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  • Vox Populi, Vox Dei

    Vox Populi, Vox Dei

    Snapshot of ordinary people attending a typical rally for presidential candidate, Leni Robredo. Their votes have to count. Vox populi, vox Dei.
    Typical scenario in a rally for the presidential race. Photo library of TalinMan, 2022

    The last three months have simply been a dizzying campaign period for the presidency. Interestingly, we’ve seen a plethora of political styles ranging from the traditional to the more contemporary with particular emphasis on social media. Moreover, it’s been quite interesting to observe the contrasting rhetorics by which the contenders have tried to woo their electorate. Be that as it may, at the end of the day only the numbers will determine the fate of the would-be presidential elect. Hence, the principle – vox populi, vox Dei – will hold sway.

    Based on unofficial results provided by the COMELEC, it appears that Mr. Bongbong Marcos, son of Ferdinand Marcos, a former dictator deposed in 1986, may be the apparent winner, leading with a landslide vote of 31 million. Whilst I may be a bit disappointed that my choice is lagging behind, I nevertheless have to respect the results of the national election. Vox populi, Vox Dei!

    Inalienable Right

    I submit that the right to suffrage is an inalienable right. As to what the final outcome will be, there is no other choice but to accept the voice of the people. After all, vox populi, vox Dei takes primacy in any democracy. Hence, to the would-be winner of the presidential elections, I hereby reserve my congratulatory note.

    Unsolicited Advice

    To the would-be President, I wish you well in your public service endeavor. If I may, I sincerely wish to share for your success St. Josemaria Escriva’s commentary in point no. 48 of The Way, which reads:

    48

    “You lack character. What a mania for interfering in everything ! You are bent on being the salt of every dish. And — you won’t mind if I speak clearly — you haven’t the qualities of salt: you can’t be dissolved and pass unnoticed, as salt does.

    You lack a spirit of sacrifice. And you abound in a spirit of curiosity and ostentation.”

    St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way, #48

    A Servant Leader

    Viewed in a constructive way, the message of St. Josemaria provides a clear picture of how a leader ought not to be. Clearly, he wants to point out the importance of having a spirit of sacrifice for the motherland, coupled with a disdain for the spirit of curiosity and ostentation. In a word, it points to harnessing the virtues of a servant leader.

    Quo Vadis? To Take the High Road or the Low Road?

    Given that this recent election has driven a wedge of disunity amongst the Filipino people, it behooves all of us to ask the existential question: Quo Vadis? Where do we go from here?

    Without a doubt, the answer is to take the high road. Indeed,there is no other choice lest one falls into despair. Obviously, the right thing to do is to work for solidarity and the common good.

    At this juncture, I wish to highlight some points in my blog entitled “To Take the High Road or the Low Road”, dated October 11, 2020, which I find apropos to the present situation. In a nutshell, these are the highlights:

    The High Road: A Call for Heroism

    The havoc that has been wrought by the Pandemic as well as the divisiveness engendered by the recent elections have only made it more urgent that we rethink our style of life, our relationships, the hierarchal structure of our society, and, above all, the meaning of our existence.

    For the sake of the common good, we need to rise above our human frailties and shine forth as heroes by dint of self-sacrifice. We need to feel the grief and suffering of those in the fringes of society. This should move us to be sensitive to the needs of our bretheren who have less in life.

    Be a Good Samaritan or a Bystander

    In rallying everyone to take the high road, Pope Francis points out that the social milieu of today may be likened to the characters in the Parable of the Good Samaritan. He said: “Each day we have to decide whether to be Good Samaritans or indifferent bystanders. And if we extend our gaze to the history of our own lives and that of the entire world, all of us are or have been, as each of the characters in the parable. All of us have in ourselves something of the wounded man, something of the robber, something of the passers-by, and something of the Good Samaritan.”1 Hence, the Pope asks: “Which of these characters do you resemble? We need to acknowledge that we are constantly tempted to ignore others, especially the weak. Let us admit that…we have become accustomed to looking the other way, passing by, ignoring situations until they affect us directly.”2

    Furthermore, the Pope continues: “the parable eloquently presents the basic decision we need to make in order to rebuild our wounded world. In the face of so much pain and suffering, our only course is to imitate the Good Samaritan. Any other decision would make us either one of the robbers or one of those who walked by without showing compassion for the sufferings of the man on the roadside. The parable shows us how a community can be rebuilt by men and women who identify with the vulnerability of others, who reject the creation of a society of exclusion and act instead as neighbors, lifting up and rehabilitating the fallen for the sake of the common good. At the same time, it warns us about the attitude of those who think only of themselves and fail to shoulder the inevitable responsibilities of life as it is.”3

    To Be a Protagonist

    In essence, each one of us is a protagonist in this COVID-19 pandemic and this post-election scenario. We cannot shirk from responsibility. One’s choice of action, on a daily basis, would have implications as to the final outcome of this crisis. As the Pontiff emphatically said: ”The pandemic is changing the world and putting us in crisis. It is impossible to emerge from a crisis the same as before. Either we come out better or we come out worse. And how we emerge depends on the decisions we make during the crisis.”4

    To Take the High Road

    Indeed, we need to come out of this crisis better. Otherwise, we fail and come out worse. Therefore, it behooves us to take the high road of greater sacrifice. After all, as each of us commits to exert one’s best efforts each day, then, we can only rest assured that it will ultimately foster solidarity and contribute to the common good.

    Fall in Love and It Will Decide Everything

    Finally, I would like to share with you a quotation, which hopefully will inspire you to take the high road, to wit:

    “What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination, will affect everything. It will decide what will get you out of bed in the morning, what you do with your evenings, how you spend your weekends, what you read, whom you know, what breaks your heart, and what amazes you with joy and gratitude. Fall in love, stay in love, and it will decide everything”.5 This love for God, that can approach everything in life with passion, is possible thanks to the Spirit, for “God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (Rom 5:5).

    Pope Francis, Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation, Christus Vivit, 132

    TalinMan

    1. Pope Francis, Encyclical Letter, Fratelli Tutti, 69
    2. Ibid, 64
    3. Ibid, 67
    4. Interview of Pope Francis, Carmen Magallon, Il Mio Papa
    5. Pedro Arrupe SJ, Enamórate

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  • Quo Vadis? Let Us Cross to the Other Side

    Christ on a boat Crossing to the Other Side of the Sea of Galilee
    Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee, Rembrandt, 1633, From the collection of Isabella Gardner Stuart Museum

    Quo vadis? This latin phrase meaning “Where are you going?” seems very propitious at this time. We have managed to stay resilient for close to two years already. Recent prognostications of health experts indicate the possible end of the pandemic as it becomes endemic. We are witnessing the sharp crescendo of the Omicron wave. This scenario is stoking the fire that would light up hope for a brighter year once again. Therefore, we need to seriously ask ourselves, Quo Vadis?

    Let Us Cross to the Other Side

    Providentially, I submit that the answer may be found in the Gospel of today. In Mark 4:35-41, we read the episode wherein Christ tells his disciples, “Let us cross to the other side.” To understand the context of such, herein is the short episode of St. Mark’s gospel, as follows:

    Mk 4:35–41
    On that day, as evening drew on, Jesus said to his disciples: “Let us cross to the other side.” Leaving the crowd, they took Jesus with them in the boat just as he was. And other boats were with him. A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up. Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion.
    They woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” They were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?”

    Preparing for Life’s Journey Post Covid

    Reflecting on the gospel narrative on the calming of the sea, we can highlight some key take-aways that we can apply to our present situation, namely:

    1. “Let us cross to the other side.” It is vital to keep in mind that we are embarking on a new chapter in our life’s journey post-Covid. Hence, we want to make sure that we bring with us not the “old self” but rather a “new self” – a better self, a better spouse, a better parent, more caring & sensitive to the needs of others, more diligent in work, more eager to serve society.
    2. Moreover, we leave behind the heavy baggages of the past – selfishness, biases, anger, grudges, unforgiveness, vices, weaknesses, etc.. We do this by humbly admitting to our own mistakes, weaknesses, and sinfulness in the past.
    3. Moved by remorse, we ask God for forgiveness of past misdeeds. We go for the sacrament of reconciliation in order to receive the necessary grace for enduring the difficulties and trials that may face us in the journey ahead.

    Do You Not Yet Have Faith?

    However, it is important to note that all the best laid plans for “crossing the other side” may falter if one would rely solely on one’s own genius or cleverness. As we all know that our human nature is susceptible to bias and self-interest, it is prone to error or miscalculations. We need to build a strong foundation that would weather the violent squalls ahead. And that foundation is Faith in Jesus Christ, the son of God the Father Almighty.

    From this renewal of faith would spring forth the gift of hope, which would provide the courage and enthusiasm to forge ahead in this new journey of life.

    Finally, as the road ahead is fraught with danger & uncertainties, we embark on this new journey of “crossing to the other side” with the guidance of St. Josemaria Escriva. He was a modern day saint who lived a holy life by discovering God in the ordinary duties of day to day life. Hopefully, this maxim written during the Spanish Civil War (1936-39), as shown below, would serve as a good reminder that we need to hold on to our faith and remain steadfast in our resolve to “cross to the other side.”

    45
    “Why feel hurt by the unjust things people say of you? You would even be worse if God ever left you.

    Keep on doing good, and shrug your shoulder.”

    St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way, #45

    TalinMan

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  • Hey! Christmas is coming. . . a time to be merry.

    Picture of a native Belen (crèche) as a reminder that Christmas is coming. It's time to be merry.
    Native Belen (crèche), Photo library of TalinMan, 2021

    “You better watch out, you better not pout. Santa Claus is coming to town.” As the song goes, Christmas is coming; and, it’s a time to be merry. Interestingly, in my beloved country, the Philippines, we enjoy the longest season of Christmas. That means once the “-ber” months arrive, the mood escalates to a Christmas frenzy.

    Roots of Filipino Culture

    Notably, the Christmas tradition is deeply embedded in Philippine culture. Historically, it finds its roots dating back five hundred years ago. In March 1521, the Spanish expedition led by Ferdinand Magellan landed on the shores of Homonhon Island. Under the strong tutelage of the Spanish friars during Spain’s 377 years of colonial rule, Christianity became pervasive in Philippine society. Hence, for the Filipino people, every year, when Christmas comes, it’s time to be merry.

