FILLERS

FILLERS

Without realizing it, we fill important places in each other’s lives.  It’s that way between a minister and a congregation. Or with the guy at the corner grocery, the mechanic at the local garage, the family doctor, teacher, neighbors, co-workers. Good people who are always “there”, who can be relied upon in small important ways. People who teach us, bless us, encourage us, support us, uplift us in the dailiness  of life.

We never tell them.  I don’t  know, why, but we don’t.

And of course we fill that role ourselves. There are those who depend on us, watch us, learn from us, take from us. And we never know. Don’t sell yourself short. You may never have proof of your importance, but you are more important than you think.

I t reminds me of an old Sufi story of a good man who was granted one wish by God. The man said he would like to go about doing good without knowing about it. God granted his wish. And then God decided that it was such a good idea, He would grant that wish to all human beings. And so it has been to this day.

-ROBERT FULGHUM-

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CREATURES OF PASSION

…  a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance…

-Ecclesiastes 3:4

Emotions are one of humanity’s  most powerful attributes. They can incite a crowd, sway a nation, distort our values, affect our decisions, inspire great works of art, and move us to serve God and others. They  can have both positive and negative implications- even simultaneously.  And the Bible is an emotional  book. There is joyful dancing  before the Lord, loud lament over  broken lives, and everything in between. There is no hint in God’s revelation that He desires sterile, calculated religion. We were created as beings of passion.

-Chris Tiegreen

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BELIEF AND UNBELIEF

Some thoughts to ponder

MAN’S WORD:

“I do not believe in a personal God.”  -Stephen Hawking,  Theoretical Physicist

“ I can indeed hardly see how anyone ought to wish Christianity to be true; for if so the plain language of the text seems to show that the men who do not believe, and this would include my Father, Brother, and almost all my best friends, will be everlastingly punished. And this is a damnable doctrine.” -Charles Darwin,  English Naturalist, Evolutionary Thinker 

"Faith is the great cop-out, the great excuse to evade the need to think and evaluate evidence. Faith is belief in spite of, even perhaps because of, the lack of evidence." -Richard Dawkins,  Evolutionary Biologist, Professor, University of Oxford

GOD’S WORD:

 "The heavens tell of the glory of God. The skies display His marvelous craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make Him known. They speak without a sound or a word; their voice is silent in the skies; yet their message has gone out to all the earth, and their words to all the world..."

-Psalm 19:1-4

"For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse."

-Romans 1:20

See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.

-Hebrews 3:12-13

And Jesus said to him, "'If You can?' All things are possible to him who believes."  Immediately the boy's father cried out and said, "I do believe; help my unbelief."

-Mark 9:23-24

Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

-John 20:29

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

-Hebrews 11:1

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

-2 Peter 3:9

 

THE JOYFUL BROTHER

THE JOYFUL BROTHER

Every once, in awhile, a Brother of the Catholic religious Order would come to visit me. He  naturally  wears that peaceful, contented, and joyful countenance, without hint of artificiality. He radiates the quietness of spirit and the confidence of faith which is infectious.

How both of us, each, from the opposite side of the sectarian fence, a Baptist and a Catholic, got acquainted, and shared common interest, was I believe providential.

His unplanned visits would refresh me,  especially  in times when I get much too serious with or immersed in worldly endeavors.

Our conversation would be brief but genuinely deep and personal. Yet the talk is  seasoned with joy  in the  Lord. He would give fresh insights about God’s word in relation to his earthly existence, and the challenges he faced. As a Seminarian,  he is still praying hard for God’s leading if he would serve the Cause of Christ by returning to his Order and become an ordained priest. For the moment he finds peace in the ministry of teaching. 

In every parting he would always assure me that the only thing he could do in exchange for the time and kindness shown to him, is prayer.

The aura of this Brother is unlike some Christians I meet.

They assume serious, heavy, faces and stern, weary looks which seem to create an impression that they  are either aloof in self righteousness, or angry or they carry the weight of the world alone, as if God had gone away for awhile and ordered them to take over.  

