Keep Believing

Reading a book one lazy afternoon, I could hear the familiar voice of Arnel Pineda on the neighbor’s radio crooning with his heart “Don’t Stop Believing.” This amazingly powerful song immediately struck a chord inside me. After its release in 1981, it is still topping the charts more than 30 years after its debut. The song is one of the most listened to in iTunes and the most downloaded in the 20^th century. It continues to inspire youth and adults alike to always have hope.

This song has also been the synthesis of Pineda’s life. His mother died when he was 13 leaving their family in debt. He was forced to stop schooling. For two years he spent out on the streets sleeping anywhere; earned money by collecting bottles and newspaper. Sometimes he did not have anything to eat. But he kept on surviving and working hard on his talent.

Born a singer-songwriter, his biggest break came in 2007 when he gained international stardom by being chosen as lead vocals of the American Rock Band “Journey.” He kept believing despite the odds on his side such as poverty, lack of connection or lack of pedigree. He did not make failure define his life. He just kept persisting.

Today’s Gospel Reading (Mt 16:13-20) narrates the dialogue between Jesus and his disciples leading to Peter’s confession of faith. They were journeying in the region of Caesarea Philippi when Peter, enlightened by the Holy Spirit, acknowledged and affirmed Jesus as “the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” It was a turning point for him to be given a mandate “to bind and to lose.” On this rock of faith the Church is born.

The Church is a community borne from our desperate need to form meaningful relationships. Each person is in search for love and companionship. At times we have become strangers to each other that we fear isolation and loneliness. We seek someone like Jesus to understand us despite who we are. Hence we need each other around the person of Jesus to teach us how to make our love real. It was for this purpose that he entered into dialogue with his companions in order to invite them to share in his mission.

Becoming Church today is a great challenge. For some, the Church has become irrelevant with leaders experiencing moral failure. It is tantamount to saying that God is now missing in the Church. There is a prevalent mistrust in authority that there are those who declare: “I have a personal relationship with God; why do I need the Church?” Moreover, the growing epidemic of loneliness is also infiltrating the Church that its members are not finding community in it. This is really most tragic!

In Scriptures, Christ gathered a community through the apostles. This community is in communion with him despite their failings. To know Jesus, then, we need the Church, because it is the Church that authoritatively and reliably preserves and proclaims the truth about who Jesus is. Pope Francis said: “The Church is not a community of perfect people, but disciples on a path who follow the Lord because they recognize themselves as sinners and in need of his forgiveness.”

One model of persistence in faith and prayer is St. Monica. Her son, Augustine was a source of her great pain. Despite his brilliance, he was a wayward son. He followed a path that led him away from Christ. Yet Monica loved him unconditionally offering constant prayers and tears for her son. Her anxiety and concern for him made St. Ambrose, the Bishop of Milan exclaim: “Go on your way, and God bless you, for it is not possible that the son of these tears should be lost.”

There are still many Monica’s today who are struggling and uncertain about the future of their loved ones. They are drifting through life experiencing isolation and discouragement. But I believe God sends us people along the way to give us hope and inspiration. Even the Church is a great sign of hope that the power of darkness can never defeat us. We just keep on believing with an unwavering optimism.

This article appears in Fr. Randy’s Column “Sharing the Word,” Faith Section of Cebu Daily News, August 27, 2017

Toward the Top

 Pier Giorgio Frasatti was an Italian youth who died on July 3, 1925. His personal motto was “Verso L’alto” or Toward the Top. Being young and athletic, one of his passions was to climb mountains. His motto has become a metaphor for his whole life.

The motto has also become the synthesis of his life. Though young, he had lofty aspirations. He wanted to climb the mountain of holiness. He was always striving for higher things. He did not only want to exist, he wanted to live well!

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin is an invitation for us to look toward the top; to seek higher things. Mary challenges us to reach heaven.

Mary’s Assumption is the oldest feast in the Church. It is not in scripture but it has been celebrated since the 3^rd century. Our Orthodox brethren calls this as Mary’s falling asleep or her dormition. This feast makes us realize that God had a wonderful plan of Mary; also for us.

In the Gospel Reading, Mary “sings” her song of praise. It was her response to Elizabeth’s revelation of how blest she is. She is blest because of being Mother of God – the Theotokos. Moreover, she is blest because she believed in God’s Word. She is blest because of her faith.

The Assumption of the Blessed Mother gives us three lessons for our reflection:

1.    God has a beautiful plan for us. Today’s feast reminds us that God had a beautiful plan for Mary; He, too, has for us. Today people have a lot of fear. They fear almost anything; they’re afraid of the future. Faith is what we need. The Assumption invites us to look up and be optimistic. Trust in God’s wonderful plan for each of us.

2.    Death can be a great discovery. Mary rejoiced because God has done so much for her. After her life on earth, God “clothed her with the sun” and “crowned her with twelve stars.” Moreover, He made her Queen of heaven and earth. At the end of our life, we too will realize that we have been destined for higher things. We are meant for heaven.

3.    Let us keep believing. Like Mary, let us not be affected by the present struggles and storms we have. Instead, let us keep striving. Keep seeking. Let us keep persisting. God rewards our faith and perseverance.

God is Near

On September 04, 2016 last year, Pope Francis declared Mother Teresa of Calcutta a Saint in St. Peter’s Basilica. During her lifetime, she was an icon of charity and compassion for millions. She was admired by her lifelong service to the poorest of the poor. Always on the public spotlight, she was called a “living saint.”