    Given that, it is no wonder that the Filipinos are known for their religiosity. This accounts for their being the most resilient, cheerful & friendly people in the Far East. Also, this cultural trait underpins the fact that come September of each year, the radio/television networks start to broadcast the traditional Christmas carols. Likewise, the 2 million-strong overseas Filipino workers start to look forward to their family reunions with the traditional noche buena on Christmas eve. Despite the difficulties and sufferings caused by the COVID pandemic, we can still expect the same mood: Christmas is coming, it is a time to be merry!

    Dangers of Our Times

    Amidst the festive Christmas environment, however, there is need to closely examine the detrimental effects of the COVID pandemic. Even before the onset of the COVID Pandemic, Pope Francis, in his Apostolic Exhortation, Amoris Laetitia, raised the red flag on the dangers that could destroy the family, as follows:

    Extreme Individualism

    Individualism is a social theory that elevates the freedom of the individual over the collective. New York Times columnist Paul Krugman, in a piece titled The Cult of Selfishness Is Killing America, espouses that too many Americans now subscribe to the positive power of greed and the innate belief that everyone is better off when they pursue their own self-interest.1

    Moreover, Pope Francis warns that: “The tensions created by an overly individualistic culture, caught up with posessions and pleasures, leads to intolerance and hostility in families.”2

    Culture of the Ephemeral

    Nowadays, many people are attracted to experiences that don’t last long. Here the Holy Father cites as example, “the speed with which people move from one affective relationship to another. They believe, along the lines of social networks, that love can be connected or disconnected at the whim of the consumer, and the relationship quickly ‘blocked’.”3

    Narcissism

    This is defined as a pathological self-absorption, first identified as a mental disorder by the British essayist and physician Havelock Ellis in 1898. It is characterized by an inflated self-image and addiction to fantasy.4 As observed by Pope Francis , “It makes people incapable of looking beyond themselves, beyond their own desires and needs. Yet sooner or later, those who use others end up being used themselves, manipulated and discarded by that same mind-set. It is also worth noting that breakups often occur among older adults who seek a kind of “independence” and reject the ideal of growing old together, looking after and supporting one another.”5

    Consumerism

    Consumerism espouses the idea that increasing the consumption of goods and services purchased in the market is always a desirable goal and that a person’s wellbeing and happiness depend fundamentally on obtaining consumer goods and material possessions. Given the ubiquity of social media, consumers are often lured into buying consumer brands on impulse through the use of data analytics. This social phenomenon has shaped the materialistic outlook pervading society nowadays. In Amoris Laetitia, Pope Francis warns that consumerism may also deter people from having children, simply so they can maintain a certain freedom and life-style”.6

    Loneliness

    Now more than ever, this malady of loneliness has become pervasive in societies on account of the prolonged home isolation brought by COVID. Moreover, the consequent fear and anxiety brought about by the pandemic have led to a general feeling of hopelessness, arising from the absence of God in a person’s life and the fragility of relationships.7

    Christmas: A Time to be Merry but Change Needed

    With Christmas Day being just two weeks away, it would be no surprise to see the shopping malls jam-packed again with holiday shoppers. Blame it on consumerism which has been exacerbated by social media. Lest we get distracted by such ephemeral activities, it behooves us to prepare ourselves even more for matters of greater importance. This means focusing on relationships: firstly, with God; secondly, with family; and, thirdly, with those in need. Thus, aside from planning for the Christmas gifts and parties, it would do well for us to conduct an examination of our emotional/spiritual health. Obviously, we need to look ourselves in the mirror and ask: ”what are my predominant faults, habits, or vices that I have acquired during the last 21 months of lockdown?” Definitely, it’s time for a change for the better.

    The Meaning of Christmas

    For starters, it would be good to reflect on the meaning of Christmas. For Christians, it is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the only begotten son of God. He was sent by his Father God to be with us to redeem us from the slavery of sin. This realization of God’s love for us should motivate us to get out of our own “shell” of self-centeredness. In so doing, one becomes outward-looking instead. This simply means dropping the “I” and focusing on the “other”. Simply put, there is a need to embrace a paradigm shift that focuses not on the self but rather on the needs of those within one’s circle of influence i.e. one’s immediate family & relatives, neighbors, especially, the poor and the destitute.

    As a corollary, we need to look at the icon of the Holy Family in Bethlehem in order to be inspired by the love exemplified by Joseph and Mary for the child Jesus. Indeed, how wonderful it is to be thankful for the Christmas celebrations, particularly when we realize how much God loves us. Let’s begin this Christmas.

    Practical Advise

    In closing, as we prepare for the commemoration of the birth of Jesus, let us take time to consider a piece of practical advice given by St. Josemaria Escriva, founder of Opus Dei, a Personal Prelature of the Catholic Church,:

    43

    “Don’t be so touchy. The least thing offends you. People have to weigh their words to talk to you even about the most trivial matters.

    Don’t feel hurt if I tell you that you are . . . unbearable. Unless you change, you’ll never be of any use.”

    St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way, 43

    Have a blessed and merry Christmas!

    TalinMan

    1. New York Times, July 27, 2020
    2. Pope Francis, Apostolic Exhortation, Amoris Lartitia, 33
    3. Ibid, 39
    4. Britanicca, Definition
    5. Pope Francis, Apostolic Exhortation, Amoris Lartitia, 39
    6. Ibid, 42
    7. Ibid, 43

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  • The Season of Advent: a “Breath of Fresh Air”

    The Season of Advent: a “Breath of Fresh Air”

    Little boy flying a kite with the aide of the Amihan winds. Polo field of Alabang Country Club. Photo library of TalinMan, 2021.
    Little boy flying a kite aided by the Amihan winds.
    Photo library of TalinMan, 2021

    Just as the season of Amihan ushers in the cool northeastern winds; so, too, the season of Advent brings forth the “breath of fresh air”, which is meant to resuscitate the inner spirit of man, badly battered by the pandemic.

    Having gone through 21 grueling months of COVID surges & lockdowns, this season of Advent should provide us some 4 weeks of respite. If one takes advantage of such, it should bring forth a new horizon of hope like a “breath of fresh air”, that would enable us to recover our interior strength, which had been badly beaten by the pandemic. By tradition, this 4-week period serves as a time of preparation for Christmas Day, the commemorative celebration of the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

    Call for Vigilance

    Contrary to the common practice of busying ourselves with Christmas shopping in the malls and shifting our mindsets into a much more relaxed Christmas holiday mood, the Holy Father, Pope Francis, exhorts us to exercise vigilance. He reminds us of the strong reprimand of Jesus, “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy . . . Be vigilant at all times and pray” (Lk 21:34, 36).

    In the words of Pope Francis, to be vigilant means the following:

    • We focus on our final destination, that is, to ultimately be with our Lord and Saviour. Hence, we need to be mindful of our lifestyle, whether it’s in conformity with our ultimate goal – to be with Christ in eternal bliss. Often times, our minds easily stray from the essential matters to the ephemeral attractions of this world. Hence, the need for alertness.
    • We need to practice a plan of life, which drills down into one’s particular circumstances the essential elements necessary for living a holistic lifestyle. For example, one can draw up a daily agenda on an hourly basis that lists down the “to do’s” for one’s job as well as customs or norms for spiritual growth i.e. attending Holy Mass, praying the Holy Rosary, etc..
    • We guard against distractions i.e. social media, frivolous consumerism, etc., which may obstruct or disrupt achievement of our ultimate goal.

    A House Built on Rock

    Moreover, it is important to make sure that daily life does not become just a routine, being preoccupied only with mundane matters revolving around the self. On the contrary, we need to foster sensitivity to the needs of those around us, specially the poor and the destitute. Otherwise, apathy and indifference may sink into our hearts, which would eventually shackle our souls bereft of happiness.

    As an antidote to such self-centered tendencies, Pope Francis urges us to pray always – “Maranatha: Come, Lord Jesus, come”. This is because perseverance in prayer reawakens the soul from slumber, thereby, redirecting focus on what is most important in life. One of the best ways of enhancing prayer is reading the gospels on a daily basis. Providentially, today’s gospel of Matthew gives us a timely reminder, as follows:

    “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock.”

    Mt 7:21, 24–27, Pocket Missal

    Call for Perseverance

    Finally, the season of Advent affords us a much-needed respite, which like a breath of fresh air, would re-invigorate our battered spirits in time to celebrate the nativity of Jesus Christ with much joy and thanksgiving. Hence, it would do us well to heed the maxim of my mentor, St. Josemaria Escriva, on the importance of struggling to persevere in the attainment of our goal.

    42

    “Why those variations in your character? When are you going to apply your will to something? Drop that craze for laying cornerstones, and finish at least one of your projects.”

    St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way, #42

    TalinMan

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  • The Season of Amihan: a Harbinger of Good Things Ahead

    The Season of Amihan: a Harbinger of Good Things Ahead

    Captured a beautiful image of a rainbow - a harbinger of good things to come.
    Captured a beautiful image of a rainbow – a harbinger of good things to come

    Photo album of TalinMan, 2021.

    Today marks the 608th day of life under quarantine since day 1 of the government’s official lock-down. Unlike the usual humdrum days of the stay-at-home quarantine, this morning, however, I was pleasantly awakened by the cool breeze of the northeast winds – the amihan. Notably, it infused in my spirit an aura of optimism. Come to think of it, in the Philippines, the season of amihan normally presages the end of the hot, humid, and wet season of habagat – the southwest monsoon. The amihan ushers in the best season of the year, characterized by cool and clear days ahead till May. Could this season of amihan be the harbinger of good things to come?

    On a corollary note, the whole of Christendom eagerly awaits the onset of the Advent season. Like the amihan, the Advent season heralds a season of joy and optimism as people await the coming of the child Jesus on Christmas day. Interestingly, the confluence of the amihan and Advent at this time may augur well as the harbinger of good things ahead.