Jean Maalouf one of my favorite Catholic  religious writers aptly observed:

“Many Christians… do not seem to live joyful lives. The indwelling presence of the Trinity’s community of love in them remains only an intellectual idea, that hasn’t touched their daily existence. They are not able to realize the “all-ness” of God in  their lives. They misinterpret the very message of Christianity which is “good news of great joy”(Luke 2:10)… They underestimate the value of childlike abandonment to God and cannot understand that they have to “live by the Spirit”(Gal 5:16) so that they can enjoy “newness of life.”(Romans 6:4)

Many Christians do not know that joy adds depth to everything they do.”  (The Healing Power Of Joy)       

STRAIGHT AND SIMPLE

On a late afternoon I lined up in popular Fast-Food Chain  to have a bite. The hunger pangs needed to be appeased.

When I reached the girl at the counter she gave the usual pat greeting and asked what I wanted. I said I wanted a hamburger.

She seemed puzzled by the simplicity of my need. She asked me if I would prefer hamburger with cheese, burger with coke, burger with fries, burger with pasta or would I prefer meal 1, meal 2 or meal 3, or a number of combinations which they call combo, making my head spin.

I was only hoping  she would feed me a piece of hamburger, no more no less. So why push an array of food  in a dizzying display of commercial hype pressing me to spend more for what I don’t need? 

I realized  visiting a food chain is stressful.. Ordering or buying food  nowadays is  complicated. A lot of run around, obtuse offers, confusing presentation, or worst deceiving spirits.

One authority in the field of Communication says we should stick to the simple principle of KISS.

Keep

It

Straight (and)

Simple.

Why not? And why can’t they? 

Our Lord is the greatest Master of simplicity. He summarized the Ten Commandments and reduced it only to two:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37)

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39)

Still, despite the straight simplicity some Christians find it hard to understand and obey them.

Like the lawyer who talked to Jesus, they have to ask who is my neighbor (See Luke 10:25-37) then start a debate.

Ah, what a world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHECK AND BALANCE

CHECK AND BALANCE

If there is anything good which could come out of the Supreme Court decision declaring as unconstitutional the DAP, it is the constitutional principle of checks and balances. Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, himself a lawyer, said the system works.

The Supreme Court, though, admittedly the weakest, of the three major departments of government,  should  be lauded.  

The High Court has shown its independence and fortitude   in deciding one of  the most politically controversial and highly charged  issues ever to confront the current administration. As the guardian of the constitution and the final arbiter of justiciable  questions involving the proper exercise of constitutional powers by the political departments  of government,  the Supreme Court has once again upheld the supremacy of the Constitution,  not its own supremacy, when it in effect ruled that this time, in the DAP controversy  the Executive has overstepped its powers and encroached upon the domain of a co-equal branch of government.

This is the beauty of the mechanism of checks and balances which operates tangibly and not  theoretically in our government affairs. Here we see in reality this constitutional principle at work.  The principle is enshrined in the Constitution, to guard against  excesses in the use of power or abuses in the exercise of discretion  when either Congress or the President steps over the constitutional boundaries.  It also provides a sobering   thought that not even the President or the members of Congress could simply act in any way they wish,  or tread beyond uncharted course for they might run afoul with the fundamental law, whose keeper and guardian is the Highest Court of the land.  

The pragmatic implication is that while we are a government of laws and not of men,  we are governed by men,  whose imperfection, frailties, and  inclination might lead them to irrational zealousness or to be drunk with power thus subverting the very institutions upon which our nation stands.   

CHANGE AND EXCHANGE

CHANGE AND EXCHANGE

Of the many things which most find hard to change are habits and behavior developed for a lifetime. Good or bad they  often reveal our thoughts, feelings, and attitude. They are windows to the character and personality

The Saint of God, Paul of Tarsus, aptly observed that there are persons who “walk in the futility of their minds”.  This begins with the “ hardening of the heart” leading to  “ignorance”  resulting in “alienation from the life of God”. The good Saint, described this condition as the “old man” or the old self or the old conduct, which is corrupted by deceitful desires. (Ephesians 4:17-19). 

This is the unregenerate  life.  St. Paul exhorted the Christians that they should not remain in this condition. Change should occur to one who has received the illumination of the mind of Christ.  

