When The Time Comes

Everyday we do our routine in life. We wake up, work and earn a living, have some little vacation here and there, sleep and then do again the routine. Seldom do we actually venture beyond the known things we do. We let the world go by without even seeing the beauty around us. We are so concerned about the future that we forget to live today.

It is in this preoccupation of earning a living that we seldom see the God who has given us everything. It is important to acknowledge the God who made us and brought us to where we are today, or we might end up not maximizing the life he has given us. We have admired so many actors and actresses, successful businessmen and leaders only to find some of them gone into depression and some even took there own life. Why is that so? Why these men, successful in the eyes of men, almost have everything to live a happy life, took their own lives? They were busy with earning a living and fulfilling there own wants that they forgot to see God who has actually offering them beyond the things they thought can make them fulfilled.

As in the days of Noah and Jesus, so it is today, people go on life without living. When the end of life comes, unexpectedly, and we come face to face with God, it is too late already to appreciate the life He has given us.

Reflection question:

What are the ways I can do to see the fullness of life that God wants for me today?

by aats

Finding Faults

Matthew 11:16-19

John came without eating and drinking and they accused him of being possessed, and here comes Jesus, who eats and drinks and was accused a glutton, drunkard and friend of tax collectors.

The gospel reading from Matthew 11:16-19 echoes the same attitudes that sometimes still comes up in us, the tendency to look at only at what is wrong instead of looking what the other has done right. Just because we always see a certain person doing the same old bad habits, we already judge him to the point that when he does good things, we still find fault in what he has done.

It is not so much about brushing aside the wrongs, but more about acknowledging the good things the person has done.

The reading from Isaiah 48:17-19, if paraphrased today, says, “I am the God who had taught you for your own good and lead you to the place I have planned for you. If only you had listened to my instructions, you could have been fulfilling your dreams that I dreamed for you as well. If only you had just listened to me, but you choose to focus on others and what they are doing instead of focusing on me. You could have lived a full satisfying life, with a family that will keep your name long before you are gone.”

We might as well take note of this message before we ourselves will say “If only…” Before it’s too late, let us focus on what is good in others and encourage them to continue doing the same, instead of focusing on their faults and discouraging them. Let us build one another instead of tearing apart.  There are so many things to do than just faultfinding.

by aats

Trailblazers

Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. -Ralph Waldo Emerson

This photo was taken when I was visiting Bukidnon, a province in Northern Mindanao, back when I was assigned in Mindanao. We were walking on a trail on our way to a monastery nearby.

This kind of reminds me of our role to not just be good followers but brave leaders who will dare carve new path for others to follow. It’s scary knowing that to trailblaze is to brave the unknown and it can mean painful sacrifices. However, the joy of adventure and discovery is fulfilling too, much more knowing that is for, of and with God.

Another thing about this photo is the blessing of being with nature. One of the things that I love about mission is the fact that you got the opportunity to see different environment… nature at its best! You will never get enough of God in nature, His messages are written in every flowers and trees and yes even in weeds! I find comfort, peace and direction in nature.

Lord, grant us the grace to brave the unknown and the joy of seeing you in the trees, flowers and yes even in weeds. Amen.

Being Real

Being on mission allows you to talk to so many people and even more privilege to have one on one and be part of someone else life. I have observe that most of the time when I talk to members, stories shared are shared in unadorned words, straight to the point and honest but as soon as members becomes leaders, tendency is to be choosy with words and tries to find the best euphemism someone can have because they are afraid to be judge. In the end they end up not being fully real and honest. Talking with members is a good reminder that the more we grow in leadership, the more real and honest should we become not the other way around. Being real and honest is an act of humility.

Teach us O Lord to be real and honest. Amen.

by aats