    A Second Choice

    Given that this pandemic crisis has chronically battered the physio-socio well-being of society for almost two years, the onset of the seasons of Advent and the amihan certainly provides a welcome relief, specially, to those affected. Indeed, it gives reason for one and all to hope for a better future. As we prepare for the new normal, it would do well to take note of the exhortation of the great statesman, Winston Churchill:

    “If I had to live my life over again in the same surroundings, no doubt I should have the same perplexities and hesitations; no doubt I should have my same sense of proportion, my same guiding lights, my same onward thrusts, my same limitations. And if these came into contact with the same external facts, would I not run in fact along exactly the same grooves? Of course if the externals are varied, if accident and chance flow out through new uncharted channels, I shall vary accordingly. But then I should not be living my life over again. I should be living another life in a world whose structure and history would to a large extent diverge from this one.”

    Winston S. Churchill, “A Second Choice” Essay, 1937

    In short, if one were to examine Churchill’s advice and try to adapt it to the current pandemic, the sound thing to do is not to live the same life over again. The pandemic crisis has changed the game. We need to adapt the “second choice”, that is, to live another life in a world that cries out for a new paradigm: respect for human dignity & ecology, good governance, social responsibility, fraternity, and solidarity for the common good. In other words, we need to re-define a new culture and a new way of living in accord with the dictates of the post-COVID world.

    The Folly of Dreams

    It is quite apparent that the industrial revolution of the last century and the recent information technology boom have exacerbated the widening income gap between the first-world countries and the rest of the world. Whilst innovation and technology have succeeded in sending men to the moon, on the one hand, it seems ironic that, on the other, the rising levels in global hunger and poverty have yet to be licked.

    Whilst dreams may provide the impetus for defining a new life, prudence would dictate that the same be properly grounded on the exigencies of the situation. On this note, St. Josemaria gives a forewarning not to fall into the folly of dreams, as follows:

    41

    “What a sublime way of carrying on with your empty follies, and what a way of getting somewhere in the world: rising, always rising simply by ‘weighing little’, by having nothing inside – neither in your head nor in your heart!”

    St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way, 41

    Faith as the Bed-Rock of the New Order

    In the past 20 months, we have witnessed the socio-economic devastation inflicted by the pandemic crisis. It has exposed the vulnerabilities of man and societal structures. In order to move ahead well into the future, one would need to go back to the roots of faith. Providentially, St. Paul provides an insight on how to navigate the future with greater resiliency.

    “Since we are justified by faith, let us enjoy peace with God through Our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have obtained access, by faith, to that grace in which we stand and we rejoice in the hope of attaining glory as the sons of God. More than that, we rejoice even in our afflictions, knowing well that affliction gives rise to patience, and patience brings perseverance, and perseverance brings hope, and this hope does not disappoint us: for the love of God has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit.”

    Romans 5:1-5, NABRE

    TalinMan

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  • We Have Hit the Wall.

    The Wailing Wall of Jerusalem. The Jews are prevented from restoring their temple across the wall.
    The Wailing Wall of Jerusalem, Photo library of TalinMan

    Today marks the 588th day of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite having the longest-running lockdown, the Philippines nevertheless garnered the lowest rank at # 121 in the recent Nikkei Asia Recovery Index. Sadly, it seems that we have hit the wall.

    For more than 19 months now, this pandemic has reached crisis proportions. Almost everyone is languishing and experiencing “existential burnout.” According to Margaret Wehrenberg in her book “Pandemic Anxiety: Fear, Stress, and Loss in Traumatic Times”, we should not be surprised at all. She said, “A year of uncertainty, of being whipsawed between anxiety and depression, of seeing expert predictions wither away and goalposts shift, has left many people feeling that they are existing in a kind of fog, the world shaded in gray.” Clearly, we have hit the wall.

    Interestingly, the pandemic crisis has induced some divergent demographic trends, which are rather surprising. For example, in America, Jonathan Wolfe, an NYT reporter, writes: “Over the last 19 months, an outsized number of Americans have left cities, their marriages, and organized religion. Some have recently tried dumping social media. It seems that many see 2021 as a year to finally leave pre-pandemic lives behind and embrace the idea of a fresh start.”

    Moreover, Wolfe remarks, “Perhaps the most pronounced example is what economists are calling “The Great Resignation.” In August, a record 4.3 million Americans left their jobs — the highest number in the two decades the government has been keeping track. Across industries including health care, education, retail, food services, and child care, people are saying goodbye to their employers, sometimes even walking out in the middle of a shift.”

    In contrast, however, in the Philippines, many have lost their jobs involuntarily. The jobless are at their wit’s end, scrounging for any means of livelihood to feed their families. Based on a national survey conducted by Social Weather Station, 4.2 million Filipinos experienced hunger in May this year. Sadly, this pandemic has further widened the income gap between the 1st world countries and the rest of the world.

    Faith & Hope in Tandem

    And yet, amidst the gloomy atmosphere, however, it seems that the whole of humankind is desperately searching deep in their hearts for the meaning of life. Indeed, it’s time to dig into the dusty bin of one’s inner spirit. For some, they would discover new insights from old gospel values and beliefs. For others, they would simply shrug their shoulders in total despondency. Indeed, they have hit the wall.

    As a possible remedy, St. Paul in his letter to the Romans provides insightful advice, as follows:

    “We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now; and not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that sees for itself is not hope. For who hopes for what one sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance.”

    Rom 8:22-25, NAB

    Indeed, hope springs eternal. It engenders the human spirit to persevere and endure the pains of this pandemic. We only need to rekindle in our hearts our divine predilection, being the children of God. As St. Paul would put it, “we know that all things work for good for those who love God.”Rom 8:28

    The Common Good and Solidarity

    Whilst faith and hope may ignite the fire of perseverance and fortitude to forge ahead with optimism, it would be foolhardy to remain ensconced in the comforts of one’s abode. Such a closed-in way of life would eventually succumb to a downward spiral into a counterproductive life, which would ultimately lead to sadness and isolation.

    On the contrary, one would need to discern the needs of society and learn to adapt to the dictates of the circumstances. Such an attitude would certainly foster an outward-looking lifestyle. This, in turn, would lend itself to the development of initiatives meant for the common good.

    A classic example of this inclusive outlook is the phenomenon of the community pantry, which spread like wildfire nationwide during the height of the first wave of attack of the COVID-19. This was inspired by a simple young lady, Anna “Patreng” Non, who started the first prototype – the Maginhawa Community Pantry. Today, thousands of community pantries nationwide provide food to the hungry.

    Finally, whilst the road ahead appears foggy and fraught with uncertainty, it would be worthwhile to keep in mind a maxim composed by St. Josemaria during the Spanish civil war of 1936-39, as follows:

    40

    “Faith, joy, optimism. But not the folly of closing your eyes to reality.”

    St. Josemaria Escriva, the way, 40

    TalinMan

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  • To Survive, Get a Grip of Oneself

    To Survive, Get a Grip of Oneself

    Looking at the horizon, one anticipates the new normal. To survive, one needs to get a grip of oneself.
    In Anticipation of the New World Order

    More than 18 months in the running, this pandemic rages on with its chronic breakthrough infections. The strict lockdowns have led to the closures of millions of small and medium-sized enterprises, thereby inflicting widespread suffering across the globe. Many have lost their jobs. As a result, many families now are experiencing not only physical hunger but also mental anguish, if not downright depression. To survive this crisis, one has to get a grip of oneself and strive to develop “antibodies” that would enable one to confront adversities.

    Incipient Spiritual Malady

    At the early onset of the pandemic on March 27, 2020, I recall that fateful night when Pope Francis gave his Urbi et Orbi message in front of an empty St. Peter’s Square. Admonishing humankind, the Holy Father aptly remarked that:

    “We have gone ahead at breakneck speed, feeling powerful and able to do anything. Greedy for profit, we let ourselves get caught up in things, and lured away by haste. We did not stop at your reproach to us, we were not shaken awake by wars or injustice, nor did we listen to the cry of the poor or of our ailing planet. We carried on regardless, thinking we would stay healthy in a world that was sick.”

    Pope francis, Urbi et Orbi Address at St. peter’s square, 27 March 2020

    Based on the remarks above, the Holy Father decried the spiritual malady that inevitably bedeviled humankind. Sadly, it confirms that the unhampered rise in economic prosperity during the last five decades of rapid technological development has only engendered a culture of indifference fuelled by greed and self-assertion. Clearly, the pandemic has exposed man’s vulnerabilities. Hence, in order to survive this crisis, it is vital to get a grip of oneself.

    VUCA World

    Back then, life was simple and easy. Everything was fairly stable with little or no disruptions at all. Today, however, we are witnessing unprecedented events: rising infections, intermittent lock-downs, extreme weather events, global capital market collapses, human migration problems, widening gap between the haves and have-nots, etc. Indeed, the 21st Century has ushered in a VUCA world, where volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity prevail. In one fell swoop, the pandemic has shattered the realities and dreams man has aspired for.

    VUCA 2.0

    As the horizon begins to clear up, it would do well to take time out to consider adopting the antidote, VUCA 2.0 (Vision, Understanding, Courage, Adaptability), as coined by Bill George, a senior fellow at Harvard Business School. In a nutshell, it involves the following considerations, namely:

    1. Vision – Given the dark clouds of uncertainty, one cannot afford to mindlessly go with the ebbs and flows of the pandemic. On the contrary, one should take stock of the current chaos and strive to see through it in order to establish a clear vision of one’s future. As such, one needs to do a deep dive into one’s inner desires and aspirations. By doing so, one is able to craft a clear mission statement that will serve as a guide in the attainment of such vision. For example, a young man aspires to do good as a protagonist in the climate change movement. To be effective, he would need to integrate his daily life in conformity with the laws of God, man, and nature. To disregard one facet out of the three integral values would eventually frustrate the attainment of the vision.
    2. Understanding – One needs to go into a deep dive into one’s inner strengths and weaknesses; and, analyse the threats and opportunities surrounding one’s particular circumstances. This would require a daily schedule for self-reflection. Moreover, one would need to engage in regular dialogue with peers. This will enable one to assess the essential vis a vis the non-essential data. Due to the proliferation of fake news in social media, one needs to exercise due diligence in reviewing data.
    3. Courage – One needs to muster strength of the will in order to confront adversities which could disrupt the plan moving forward. Simply put, a “can do” attitude could surmount any adversity that could challenge the vision. To survive this crisis, one needs to get a grip of oneself by launching audacious plans. Such passion will enable one to forge ahead coupled with patience and perseverance to endure the pains and difficulties ahead.
    4. Adaptability – Given the volatility and unpredictably of the times, one needs to have the ability to “roll with the punches.” In other words, fostering agility when push comes to shove will make all the difference in the attainment of the goal. Whilst changes in tactics are done in the short run, it nevertheless proves vital to remain steadfast in adhering to the vision/ mission statement and the core values already established.