Most of us resist change, more so when we speak of life changes.  The Apostle, however, did not speak only of change for change’s sake. He spoke of putting off the “old self,”  which is corrupted, like taking off  a piece of old, dirty, clothing, and throwing it away, and  putting  on the “new self” which is created according to God in righteousness and holiness, like a piece of fresh, new, and clean clothing.  

This is not simply a call to change one’s life but to exchange, the wrong way,  with the right way.  A call to positive change.

This is what the Apostle Paul, said,

“22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. “ (Ephesians 4:22-24)

Then the Apostle proceeded to explain in practical terms what happens when this exchange takes place.

“25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”[a]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”(Ephesians 4:25-32)

The old man who is most naturally inclined to lie, to boil in anger, to steal, to speak slander, malice or destructive words, to be unforgiving or cruel, as a new man, will now be inclined to speak truthfully, to channel anger constructively, not allowing it to linger, as to commit sin;   work honestly and apply himself to useful endeavor; speak words that build up and encourage; to be compassionate and forgiving.

What an exchange!

 

 

ST. PAUL’S PRESCRIPTION FOR MENTAL HEALTH

ST. PAUL’S PRESCRIPTION FOR MENTAL HEALTH

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:8,9)

The Apostle Paul is probably untrained, professionally, in the science and study of the mind whether it be psychology or psychiatry, but his exhortation written to the  Philippian Church speaks  volumes when it comes to mental health. This great Apostle has formulated a Christian thought life which should take hold of our thinking. As Christians we believe that the apostle’s words are divinely inspired and these could well be God’s instructions to us. 

If there is any commodity which most people seek today it is peace. We live in a world where there is strife, trouble, and conflict. Most of us are troubled, anxious and afraid. We struggle with fear and apprehension. Many are robbed of much needed sleep. There is much restlessness, and the pressures of living in a world where evil abounds and everything is uncertain  and disaster or misfortune could strike any time, give a sense of foreboding, or desperation.    

The great Apostle in his instruction to the Philippians revealed to us how to experience the peace of God. The peace which is transcendent and elusive;  which we cannot find  anywhere else apart from God.

St. Paul dares us to change the way we think and in effect the way we act. We cannot change the circumstances that happen around us, but we can change the way we think  and react to them. There is a saying which says we are what we think.

The Word of God, affirms that a carnal mind cannot discern the things of the spirit. Unless the mind is fully yielded to Christ and every thought taken captive and made obedient to Christ, the mind would be most vulnerable to evil, destructive, and troubled thoughts. As Christians we should take charge of our thinking and let the mind of our Savior dwell in us richly.

In taking charge of our thinking, St. Paul exhorts the believers to focus their mind on seven (7) specific virtues. 

The first virtue mentioned by the Apostle, which should dwell in our minds is Truth. What is truth? Truth is the absence of falsehood.  The word true is also synonymous with veracity, sincerity, candor, honesty, and genuineness. There is no pretension in what is true. The fall of man and the entry of sin in this world was the consequence of a lie, a ruse employed by the devil to deceive and to steal God’s glory.

Scripture confirms in no uncertain terms that the devil is the father of lies. A Christian should be able to discern the truth from other things which only masquerade as truth. A spirit filled life knows and is guided by  the truth of God.  A mind that thinks of what is true is steadfast and confident. A mind which is not illuminated by the truth, is troubled, weak and credulous. Like the waves of the sea it is tossed to and fro by every wind of false notions and lies. This mind has no peace, but turmoil.

To set our minds on the things that are true would likely result in clear, upright, unclouded thinking, as opposed to perverted, or twisted thinking. Thinking of what is true is right thinking. Christian apologist CS Lewis once said, “If you look for truth, you may find comfort in the end.”

Christians believe that the Word of God revealed in Scripture is the truth. Christians find comfort in the Word of God which is affirmed to be trustworthy. Truth is liberating. The mind that dwells on the truth of God, is set free from enslavement and deception.  To His disciples Jesus said, “If you abide in  My word you are truly my disciples and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”(John 8:31-32) If the mind is fixed on God’s truths, worry, anxiety or fear will be replaced by faith and peace.

The second virtue which our minds should think about are things which are honorable, or noble.

