensitive to the belief or unbelief of others, a Christian is confronted with the challenge of being an effective messenger of the Lord.

In the institution I am currently working where there is a healthy mixture of peoples of different cultures, ethnicities and beliefs; discussion about one’s faith is uncommon. Talk about rugby, about how the weekend was spent or about the latest overseas trip – and you’re okay. But never attempt to discuss the beautiful homily you heard in the mass, for without doubt you’d end up with sharp stares or a heated argument.

How does a faith believer therefore share the Word of God without alienating one’s self from peers? I offer two suggestions: be creative and be a practicing Christian.

More than three years ago, I identified four strategic places in the government office where I work. I placed a uniform label, “Quotes”, on each and consistently placed every working day, a new quotation consistent with the teachings of Jesus Christ.  I try as much as possible to have a theme each week that is relevant to the lives of my colleagues.

The other week, moved by the devastation in Haiti, I choose as theme “Calamity” and one quote penetrated the heart of a co-worker. It said: “I had the blues because I had no shoes until upon the street I met a man who had no feet” (Ancient Persian Saying). Luisa, a Samoan, said that she liked the quotation I put up and told me to continue doing the good job.  But it is not smooth sailing all the time though. There have been instances that the quotes are taken out surreptitiously. I do not complain; and simply go about putting up another one.

The more effective way of evangelising others to the faith is through personal example: living a life in accordance with the teachings of Christ. This is easier said than done. For temptations to sin and our human frailty can bring us to shame in the eyes of God and ridicule before fellow human beings. We must try always to relate to others as Jesus did to all those who encountered him during His ministry, including the prostitutes, the sinners, the helpless and the sick. It is indeed a tall order for each one of us, but if we are able to be Christ-like, we can convince those who have yet to experience Jesus to see the Light.

We are obliged to tell the world of His love. “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” (Mark 16:13) If we do as God molds us to be as messengers, then, “(t)hose who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever.” (Daniel 12:3)

by Mel Libre

Death of a Friend

As I was about to curl on my bed, a brown moth sprung out of the blanket and settled in the study table. I was surprised, but did not mind about it. The next morning, the same moth was prominently resting on the white wall of the bathroom. My wife, Debbie, told me if the presence of the insect meant anything. I responded that “there could be someone close who is dying. Let us pray that nothing untoward will happen.”

The following day, I opened my email and checked on incoming messages. One came from Benjie Hortelano, a colleague in the Philippines, who sends occasional messages. He wrote that a mutual friend, Lamberto ‘Bert’ Migrino, died of cancer the previous day (January 28, 2010).  I told my wife about it, and she was bewildered as she remembered the moth that eventually died,, though she tried to free it out in the open.

A Certified Public Accountant, Bert was a likeable person whose humility and commitment to service were exemplary. I first met him when he was president of the Federation of PTCAs of Catholic Schools in Cebu. He was such an accommodating individual who listened to newcomers like me and made each one important.

I was so smitten by his style of leadership that I asked if he wanted to lead the accountants’ organisation, but he said that there were others more capable than him; but the Board of Trustees of the Red Cross in Cebu wouldn’t let him get away from leading the humanitarian group. He attained the organisation’s goals by leading by example, by delegating tasks and by acknowledging good work. Always, he had a ready smile.

I often wondered where Bert got that warm aura in his person; and I learned much later that he lived across a chapel and often prayed there. For a long time, he served as lay minister.

The friendship of Bert is one that I will always cherish, for he was steadfast and never hesitated to help. “A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.” (Proverbs 17:17) It feels like a part of me has been taken away; it hurts. But then the pain is relieved by the thought that he now rests in the arms of God, the One True Friend. “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” (John 15:14)

by Mel Libre

God Rewards

Good deeds and pastoral works are often rewarded. The reward comes, but in most instances at unexpected times.

In the lives of the couple Oscar and Miriam Batucan, it came in the form of the Benerementi medal given by Pope Benedict XVI late in 2009.  On the other hand, the couple Cyril and Rose Bas have conceived a baby that they had prayed for in the seven years of their marriage.

Coming from Cebu City, the Batucans migrated to New Zealand more than 20 years ago. They went through the usual route of struggling to find the job worthy of their profession and experiences; and at the same time raising children with the desire to inculcate in them Filipino values and faith in God. Devotees of the Sto Nino de Cebu, they organized a Sinulog Fiesta in 1994 with the intent of strengthening camaraderie and faith in God among Filipino migrants. They became lay ministers in St Patrick’s and St Benedict parishes in Auckland and joined the singing group, Voice of God.

They did not stop at helping the priests in church activities; but extended their hands in assistance to newly arrived migrants who seek jobs, giving them leads to employment, providing spiritual guidance, sharing words of encouragement.  On January 22, a thanksgiving party was held for the lovely couple and many of those who were given a chance to speak on the microphone told of how the couple helped them in their early years and inspired them to become devotees of the Holy Child Jesus. The attendees overflowing in St Benedict’s Social Hall was a testament of the worthiness of the Batucans in receiving Papal recognition.

A young couple Cyril and Rose Bas left high-paying jobs in the Philippines, to start a new life in New Zealand and a desire to have a child. When Cyril arrived he looked for a religious community to join – first TawagAwit (for he loved music) with Rose who came later.  They also became active with Couples for Christ-Foundation for Family & Life (to enrich their marriage life).

It is rather amazing how they cope up with their busy careers and still find time to serve God. And they do to the best of their capabilities. The couple are now household heads in CFC-FFL and the chapter coordinators of TawagAwit in St Mary’s Parish, Northcote. We at TawagAwit prayed that God would gift them with a child and I told them in 2008 that they’d have one by December. But we did not receive any good news by that time. A few days ago, the couple announced to us that Rose was 7-weeks pregnant. It was in December not 2008, but 2009 that the baby was conceived! We all rejoiced upon hearing the news.

Life’s basic rule is that rewards are results of wise behaviour. “Righteous people will be rewarded for their own righteous behaviour.” (Ezekiel 18:20) It may come in the form of tangible like good earning or intangible like inner peace. “How joyful are those who fear the Lord...You will enjoy the fruit of your labour. How joyful and prosperous you will be!...Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees as they sit around your table. That is the Lord’s blessing for those who fear him.” (Psalm 128-1-4)

If you feel you have not received God’s reward, be patient.  He will reward you in His own time, in His own mysterious way. “If we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.” (Hebrews 3:14)

by Mel Libre