    Preparing for the New Normal

    In anticipation of the new normal, one simply cannot afford to relax within the confines of one’s comfort zone. Rather, it behooves us to be prepared for battle, to struggle against one’s inner demons in order to win this crisis. We march on ahead with the confidence that we are children of our Father God.

    Finally, always be reminded that one is never alone in this journey of life. St. Josemaria Escriva intercedes for us with his simple aphorism, as follows:

    39

    “Pray that I may never be satisfied with what is easy,” you say. I’ve already prayed. Now it is up to you to carry out that fine resolution.

    St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way, 39

    TalinMan

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  • Election Fever Arising

    COMELEC Poster encouraging Filipinos to register for the elections in 2022.
    COMELEC POSTER 2021

    With the national elections being some nine months away, the noise level of political chatter is slowly but surely percolating once again. Indeed, election fever is arising. For the Filipinos, the year 2022 portends a breath of fresh air for a nation that has been hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

    With the election fever arising quite earlier than expected, social media is nonetheless abuzz with speculations on who would be the possible contenders for the presidential race. Unsurprisingly, the ruling party is already sending out feelers in social media on its prospective presidential and senatorial endorsees. Obviously, the mandate is pointing to a nominee successor, who is the direct kin of the incumbent President.

    A Left Field Contender

    Interestingly, amidst such media murmurings, a left-field contender openly declares his intention to run as a presidential candidate. Whilst considered as a political newbie, the man possesses an extraordinarily high EQ, which could turn into a groundswell. Could this be the tipping point that would rise to the challenge of lifting the Filipino people out of its dire straits?

    For some political pundits, a regime change would be a welcome development. For the longest time, Philippine politics has been marked by popular votes and dynastic rule. Sadly, the political parties leave much to be desired in espousing ideological agendas. Partisan politics continues to dominate the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government. Presently, the political milieu still favors political patronage rather than politics based on ethical principles.

    Aspirants for the Elections

    In his classic book, The Way, St. Josemaria Escriva has this to say, as a reminder, to those politicians aspiring for the next elections:

    37

    You have, as they say,”the gift of gab”. But in spite of all your talk, you can’t get me to justify – by calling it “providential” – what has no justification.

    St. Josemaria escriva, The Way, 37

    Harsh as it may be, the words of St. Josemaria are meant to drive home a point, that is, the importance of practicing the virtue of sincerity. This takes on a special significance especially when the politicians embark on the campaign trail. Normally, those aspiring for government election spend much time promising voters the “sun, moon, and the stars”. This is tantamount to “starting on the wrong foot”. On the contrary, it makes good sense to “say what you mean and mean what you say”.

    An Agenda for an Integral Ecology

    Speaking about political agendas, one of the most paramount reforms needed in government policy is that of the environment. According to Germanwatch.org, the Philippines was ranked second in the Global Climate Risk Index 2020. Historically, the country has been regularly ravaged by extreme weather conditions in addition to natural catastrophes.

    In crafting the political agenda on the environment, it may be good to take time out to consider the Encyclical Letter, Laudato Si’ written by the Holy Father, Pope Francis. In essence, it voices out the urgent appeal of the Pope to men and women of goodwill, including politicians as well, to get involved in the development of an integral ecology.

    “A technological and economic development which does not leave in its wake a better world and an integrally higher quality of life cannot be considered progress. Frequently, in fact, people’s quality of life actually diminishes – by the deterioration of the environment, the low quality of food or the depletion of resources – in the midst of economic growth.”

    Pope Francis, Encyclical Letter, Laudato Si’, 194

    To the aspiring politicians, the Holy Father exhorts you to set aside short-term legislations geared toward quick short-term gains. Rather, the Pope says further that “What is needed is a politics which is far-sighted and capable of a new, integral and inter-disciplinary approach to handling the different aspects of the crisis. Often, politics itself is responsible for the disrepute in which it is held, on account of corruption and the failure to enact sound public policies.” (LS, 197)

    The Principle of the Common Good

    The main driver for the development of an integral ecology hinges on the principle of the common good. By definition, the common good is “the sum of those conditions of social life which allow social groups and their individual members relatively thorough and ready access to their own fulfillment”.[GS,26) Its primary object is directed towards the overall welfare of society and the development of a variety of intermediate groups, applying the principle of subsidiarity.

    Furthermore, the common good calls for social peace. This refers to the stability and security provided by a certain order that promotes distributive justice. Whenever this is violated, violence always ensues. Society as a whole, and the state, in particular, are obliged to defend and promote the common good. (LS, no.157)

    Finally, an extension of the common good is the notion that future generations are entitled to share in God’s gift to humankind. Hence, in pursuing a vision of integral ecology, the Holy Father emphatically states that “we can no longer view reality in a purely utilitarian way, in which efficiency and productivity are entirely geared to our individual benefit. Intergenerational solidarity is not optional, but rather a basic question of justice, since the world we have received also belongs to those who will follow us.”(LS, no.159)

    Moving Ahead

    In closing, it is my fervent hope that the contenders will launch their election campaign based on their respective visions of a better tomorrow underpinned by the principles of the common good, solidarity, and respect for the human dignity of the Filipino people.

    TalinMan

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  • ”Let Us Dream”

    ”Let Us Dream”

    A beautiful view of the polo field brightened by the sun of the new world order. A prelude to better days ahead.
    An inspiring view of the polo field at the Alabang Country Club: a prelude to better days ahead. – Photo library of TalinMan 2021,

    In his latest book, “Let Us Dream”, the Holy Father, Pope Francis, urges humankind to seize the moment – “to dream big, to rethink our priorities—what we value, what we want, what we seek—and to commit to act in our daily life on what we have dreamed of. What I hear at this moment is similar to what Isaiah hears God saying through him: Come, let us talk this over. Let us dare to dream.”

    Realizing the heavy toll inflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic upon humanity, the Holy Father is exhorting everyone to fight this current crisis.

    “Why Are You Afraid” Mk 4:40

    Recalling that fateful night when Pope Francis delivered his “Urbi et Orbi” message in front of an empty St. Peter’s Square, I distinctly remember his invocation of the words of Christ – “Why are you afraid.?” We should not allow this crisis to defeat our spirits.

    “The question is whether you’re going to come through this crisis and if so, how. The basic rule of a crisis is that you don’t come out of it the same. If you get through it, you come out better or worse, but never the same.”

    Pope Francis, “Let Us Dream”, December 2020

    Given such a dilemma, we should seize the moment to dream big for a better tomorrow. We need to wake up from the lethargy and strive to think positively albeit in small portions day by day.

    A Time of Reckoning

    The Pope continues further with his words of encouragement: “I see this time as a reckoning. I think of what Jesus tells Peter in Luke 22:31, that the devil wants him to be sifted like wheat. To enter into crisis is to be sifted. Your categories and ways of thinking get shaken up; your priorities and lifestyles are challenged. You cross a threshold, either by your own choice or by necessity, because there are crises, like the one we’re going through, that you can’t avoid.”

    Indeed, this pandemic has exposed a crisis in the world’s socio-economic order. Quite apart from the economic slow-down, we are witnessing disturbing trends in the rise in populist movements, hate crimes, xenophobic outcries, social media addictions, etc. Without a doubt, the time is now for everyone to reflect on the attitudes or mindsets that each one currently has. Given such, we should ask ourselves – “Will my current attitude help in fostering a better life in the new normal?”

    Let Us Dream of a Better Tomorrow

    In trying to heed the call of the Holy Father, one needs to figure out a battle plan. One method that I came across is WOOP, a science-based mental strategy developed by Gabriele Oettingen. . In essence, it entails a four-step process that aims to increase motivation for the betterment of oneself.

    1. WISH – envision your desired future. Whether it is an ambitious or rather simple target, think of a wish that carries two (2) characteristics: challenging and feasible. As an example, recently the world -renowned boxing champion, Manny Paquiao, openly declared his desire to fight corruption in government. Or, it could be something more mundane as targeting a weight loss of 10 pounds. It all depends on your priorities in the next 30, 60, or 360 days. This should fill you with the enthusiasm and motivation to wake up each morning to pursue your dream. In short, dreams could certainly help provide the direction to one’s future, thereby preventing the risk of falling into the trap of whimsicality.
    2. OUTCOME – imagine the outcome i.e. the positive benefits that you may derive from the attainment of your wish. Obviously, the very act of mentally envisioning the outcome of attaining dreams in the concrete further bolsters one’s conviction in the pursuit of such a dream. Without it, however, one would mindlessly go through life being tossed about by current waves of ideologies, social values, and worldly vices., there is no room for wishful thinking.
    3. OBSTACLES – imagine the obstacles inside of you that might prevent you from achieving the dream. Obviously, this requires an in-depth examination of one’s strengths and weaknesses in character. Easier said than done, this self-knowledge can only be acquired by dint of daily review of one’s thoughts and deeds done during the day. Only then, can you, in fact, clearly identify the obstacles that might prevent the attainment of the goal.
    4. PLAN – create an implementation plan that would address an “If x scenario happens, then I will adopt xx plan of action.” Simply put, this entails envisaging various scenarios that might block or disrupt the achievement of the goal and carefully studying possible remedial measures necessary to thwart such events.

    The Way Forward

    As may be gleaned from the preceding section, the key to achieving your dream hinges on the elements of (a) having a strong conviction to attain the goal and (b) preparing a battle plan that focuses on eliminating the internal obstacles that might prevent the achievement of the goal. This brings me to one of St. Josemaria’s points in the classic book, The Way, wherein he remarks:

    36

    “Yes, that abuse can be eradicated. It’s a lack of character to let it continue as something hopeless – without any possible remedy.