In 2003, a book was published “Come, be my Light.” It contains the private correspondences of Mother Teresa. Moreover, it revealed her “crisis of faith.” In one instance she wrote: “where is my faith? Even deep down there is nothing but emptiness and darkness.” Even saints experience dark nights.

Our life of faith is not always smooth sailing. We also suffer from dark nights, crisis and uncertainty.

In today’s Gospel (Mt 4:22-33) we read the episode of Jesus walking on the water. After the image of His Transfiguration, we have another powerful vision of faith. Jesus is above the storm!

Let us consider three reflections:

First, storms are part of our life. They are unavoidable. In a comic strip of “Peanuts,” Charlie Brown asks for a psychiatric help from Lucy. “You have hypengyophobia or fear of responsibility.” “No,” Charlie denies. “Maybe you have climacophobia or fear of staircases.” “No,” he again negates. “Or maybe you have ailurophobia or fear of cats.” “No,” Charlie opposes. “Then you have pantophobia or fear of everything!” “Yes!” Charlie affirms. All of us has pantophobia.. fear of everything in life. Deep down we are very insecure. This creates storms and problems in our life. Some real, others self-made.

Second, we need to pray. We need to trust a power greater than ourselves. Even Jesus prayed. After feeding the people, he had to flee to the mountain because they wanted to make him a king. Jesus had to renew the purity of his heart and his total commitment to His Father. People missed the point of His mission; he did not want to deviate from His Father’s Plan. Through prayer we maintain our focus in order to avoid the temptation to power and popularity.

Third, we need to experience the presence of Jesus. Today’s First Reading (1 Kings 19:9,11-13), narrates the prophet Elija’s experience with God. He was made to stand outside the cave he was staying. After the wind, the earthquake and fire, he felt God’s comforting presence through a gentle breeze. Instead, Peter experienced the presence of Jesus through His soothing words: “Courage. It is I! Do not be afraid”

Jesus is not a ghost. He is a God who is close to us; ready to stand by us in times of uncertainty and fear. His powerful presence is the source of our strength and security.

Glimpse of Glory

Once, I officiated a couple’s marriage. The bride was very beautiful; the groom, however, was not up to my standard. I though the girl was a bit short changed by the marriage deal.

During the picture-taking, I congratulated them both. When I came upon the bride I told: “your groom is a very lucky man!” But she countered: “I am much luckier. I’m so much blest because he truly loves me!”

Her replied made me think deeper. I had now a different perspective of them; I saw them in a different light. I had a transfiguration experience. Every time we see things differently; when we are able to view things in a new way and in a different perspective, we experience the transfiguration.

The Sunday Gospel narrates about the Transfiguration of Jesus. Let us consider three things as we return to this episode in Jesus’ life:

First, it was a privilege moment: the three disciples, Peter, James, and John were given a rare chance. They had a glimpse of Jesus’ glory. They experienced heaven; they saw the greatness and immensity of God. It was a pre-view of the divinity of Christ. It was an awesome moment. While others rejected Jesus, this experience made them love Jesus more!

Second, it was a peak experience. They saw Jesus in a different light: no longer as an ordinary Rabbi or a skilled carpenter-turned preacher. They discovered that behind his ordinary trappings, he was hiding an extraordinary persona. He was the Son of God! The Father’s voice was an epiphany of Jesus’ extraordinary character.

Third, this episode taught the disciples that there is a price in following Jesus. Fulfilling God’s will is extremely difficult. Jesus had to learn to be obedient. He had to undergo self-denial, learn to suffer and embrace his cross. Modern society puts value on instant rewards. We have now overnight shipping, instant downloads or one-click ordering. If we have a problem, we want a quick fix. We are short in temper and patience. When we want something, we want it now! But Jesus teaches us to be patient, to delay our gratification for a greater good. We cannot attain success overnight. We have to undergo the daily grind, the slowly process of self denial. Jesus inspires us to undergo our own transfiguration experience.

Treasures

As a boy, I used to watch a television game show “The Price is Right.” Contestants are shown items which they try to guess how much they cost. The guess nearest the price wins!

The Sunday Gospel (Mt 13: 44-52) presents two parables comparing the Kingdom of Heaven like a “treasure buried in a field” and a “pearl of great price.” The men who found them guessed rightly that they were really worth keeping so they sold ALL they had to possess them.

In narrating parables, we realize that Jesus is a brilliant teacher. He uses unforgettable parables and insightful stories to teach lessons that sink deep. God teaches us three things from our Readings:

1.    The Kingdom of Heaven is a treasure worth possessing. We ask ourselves: what do I treasure most? Fact is, what your mind and heart is focusing right now, that is your treasure!

In the First Reading (1 Kings 3:5.7-12), Solomon’s concern was how to be a good king. Inheriting a throne from David, his father, he was young and inexperienced. When God appeared to him, he asked for “an understanding heart.” If you have the chance to meet God in person, what will you ask? Let us ask to possess God’s Kingdom.

2.    The Kingdom of Heaven is worth sacrificing. The man who found the treasure sold everything he had without regret in order to buy that field. The merchant, too who found the expensive pearl sold everything he had with joy in order to acquire that unique pearl.

3.    Jesus is the treasure worth discovering; the pearl of great price worth possessing. Matthew, the Apostle, had this experience. When Jesus “called him,” he gave up his job, his position and his wealth. Jesus became his only wealth; his only treasure.

What will you give up to love and follow Jesus? Can you give up your anger, your pride, your lust for Jesus? Can you give up your laziness or your addictions that hinder you to be closer to Him?

Is this too great a price? For Jesus, the “price is just right!”