The Greek word used in the Bible in describing this virtue refers to honesty and decency  in transacting business, and dealing with others. It further includes  the inner and outward appearance of respectability, and sincerity of character. This virtue is rare  nowadays in the rat race of the world. People are driven to achieve advantage, gain, possessions, power, influence or wealth, at all costs, compromising every standard of honesty and decency.  Christians should set their minds on higher things, and to look for the good and noble things.

Christians are not only to think of noble things but to pursue them, and uphold the cause of honor and nobility for they are worth emulating. There is much corruption in this world that the price of honor has been devalued to suit devious gains or fraudulent intentions. God’s word instructs us to be fair-minded, to be sober and blameless.

The third virtue which the Apostle Paul urges us to think of is whatever is just.

God’s word instructs to act justly in relation to others. God’s people are enjoined to treat others as they would want others to treat them. (See Matthew 7:6) To be just in our dealings is to treat others fairly and honestly. It has something to do with right behavior. The Bible declares that God has shown to us what is good. The Prophet Micah declared, “He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God ?”  (Micah 6:8).

A mind that is inclined to  think of treating others justly does not seek to take unfair advantage of others. This mind has only peace, harmony and contentment as its companions.

There was a man described in the Bible, as a just man. His position is unique in the sense that he was gentile soldier, a Roman Centurion, but was devoted to the God of Israel. He prayed to the God of Israel always. He gave alms to the poor. He was a religious man. Notably, he was described as a just man, that when he sought out the Apostle Peter the men whom he sent to the Apostle, described him as “Cornelius the Centurion, a just man, who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews…”(Acts 10:21-22) The position of Cornelius in the Roman army as Commander of the elite Roman troops, gave him ample power to act oppressively even unkindly to the Jewish people under the reign of the Roman empire. Unlike the other Roman soldiers and officers, he established a reputation to be a just man and God fearing and this reputation endeared him to the Jews and eventually to the Jewish Christians.

The fourth virtue which St. Paul instructs as to set our minds on, is to think  of things which are pure.

As Christians we should fill our minds with the good, pure unadulterated truths of God. A mind that is pure is a mind that has been illuminated by God’s spirit.  It is said that we are what we think. Impure thoughts will translate to corrupt, vile, and obscene acts. One of the biggest challenges to us as Christians, is our frequent struggle against impure thoughts. Unless we take every thought captive under the Lordship of Christ we will have an uphill battle. Our Lord minces no words when He said that sin is already committed at the level of our thinking, and not necessarily by overt acts. (See Matthew 5:21-22;27-28). By God’s grace and strength we are given the ability to perish impure thoughts from our minds and be transformed by the renewing of our mind. (See Romans 12:1-2)

To take control of our thoughts is to fight a spiritual battle. The weapons at our disposal are God’s word, prayer, and obedience. Our Lord in His sermon on the Mount proclaimed this glorious promise: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8) It was John Piper who said that being pure in heart has something to do with seeing God. We should call on the Lord with a pure heart. We should run away from youthful lusts, and go after righteousness, faith, love and peace.

The fifth virtue is to think on whatever things are lovely.

Another word for lovely is admirable or pleasing. It also describes what is dear to anyone. The word used here means properly what is dear to anyone; what is pleasing, amiable and agreeable.

The thoughts of a Christian should marvel at and delight in pleasantness and beauty not ugliness; kindness not heartlessness; praises not faultfinding, peace not animosity. A mind that thinks lovely and pleasant thoughts, displaces any other contrary negative, depressing thought.  It removes bitterness and overcomes a critical spirit. A  person who exudes a lovely personality,  is sure to be one we would like to be with.  To think on things which are lovely means to steer away from the ugly specter of anger, hostility, and spitefulness? It is to appreciate and praise God for the things He declares to be good. It means to acknowledge that every good and perfect gift comes from God, our Creator and Maker.

The sixth virtue which the St. Paul advises us  to think about is on things which are of good report.