    Don’t evade your duty. Do it in a forthright way, even though others may not.”

    St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way, 36

    With those words of advice, the modern-day saint exhorts the readers to take on their responsibility in civic life: professional, social and political. This involves being bold enough to denounce abuses, and the capacity, when necessary, to swim against the current. It should be noted, however, that the way to stand up against the abuses is not by openly criticizing others but rather by improving oneself through the acquisition of virtue. Eventually, by way of a good example, one would be in a position to influence others positively.

    Seize the Moment – to Dream Big

    In closing, whilst the road ahead remains hazy, the way forward nonetheless compels each one of us to envision a better life in the new normal. For this to happen, one cannot simply shrug one’s shoulders in total indifference, callously unmindful of the needs of those who have been left behind during this pandemic crisis. On the contrary, one should, in fact, seize the moment to dream big – to make this world a better place for all. But this will only happen on the day one decides to fight one’s inner demons day by day, one step at a time. After all, the journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. And it starts with you.

    TalinMan

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  • Uncertainty: the Greatest Enemy of Mankind Today

    Dark clouds casting it's shadow over La Rochelle, France
    Dark clouds cast their shadow of gloom over La Rochelle, France. Photo library of TalinMan, 2019

    Today, being the first year anniversary of this blog site is a special day of thanksgiving. Because of the COVID-19 Lockdown in March 2020, I decided to pre-empt the onset of fear and anxiety by creating this blog site – the Quarantined Wayfarer. My goal was to give hope to wayfarers as a way to combat uncertainty: the greatest enemy of mankind today.

    Looking back, I distinctly remember describing how grim the situation was in April last year. In an article entitled “Do Not Be Afraid”, I wrote: “It is as if in one fell swoop, all the dreams of humanity have been snatched by the COVID 19 pandemic. Everyone is cowering in fear, given the looming darkness of uncertainty.”

    Yet, despite the passage of one year, the dark clouds of the global pandemic still cast their shadows of gloom and doom upon the whole of humanity. Perhaps, it would make sense to focus on the greatest enemy of mankind today, that is, uncertainty itself.

    Life was Simpler

    Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, life was much simpler to manage. As a way of coping with problems, some people would concern themselves with proven remedies to take control of everything that confronts them. In their minds, they would try to remedy the situation by applying their gut instincts in fending off the imminent dangers facing them. Back then, life was simpler; hence, it was much easier to secure life’s happiness and well-being.

    Today, however, we are living in a “VUCA” world. Everyday, we need to cope with this highly dynamic situations that may be volatile, uncertain, complex and/or ambiguous. There is no guarantee that what used to work before will work today.

    Moreover, we are in the midst of an epochal change which has been ushered in by information technology and the internet. Given the plethora of information being bombarded upon us by social media, there is need to filter out false or fake news and focus on the veritable facts – the truth. By focussing on the truth, it would be a lot easier to combat the greatest enemy of mankind today: uncertainty.

    Love for the Truth

    Back in the late 30’s, the young priest, Josemaria Escrivá, would often counsel his friends with the virtue of love for truth. In his classic book, The Way, he gives his bold and daring remarks, as shown in point no. 34, as follows:

    34

    “Don’t be afraid of the truth, even though the truth may mean your death.”

    St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way, 34

    At first glance, the above prescription may sound too radical i.e. suggesting “martyrdom”. In Josemaria’s mind, however, he simply suggests a piece of practical advice for use in this VUCA world.. With the advent of the internet, social media has taken center stage in our lives. It brings to bear myriads of information i.e. new ideas, beliefs, ideologies, remedies, etc., at the flick of the fingertips. Given the ubiquity of mobile phones, curiosity or inordinate inquisitiveness have created a new malady, that is, screen addiction. For the young and the gullible, such unfettered access to the internet could obviously expose them to psychological problems. Undoubtedly, modern technology brings with it some unintended consequences: the danger of falling prey to cyber-predators. Hence, given the plethora of cybercrimes, there is an over-arching need to exercise prudence and greater circumspection in managing day-to-day situations or events influenced by so-called social media.

    Need for Critical Thinking

    Furthermore, given the complexity of this world, there is a greater need to acquire skills, especially, critical thinking. Interestingly, Bertrand Russel, a renowned British philosopher, and Nobel laureate, once gave a piece of advice on critical thinking, namely:

    “When you are studying any matter or considering any philosophy ask yourself only what are the facts and what is the truth that the facts bear out. Never let yourself be diverted either by what you wish to believe or by what you think would have beneficent social effects if it were believed, but look only and surely at what are the facts. That is the intellectual thing that I should wish to say.”

    Bertrand Russel, Interview by “Face to Face”BBC, 1959

    Inspired by the Truth

    Interestingly, despite the onslaught of fear & anxiety caused by the pandemic, there is nonetheless a ray of light – hope on the horizon. In particular, it is heart-warming to see, practically everywhere, ordinary people working hard, risking their lives and limbs to serve society. Unfazed by the risks, these ordinary folks do their jobs simply because they are inspired by their own beliefs: the truth. These are the frontline workers – nurses, grocery helpers, drug store personnel, plumbers, etc.- who serve society as the new modern-day heroes of COVID times.

    Indeed, there is reason to have hope. If one really tries to look hard at the horizon, one will discover the place where heaven and earth meet. When you are feeling down and weary, spend some time watching out for this ray of light on the horizon. This marvel of sunrise would certainly uplift your soul; thereby, giving you a reason to wake up each day with renewed hope for your dreams.

    Love of God

    In closing, whilst the scourge of this COVID-19 pandemic continues, it is good to know that the love of God shines through. Through his passion, death, and resurrection, Jesus Christ has opened up for the whole of mankind the floodgates of love and mercy. Hence, it gives us reason to hope for a brighter and better future. All that he expects of us is our humble and honest acceptance of the truth. After all, Jesus loved us first and died for our redemption. If you want to be happy, follow him.

    Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

    John 14:6 NABRE

    TalinMan

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  • “It’s Time to Get to the Bottom of Things”

    Mother Teresa speaks:“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.”
    “Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.” – Mother Teresa

    Indeed, time flies! It’s been 376 days now since the government-imposed COVID-19 lock-down was implemented. It’s been a tumultuous year. To date, the pandemic remains unabated. We are seeing a surge in new cases per day, which recently hit an all-time high of 8,737. Despite the much-awaited roll-out of vaccinations, nothing has changed. It’s time to get to the bottom of things.

    Let’s face it! This pandemic has turned out to be a game-changer. It has really reshaped the ways of doing things and going about living life on a daily basis. We can’t be in denial. It’s turning out that what used to work before pre-COVID times does not work today and even in post COVID times. Like it or not, one has to get to the bottom of things.

    Reality Check

    Given the uncertainties of the times, there is an urgent need to do a reality check on one’s particular situation. One cannot afford to have a mañana attitude i.e. to postpone things that have to be done. As they say, we have to confront our problems squarely.

    Speaking of such, I am reminded of an advice written by the young priest, Josemaria Escriva, in point no. 33, as follows:

    33

    “You never want ‘to get to the bottom of things’.

    At times, because of politeness. Other times – most times – because you fear hurting yourself. Sometimes again, because you fear hurting others. But always because of fear.

    With that fear of digging for the truth, you will never be a man of good judgment.”

    St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way, 33

    As may be gleaned from the point above, the most common problem why people refuse to face the truth is fear itself. There is this misguided instinct that says “what you don’t know won’t hurt you”. Hence, the tendency for most people to suave their conscience with baseless optimism. In other words, this is what is called “wishful thinking”.

    Mindfulness

    Moreover, when fear and anxiety set into one’s consciousness, it may trigger a reaction that could paralyze one’s faculties. This, in turn, may result in impaired behavior. In order to survive these COVID times, one would need to muster clarity of mind – mindfulness.

    WOOP

    Interestingly, when the lockdown started, I came upon an interesting video in YouTube entitled “Growth Habits” hosted by Larry King. This particular show featured, Gabriele Oettingen PhD, a professor of psychology at the New York University. Apparently, Ms. Oettingen is a leading authority on the science of goal-setting and achievement.

    In a nutshell, Prof. Oettingen talked about WOOP, a unique idea, which is a product of her 20 years of research on the science of human motivation. Her main thesis presents a simple methodology for fulfilling one’s goals through the practice of WOOP, which stands for Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, and Plan.

    • Wish – What is your wish that is challenging but feasible that you want to accomplish, say, in one, six or twelve months? For example, I wish to have a feeding program for the poor.
    • Outcome – Image the best outcome. What is the positive benefit that you will feel in your life when you achieve it? Level of happiness, self-confidence, joy, energy, etc.
    • Obstacle – What are the obstacles that get in the way of your achieving that wish? Specifically, focus on obstacles that are within you, not outside or extraneous forces, that prevent you from attaining the wish. Here is where you need to get to the bottom of things within yourself.
    • Plan – What’s your plan to deal with the obstacles such that you can attain the wish? Try to imagine “If, then” scenarios.

    Getting to the Bottom of Things

    In closing, it is worthwhile to keep in mind that we are living in a VUCA world. We are being confronted by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. We need to gather the confidence to confront the demons inside ourselves. Otherwise, turning a blind eye to the issues at hand may lead to dire consequences. Hence, it would not harm if one would take time out to practice WOOP with the end in view of preserving one’s well-being.

    TalinMan

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  • A Tale of Two Dragons

    Edgar Injap Sia addressing investors during an IPO roadshow of Double Dragon Property Corp. This is a tale of two dragons.
    Edgar Injap Sia addressing investors during the IPO roadshow of the Double Dragon Propertries Corp. Photo library of TalinMan, 2014

    Today marks a very auspicious day as it brings back fond memories from seven (7) years ago of the initial public offering (IPO) of the Double Dragon Property Corporation. This is a tale of two (2) dragons worth emulating.

    In my mind, this tale of two (2) dragons speaks about the inspiring stories of two entrepreneurs who both have in common the same lunar sign – the dragon – in the Chinese astrology calendar. The first dragon is a very unassuming person, Edgar Injap Sia, who started his own business at the tender age of 26 in Iloilo City; and, became the youngest billionaire in the Philippines at the age of 33. The second dragon is likewise a remarkable entrepreneur, Tony Tan Caktiong, who founded the Jollibee Food Corporation, which started as an ice cream parlor and eventually became the undisputed leader in the fast-food industry in the Philippines.

    A Fire Dragon Tale: Mang Inasal

    Unfazed by competition from established giants in the fast food sector, the young Injap pursued his dream of becoming a successful entrepreneur. Using capital borrowed from his father, Injap ventured into the chicken barbecue business and called it “Mang Inasal” chicken.

    Through sheer hard work and perseverance,the young Injap was able to grow the business and expand his food outlets nationwide. Being quite observant, he would notice that his customers would predominantly come from middle income families. Furthermore, he would observe that, as a family group, it would be normal to see them sharing the food order amongst themselves. To grow his sales, Injap adopted a simple promo – unlimited rice: eat all you can. This stroke of genius catapulted the Mang Inasal brand to the top of the chicken barbeque category.

    A Water Dragon Tale: Jollibee

    As the mentor of Injap, this self-made billionaire, Tony Tan Caktiong, came from humble beginnings when he started his business at age 22 by putting up an ice cream parlor. Through hands-on experience, Tony learned the game and broadened his menu of food for his customers. After two years, he re-branded his business as “Jollibee” – connoting two traits: service and cheerfulness.

    Interestingly, despite the entry of the US fast food giant, MacDonald’s, Tony didn’t flinch because of his affinity with the Filipino taste. This enabled Jollibee to remain unscathed. Through the organic growth of the Jollibee brand coupled with acquisitions of other food brands, Chow King, Greenwich Pizza, Red Ribbon and Mang Inasal, he was able to transform Jollibee into the largest fast food firm in the Philippines. Today, it has attained it’s status as an Asian Multinational Corporation, which may be attributed to Tony’s vision of expanding internationally.

    A Look at Chinese Culture: Tale of Two Dragons

    In Chinese culture, the dragon sign enjoys a very high reputation; and, it represents auspiciousness and imperial power since ancient times. It is the token of authority, dignity, honor, success, luck and capacity.

    In terms of personality, most people from the year of the Dragon are full of fighting spirit and strength. They are charismatic, attracting a lot of followers. Their talented leadership skills naturally convince every subordinate. The Dragons may look indifferent, however, they are chivalrous and always think of others.

    Mark of a Leader

    A look at the life stories of the two Dragons reveals a commonality in the leadership qualities of Injap and Tony, that is, selflessness and humility. In essence, they exude the virtue of magnanimity, which means being great of mind and heart.

    By way of example, I chose to narrate a tale of two dragons to drive home the point of St. Josemaria Escriva in point no. 32 of his classic book, The Way, which reads, as follows:

    32

    “You’ll never be a leader if you see others only as stepping-stones to get ahead. You’ll be a leader if you are ambitious for the salvation of all souls.

    You can’t live with your back turned on everyone; you have to be eager to make others happy.”

    St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way, #32

    Finally, in closing, I leave you with a thought-provoking question: Do you think that Injap and Tony would have reached their leadership status had they been selfish and insensitive to the needs of others?

    TalinMan

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  • Regression from Integration to Isolation

    Statute depicting Liberty, Equality & Fraternity at Place de la République . Today integration is at threat vis a vis isolation.
    Place de la République, Paris, France, Photo library of TalinMan

    A look back in the history of the past three (3) decades seems to indicate an alarming regression from integration to isolation. Recall that, in the early 1990s, the world saw rapid advancements in the field of information and communication technology. As the internet gained wide spread dominance, new ways of doing business, particularly, in media & communications started to emerge i.e. email, internet telephony, online music, digital newspapers, video streaming, social media, etc.. Indeed, this rapid pace of development in technology paved the way towards socio-economic integration, thereby ushering in the era of globalization.

    As globalization expanded, cross border trade flourished. Hence, economic prosperity spread across the globe. With the onset of the global financial crisis in 2008, however, the world suffered major financial setbacks, which had rippling effects from east to west. Economic difficulties fanned the tailwinds of socio-political unrest, which gave rise to populist movements such as #Occupy Wall Street. Whilst such a movement was organized to thwart the ill-effects of the cultural milieu espousing: ‘GREED IS GOOD”, it had its unintended consequences of creating the divide between the haves and the have-nots, the capitalist and the man on the street. In essence, the GFC marked the beginning of regression from integration to isolation.

    Selfishness: a Bane to Progress

    Interestingly, back in 1938, the young Escriva wrote down in his diary Point no. 31, which somehow presaged the regression of world order from integration to isolation. Shown below is the excerpt from the classic book, The Way:

    31

    Selfish! You. . . always looking out for yourself. You seem unable to feel the brotherhood of Christ. In others you don’t see brothers; you see stepping stones.

    I can foresee your complete failure. And when you are down, you’ll expect others to treat you with the charity you’re unwilling to show them.

    St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way, 31

    Sadly, the surge of the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the vulnerabilities of present-day society. One cannot fail to notice the institutionalized corruption within the bureaucracy of Government, more particularly, in the provision of medical & health care services. Moreover, self-interest and xenophobia have taken center stage, thereby, causing the breakdown of cooperation & solidarity. Consequently, this has led to the sad plight of migrant refugees in Europe. Self-righteousness and injustice have fostered the rise in human & drug trafficking as well as ethnic cleansing in Asia. In short, greed and selfishness have exacerbated the breakdown in world peace & harmony.

    “Return to me with all your heart” (Joel 2:12)

    Quoting from the words of the Prophet Joel in sacred scriptures, Pope Francis, in his Ash Wednesday homily, exhorted all to reconsider “the path we are taking, to find the route that leads us home and to rediscover our profound relationship with God, on whom everything depends. This is the core of Lent: asking where our hearts are directed.” It was his way of admonishing all to rid the self “from the clutches of consumerism and the snares of selfishness, from always wanting more, from never being satisfied, and from a heart closed to the needs of the poor.”1

    To avert the seeming regression from integration to isolation, the Holy Pontiff invites everyone to reflect on the return journeys revealed in Holy Scriptures, as follows:

    • Just like the prodigal son, we need to return to the Father. We do this by repentance of sins and seeking forgiveness through the sacrament of Confession. “It is the Father’s forgiveness that always sets us back on our feet.”2
    • Following the leper, who was cured by Jesus, we too return to Jesus to present our wounds and give him thanks saying: “Jesus, I am in your presence, with my sin, with my sorrows. You are the physician. You can set me free. Heal my heart.”3
    • Just as the Holy Spirit breathed upon dust the spirit of life, so too we return to the Holy Spirit, the “Giver of Life, to the Fire who teaches us how to love”.4

    As may be gleaned from the three (3) suggestions, the beginning of the return journey to God is hinged upon the recognition of one’s sinfulness and the humble acceptance that God is in control and not the self.

    Fraternity: a Boon to Integration from Isolation

    With the hope of arresting the regression from integration to isolation, Pope Francis, in his encyclical letter, Fratelli Tutti, extolled the need to foster fraternity between all men and women. He asserted: “No one can face life in isolation… We need a community that supports and helps us, in which we can help one another to keep looking ahead. How important it is to dream together… By ourselves, we risk seeing mirages, things that are not there. Dreams, on the other hand, are built together. Let us dream, then, as a single human family, as fellow travelers sharing the same flesh, as children of the same earth which is our common home, each of us bringing the richness of his or her beliefs and convictions, each of us with his or her own voice, brothers and sisters all”.5

    Moreover, the Holy Pontiff emphasized that: “Unless we recover the shared passion to create a community of belonging and solidarity worthy of our time, our energy and our resources, the global illusion that misled us will collapse and leave many in the grip of anguish and emptiness. Nor should we naively refuse to recognize that ‘obsession with a consumerist lifestyle, above all when few people are capable of maintaining it, can only lead to violence and mutual destruction. The notion of ‘every man for himself’ will rapidly degenerate into a free-for-all that would prove worse than any pandemic.”6

    Learning from the Good Samaritan

    Finally, it is worth pondering on the Parable of the Good Samaritan, wherein we see the genuine gesture of love and compassion displayed by this total stranger, a foreigner, in fact, hated by the Jews.

    “Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. ‘Teacher,’ he said, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ He said to him, ‘What is written in the law? What do you read there?’ He answered, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbour as yourself.’ And he said to him, ‘You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.’ But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbour?’

    Jesus replied, ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.’ Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” He said, ‘The one who showed him mercy.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewise.’”

    Lk 10:25-37

    For “love shatters the chains that keep us isolated and separate; in their place, it builds bridges. Love enables us to create one great family, where all of us can feel at home… Love exudes compassion and dignity”.7

    TalinMan

    1 Pope Francis, Ash Wednesday Homily 2019

    2 Pope Francis, Ash Wednesday Homily 2021

    3 Ibid

    4 Ibid

    5 Pope Francis, Encyclical Letter, Fratelli Tutti, # 8

    6 Ibid, #36

    7 Ibid, #62

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  • Welcoming a Renewed yet Reshaped World Order

    Statue of a young lad about to jump from platform in the middle of Somme river in Amiens, France.
    College students would dare to jump from the platform in the middle of the Somme river in Amiens, France. Photo library of TalinMan, 2019

    The Year 2021 began with an aura of optimism. Thankfully, the dark clouds of fear & anxiety induced by the COVID-19 are slowly being dissipated by news of the government’s vaccination plans. Such glad tidings augur well for better times ahead. Indeed, the situation invites us to prepare for welcoming a renewed yet reshaped world order.

    As the new year ushers in, it is worth looking into Point no. 30 of St. Josemaria Escriva’s classic book, The Way.

    30

    You’re shrewd. But don’t tell me you are young. Youth gives all it can – it gives itself without reserve.

    St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way

    At first glance, the reader might misread the above-cited point as a rude criticism. However, St. Josemaria simply wants to drive home the importance of reinvigorating one’s youthful spirit. After all, this is one way of renewing one’s internal disposition. With the pandemic having wreaked fear & anxiety amongst the general public, it is highly probable that people have lost their desire for bigger things in life. Hence, to survive this pandemic, it is important to renew and refresh one’s spirit: stay young at heart!