This is training our minds to consider what is worthy and proper for a godly person to hear and to know. Our world is becoming increasingly noisy. We hear different voices, sounds, ideas, competing for our attention. The great Apostle cautions us to discern what is worth listening. The Gospel which is the good news should capture the thoughts of our hearts, not the worldly or ungodly voices which deceive and mislead. This world is literally littered with junk which pollutes the mind. We open the day’s newspapers, or listen to television newscasts, and we hear all the bad, sad, and fearful reports pouring in. In my office I have a friend who would greet me and ask me how is my day. Then I would ask him if there is any good news, and his response is a standard pat answer, “All bad news in the papers, the only good news is in the Bible.” Then he would give me a high five, and go about whistling.

To focus our minds on things which are of good report means  eschewing every form of gossip, rumor, uncouth jokes, insults, even all sorts of nonsense and irreverence which could defile a person. Instead, the mind should reflect upon the good works of faith, reported from the life and experiences of God’s people.

In the account of the Apostle Paul, he wrote that Timothy had brought good news about the faith and love of the Thessalonian Christians, and the pleasant memories they had. (See 1 Thessalonians 3:6) This great apostle knew how inspiring and encouraging the good report that he heard from God’s people. We too should welcome in our thoughts things which are of good report.

After pointing out the six virtues which should control our minds, the Apostle finally concluded  his exhortation by giving this summation:  “if there is any virtue and if there is anything  praiseworthy” we should think on these things.

St. Paul concludes his exhortation by saying we should add to the six qualities which he mentioned other godly virtues which glorify and praise God. These virtues should occupy and shape the minds of God’s people.

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OUT OF THE ORDINARY

We often underestimate our ability to make a significant difference in our small corner of the world.

My friend who works as a clerk in a bank tells me there are times that he belittles himself because he feels he belongs to the lower rung of the corporate ladder that what he does every day  hardly matters at all.

This is a deception. 

God’s word reminds us that we are indeed significant. We are the only creature formed in the image our Creator. We are much more than we think even if we count ourselves as belonging to the class of the ordinary.

Our Lord said we are worth more than the lesser creatures like the birds of the air. 

We may find ourselves in a place where our feeble contribution will seem so negligible as to make an impact of earthshaking transformation in the lives of people, nations, and communities. But if we live a life pleasing to before God, we see that our daily acts of compassion, love, honesty, diligence, patience and kindness, will significantly create ripples of change to make  a small corner of this world a better place.

Cheer up friend! Continue to be faithful.

The 18th Camel: Adding What Is Not Necessary To The Total Sum Adds A Great Deal

The 18^th Camel: Adding What Is Not Necessary To The Sum Total Adds A Great Deal.

There was once an old Arab who died and left 17 camels to his three sons. In his Last Will, he was very explicit about the sharing of the 17 camels as inheritance of his three sons. He declared  One-Half of the camels should be given to the eldest son; One-Third to the middle son, and One-Ninth to the youngest son.

After their father was buried the three sons proceeded to consider how they would divide the camels following the instruction of their father. They computed their respective share. As share of the eldest son the formula was 17 camels divided by two, amounting to 8.5 camels. For the second son, 17 camels divided by 3, amounting to 5.666 camels. For the third son, 17 camels divided by 9, amounting to 1.888 camels.  

The sons were extremely perplexed, since seventeen cannot be divided by two, three, and nine. As they were pondering how, in Allah's name, they might divide up their inheritance without spilling the blood of the camels. They all agreed that a dead camel was of no use to them, or eating camel meat was not to their liking.

They went to consult a lawyer who advised them to follow literally the sharing laid down by their father. The brothers did not want to slaughter the camels, and  rather thought of killing the lawyer, who was of  no help at all.

While they were discussing their problem, there came a Merchant with his caravan of camels loaded with merchandise. The merchant asked the brothers what was the problem and so they presented to him their problem.

The merchant pondered for several minutes. Then he said, "I will lend you one of my camels. With my camel you now have eighteen camels.” The brothers thanked the merchant profusely. They now have 18 camels.

The oldest son took one-half or nine camels; the middle son took one-third or six camels; and the youngest son took one-ninth or two camels.

Nine plus six plus two camels totaled 17, and the neighbor took back his 18th camel and all the sons were happy.

This story of the 18th camel is a story of unessential necessities. Sometimes that which may not seem to add anything to the sum total in reality adds a great deal.

There are things in life which seemed odd, and out. They may stand out to be unnecessary but in some situations when added to the sum they make a great deal of difference