    Dream and Your Dreams Will Fall Short

    One cannot over-emphasize the need to re-instill a youthful spirit, specially at the beginning of the Year 2021 when the outlook seems brighter. During his life time, St. Josemaria would often say -“Dream and your dreams will fall short.” It is a fitting reminder that one should strive to stay youthful with the daringness to dream big. Otherwise, one could easily succumb to the “virus of indifference” which kills one’s spirit of initiative to look after and care for humankind and God’s creation.

    Welcoming a Renewed yet Reshaped World Order: Dream Big

    Interestingly, in his latest book, Pope Francis shares the same youthful sentiments exhorting everyone to help renew and reshape the new world order, saying that:

    “This is a moment to dream big, to rethink our priorities — what we value, what we want, what we seek — and to commit to act in our daily life on what we have dreamed of.”

    Pope Francis, Let Us Dream: The Path to a Better Future

    In essence, Pope Francis is urging people from different races and religions to embrace the spirit of youthfulness in preparing for the new world order. He stated in no uncertain terms: “God asks us to dare to create something new. We cannot return to the false securities of the political and economic systems we had before the crisis. We need economies that give to all access to the fruits of creation, to the basic needs of life: to land, lodging and labor. We need a politics that can integrate and dialogue with the poor, the excluded, and the vulnerable, that gives people a say in the decisions that affect their lives. We need to slow down, take stock, and design better ways of living together on this earth.”1

    Youthfulness Breeds Hope

    In his message during the Diocesan World Youth Day 2020, Pope Francis challenged the youth by invoking Christ’s command to the dead son of the widow of Nain, as he said:

    “Arise!” is also an invitation to “dream”, to “take a risk”, to be “committed to changing the world, to rekindle your hopes and aspirations, and to contemplate the heavens, the stars and the world around you.”

    Pope Francis, WYD 2020, April 5

    Clearly, the world needs such youthful spirit to spur us on to a better future. This is the transformative character that Pope Francis longs and prays for, as may be gleaned from the following excerpt from the Apostolic Exhortation, Christus Vivit:

    “Young people are not meant to become discouraged; they are meant to dream great things, to seek vast horizons, to aim higher, to take on the world, to accept challenges and to offer the best of themselves to the building of something better. That is why I constantly urge young people not to let themselves be robbed of hope; to each of them I repeat: “Let no one despise your youth” (1 Tim 4:12).

    Pope Francis, Post synodal Apostolic Exhortation, Christus Vivit, 15

    Fountain of Youth

    Finally, in order to forever retain this youthful spirit, it is best to go to Jesus, who is our Lord and master. Pope Francis invites us to reflect on point no. 13 of Christus Vivit, as follows:

    13

    Jesus, himself eternally young, wants to give us hearts that are ever young. God’s word asks us to “cast out the old leaven that you may be fresh dough” (1 Cor 5:7). Saint Paul invites us to strip ourselves of the “old self” and to put on a “young” self (Col 3:9-10).[1] In explaining what it means to put on that youthfulness “which is being renewed” (v. 10), he mentions “compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving each other if anyone has a complaint against another” (Col 3:12-13). In a word, true youth means having a heart capable of loving, whereas everything that separates us from others makes the soul grow old. And so he concludes: “above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony” (Col 3:14).

    Pope Francis, Apostolic Exhortation, Christus Vivit, 13

    TalinMan

    1 Excerpts from his latest book, Pope Francis, Let Us Dream

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  • A New Dawn Rising at the Horizon

    Full moon rising at Alabang precedthe new at the horizon.
    Full moon rising at Alabang

    The year 2020 will certainly go down in history as one of the most disruptive eras of the millennia. The devastation brought about by the COVID 19 virus upon the world is like no other. With more than 84.5 million lives infected resulting in 1.8 million deaths, the pandemic spread its swath across the globe leaving millions of people in mental and financial disrepair. Yet, amidst the dark clouds, there appears to be a new dawn rising at the horizon.

    As Y2020 moves to a close, one begins to sense a mystical eagerness to see a better and brighter year ahead. Thanks be to God – the world will soon see a new dawn rising at the horizon.

    New Year’s Eve Celebration

    In anticipation of the coming new year, people would usually prepare for a new year’s eve party with overflowing champagne and aperitif. At the stroke of midnight, people would offer a champagne toast, which is usually capped by a display of fireworks. The new year’s eve revelry continues until a new dawn is seen rising at the horizon. Indeed, the cross-over to the new year speeds through with a big bang!

    This year, however, the pandemic has changed the New Year’s Eve celebrations. In lieu of the traditional display of fireworks and mass gatherings for the count-down to the new year, people by default isolate themselves in their homes. In effect, the subdued environment of peace paves the way for self-introspection for a better life for the next new year.

    “New Year, New Struggle”

    Interestingly, back on new year’s eve of 1971, St. Josemaria Escriva adapted the above-mentioned motto. It was a way of reminding those close to him about the importance of struggling to “begin again to live a new life – a fresh, clean life dedicated in generous sacrifice to God. It was not that any drastic changes were needed, and it was not really because he was on the threshold of a new year. The fact is, as he told them, life is a continual starting over; one is always having to repair the rips in one’s interior life, make acts of contrition, and throw oneself into God’s arms, repentant, like the prodigal son. “Human life is in some way a constant returning to our Father’s house. We return through contrition” (Christ is Passing By, 64).


    Furthermore, he added that “We have to fight to keep ourselves from being enslaved by sin, and like that we will obtain peace. “Peace is a consequence of war, of struggle, of the intimate ascetical struggle which each Christian must keep up against everything in our life that does not belong to God. We are called to overcome pride, sensuality, selfishness, superficiality, and meanness of heart” (Christ is Passing By, 73) (Vasquez Prada)

    Seeking Happiness

    For the coming new year, it is worthwhile to spend some time to ponder upon the longings of the heart. It is good to ask ourselves: am I investing in “treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal”? (Matthew 6:20) St. Josemaria, in fact, sternly warns us to be mindful of the folly of selfishness, as seen in point 29 below:

    29

    “The limited and pitiful happiness of the selfish man, who withdraws into his shell, his ivory tower . . . is not difficult to attain in this world. But that happiness of the selfish is not lasting.

    For this false semblance of heaven are you going to forsake the Joy of Glory without end?

    St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way, 29

    Virus of Indifference

    Indeed, during these pandemic times, it is so easy to clam up into self-isolation. Such a move could easily be justified as a defensive stance against the virus. However, as St. Josemaria advises in point 29, one needs to guard against falling into the trap of egotism. This situation often leads to disaster in that one begins to lose sight of people who need to be helped. Pope Francis aptly described this in his new book, Let Us Dream: The Path to a Better Future: “COVID-19 has unmasked the other pandemic, the virus of indifference, which is the result of constantly looking away, telling ourselves that because there is no immediate or magic solution, it is better not to feel anything.”

    TalinMan

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  • Marriage as a Vocation

    Newly-wedded Young Couple in picture. To endure, they must see it as a vocation.
    Newly wedded Young Couple

    As a sequel to my previous post, Uncovering the Essentials in Life, today’s post features St. Josemaria Escriva’s point no. 27, which quips about marriage as a vocation.

    27

    “Do you laugh because I tell you that you have a ‘vocation to marriage’? Well, you have just that – a vocation.

    Commend yourself to St. Raphael that he may keep you pure, as he did Tobias, until the end of the way.”

    St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way

    By way of background, at the time of writing of the above point in the 1930s, the common understanding of the term, “vocation”, referred exclusively to the calling of priests and nuns to a life dedicated to God. Marriage, however, was not considered a vocation. Hence, it was not a surprise to see laughter as the reaction of his interlocutor. However, the author wanted to emphasize the overarching consideration of marriage as a vocation.

    Unsurprisingly, the social milieu of today still remains unchanged with the prevalence of cohabitation, open marriages, divorce and same-sex unions. In short, the world of today looks upon marriage as a mere contractual relationship which can be terminated by either party anytime. Such is the sad reality of today’s cult where the “unwanted” is “disposable”.

    Marriage as a Vocation: a Call to Conjugal Love

    Thankfully, on the 19th of March 2016, Pope Francis, in his Apostolic Exhortation, Amoris Laëtitia, specifically addressed the growing malaise infecting the family customs and values. It clearly upheld that:

    ”Marriage is a vocation, inasmuch as it is a response to a specific call to experience conjugal love as an imperfect sign of the love between Christ and the Church. Consequently, the decision to marry and to have a family ought to be the fruit of a process of vocational discernment.”

    Pope Francis, Amoris Laëtitia, 72

    With that, it is quite clear that marriage cannot be taken lightly. As a vocation, it is essential that the spouses-to-be give recognition to the growing dangers that may weaken the bonds of conjugal love. For example, an overly individualistic culture caught up with materialistic tendencies and self-indulgent pleasures may erode the basic foundations of marriage. Not infrequently, such a situation breeds intolerance and hostility in the family.

    Moreover, Pope Francis warns of the dangers of an erroneous understanding of freedom. He said that “Freedom of choice makes it possible to plan our lives and to make the most of ourselves. Yet if this freedom lacks noble goals or personal discipline, it degenerates into an inability to give oneself generously to others. Indeed, in many countries where the number of marriages is decreasing, more and more people are choosing to live alone or simply to spend time together without cohabiting.”1

    The Grace of God Strengthens Love

    Given our human frailties, it stands to reason that marriage be grounded on the grace of God for it to withstand the test of time. Pope Francis gives the underlying rationale:

    “Mutual self-giving in the sacrament of matrimony is grounded in the grace of baptism, which establishes the foundational covenant of every person with Christ in the Church. In accepting each other, and with Christ’s grace, the engaged couple promises each other total self-giving, faithfulness, and openness to new life. The couple recognizes these elements as constitutive of marriage, gifts offered to them by God, and take seriously their mutual commitment, in God’s name and in the presence of the Church. Faith thus makes it possible for them to assume the goods of marriage as commitments that can be better kept through the help of the grace of the sacrament…”

    Ibid, 73

    Love Endures Forever

    In closing, we have seen the rationale for serious discernment of the vocation of marriage. At the same time, we have also discussed the need to anchor the union on faith. However, staying silent about love as the enduring bond would not be prudent for the couple. Hence, we should ask ourselves: what are the underlying elements for love to endure? The answer lies in the lyrical passage of St. Paul, which states:

    “Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, [love] is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

    St. Paul, 1 Cor 13:4-7

    Without a doubt, a love that speaks about forgetting the self and seeks the good of the beloved at all costs makes for an enduring marriage.

    TalinMan

    1 Pope Francis, Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation, Amoris Laetitia, 33

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  • Zero-sum Game: The Winner Takes It All!

    A little girl is confronted by the question “In which world .,.?” Isn’t it a zero-sum game: the winner takes it all? Le Marais, Paris

    With the US elections fast approaching, one cannot but notice the elevated “noise” level in social media. Partisan politics is heating up at feverish levels. The buzz is all about debates, arguments, fake news, winners & losers, etc.. Sadly, the current situation has digressed into a deeper rift in societal values. Extending beyond politics, we see this alarming trend in the fragmentation of social, economic, and moral values & beliefs. Indeed, this phenomenon has exacerbated the great divide between the haves and have-nots. It’s a zero-sum game: the winner takes it all!

    In particular, we are witnesses to recent populist outrages such as # black lives matter #me too #misogyny #homophobia # trade barriers #pro choice, and the list goes on. At the core of it, one may discover the strong influence of a self-centric milieu. Its prevalence fosters the ideology of the self as the end-all and be-all of one’s existence. Hence, the principal criteria for success lie ultimately in being in control of one’s destiny with total disregard for the others. In short, we see here a dystopian view of the world. After all, isn’t it a zero-sum game: the winner takes it all?

    How does one try to avoid being swallowed by such a disturbing trend? In his classic book, The Way, St. Josemaria Escriva prescribes a simple yet appropriate rule in Point no. 25, which states:

    25

    “Don’t get into arguments. – Arguments usually don’t produce light because it gets extinguished by passion.”

    St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way

    Whilst Point no. 25 above seems simple, it requires learning through daily practice of some basic principles that need to be honored and followed, namely:

    1. Forget About Your Ego

    Commonly overlooked as one of deadliest weaknesses of man is pride. The Catechism defines pride as “an inordinate self-esteem or self-love, which seeks attention and honor and sets oneself in competition with God (#1866).

    Simply put, the mantra of the proud person is: “I did it my way.” It’s all about his achievements, physical attributes, material possessions, self-satisfaction, whims and vainglory. He has this feeling of entitlement, deserving only the best positions for himself. Anyone who disagrees with the proud person simply becomes the antagonist, totally disregarded or verbally abused or physically attacked with anger.

    2. Aspire for Magnanimity

    Whilst inordinate self-love may cause enmity between friends, nonetheless, it could still be purposely redirected towards striving for the greatness of the soul. Instead of having the “I” as the end goal, it rather focuses on the “Other.” Such is the virtue of magnanimity. In essence, it disposes a person to pursue noble and honorable desires in life despite its challenges. St. Thomas Aquinas describes it as a “stretching forth of the mind to great things.”1

    From the idealist’s point of view, a classic example of the virtue of magnanimity may be seen in the great works of saints. One such example is St. Francis of Assisi, who founded in the Middle Ages the men’s Order of Friars Minor and the women’s Order of Saint Claire. However, this virtue is not exclusively reserved for “special” persons endowed with superpowers.

    On the contrary, magnanimity may also reside in ordinary persons. These are people who strive to seek fulfillment in the ordinary humdrum activities of daily life in quiet and simple ways. In essence, magnanimity speaks of a person who simply gives his very best to be a better husband, parent, or child of God. On a higher level, during these COVID_19 times, an ordinary person may initiate a food donation drive amongst friends to feed the poor near their community. In short, such small gestures of kindness and thoughtfulness resonate well as truly magnanimous.

    3. Learning from an Ordinary Tailor

    To further highlight the point, I wish to share an inspiring story. It is about an unknown Polish tailor, Jan Tyranowski. As an ordinary layman, he risked his life during the Nazi regime in Poland during WWII. He started by simply using his small apartment unit as a venue to conduct doctrinal formation. This eventually led to the founding of the Living Rosary Group, a clandestine ministry of the Church. Through sheer fortitude and guidance by the Holy Spirit, it eventually grew and strengthened the Catholic heritage of Poland. The story goes, as follows:

    “At first glance, this tailor’s little prayer group might not appear to be that significant in the scope of world history. But when we see how the Lord used his desire to give the best of himself in a crisis situation, we realize that he did in fact play a crucial part in forming one of the most influential people the world has ever known. Imagine if Tyranowski responded differently to the Nazi occupation of Poland. Imagine if he said he was too busy or too scared or not skilled enough to start a Living Rosary group. We might not have had a John Paul II. Indeed, the world might be a very different place today if it was not for the magnanimity of this one tailor in Poland!

    Edward P. Sri, “Called to Greatness: The Virtue of Magnanimity“, Lay Witness Magazine

    4. To Confront the “Winner Takes It All” Mentality

    In closing, we are living in trying times. The rift in this zero-sum game where the winner takes it all is deepening. We need to confront our inner selves, as poignantly written by E. Sri:

    “Like Jan Tyranowski, we also live in a time of crisis when the Catholic faith is being attacked — perhaps not by a totalitarian regime, but by what Pope Benedict has called “a dictatorship of relativism”: a cultural environment that does not tolerate Christian religious and moral convictions and undermines the Catholic way of life. Many cultural forces today work against our efforts to build strong Christian marriages, raise godly children, and live in imitation of Christ. Like Tyranowski, we may not have much training in theology, but we have been given the faith in a period when many people do not know Christ or His Church. What will we do with this gift God has entrusted to us? Will we bury our talent in the ground or magnanimously use it to the best of our abilities?

    Ibid

    TalinMan

    Footnotes

    1 St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica II-II, Q. 129, Art. 1.

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  • How Deep Is Your Love?

    Woman facing Man with question marks on their heads street Art , Le Marais, Paris
    Street Art, Le Marais, Paris. Photo library of TalinMan

    Advancing for more than seven (7)months to date, the COVID_19 pandemic rages on with its third wave of attack. We need to be vigilant. We cannot afford to be defeated by laxity and complacency. Indeed, it remains vital to focus on the things that really matter: How deep is your love?

    In searching for the answer to such an existential question, St. Josemaria Escriva, in his classic book, The Way, tries to suggest an answer, worthwhile reflecting on, as follows:

    24

    “You are ambitious: for knowledge . . . for leadership. You want to be daring.
    Good. That’s fine. But let it be for Christ, for Love.”

    St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way

    As may be gleaned from above, the point of St. Josemaria is that, in desiring to be ambitious, one ought to focus on the things that really matter most in life. Nowadays, with the ubiquity of the internet, it is so easy to be swayed by cultural norms which speak about worldly ambitions seeking the ephemeral. Clearly, the world of today defines success in terms of getting ahead of everyone else be it in knowledge, intellectual properties, material wealth, and influence in society. It’s a zero-sum game: it’s either you win or you lose. In such a case, can one honestly venture to ask: how deep is your love?

    Pope Francis couldn’t have aptly described it when he said: The world tells us exactly the opposite: entertainment, pleasure, diversion and escape make for the good life. The worldly person ignores problems of sickness or sorrow in the family or all around him; he averts his gaze. The world has no desire to mourn; it would rather disregard painful situations, cover them up or hide them. Much energy is expended on fleeing from situations of suffering in the belief that reality can be concealed. But the cross can never be absent.(Gex 75)

    The Call to Holiness

    In his own small way, the young priest, Josemaria Escriva, pondered upon such an existential question: how deep is your love? On October 2, 1928, the young priest, Josemaria Escriva, received an illumination whereby he saw a new way by which ordinary laypeople could pursue holiness or love for God, that is, through the loving fulfillment of each one’s ordinary duties of each day.

    In the same token, ninety years thereafter, in his Apostolic Exhortation, Gaudete et Exsultate, Pope Francis enjoined the faithful to heed the call to holiness. He said: “The Gospel invites us to peer into the depths of our heart, to see where we find our security in life. Usually the rich feel secure in their wealth and think that, if that wealth is threatened, the whole meaning of their earthly life can collapse. Jesus himself tells us this in the parable of the rich fool: he speaks of a man who was sure of himself, yet foolish, for it did not dawn on him that he might die that very day (cf. Lk 12:16-21).”

    To Be Human is To Love

    At its core, the measure of one’s love ultimately reflects on the person’s depth of love for God. Interestingly, a Bohemia-Austrian poet, Rainer Maria Rilke, composed an inspiring poem that eloquently described his outlook on life. He said: “I live my life in widening circles that reach out across the world. I may not complete this last one but I will give myself to it.” In essence, he was referring to a mission, driven by his love for God, which motivated him to reach out to his ever-widening circle of friends and loved ones. Perhaps, we could emulate Rilke’s mission in life.

    Fix Your Gaze at the Face of Christ

    Falling in love with Christ is not an overnight occurrence. Rather, it entails the daily choice of doing acts of love for one’s spouse or neighbor, which, though small, accumulate over time into a personal relationship with Christ. On one occasion, Pope Francis gave an advise: “Here then, is the secret of life, that brings us out of anonymity: to fix our gaze on Jesus’ face and become familiar with Him. Looking at Jesus,” he continued, “purifies our sight and prepares us to look at everything with new eyes. Meeting with Jesus, looking at the Son of Man, the poor, and the simple found themselves, they felt loved deeply by love without measure.”

    Finally, love for Christ will blossom if one goes out of his way to get to know Christ through the Holy Scriptures. As Pope Francis said: “Nothing is more enlightening than turning to Jesus’ words and seeing his way of teaching the truth. Jesus explained with great simplicity what it means to be holy when he gave us the Beatitudes (cf. Mt 5:3-12; Lk 6:20-23). The Beatitudes are like a Christian’s identity card. So if anyone asks: “What must one do to be a good Christian?”, the answer is clear. We have to do, each in our own way, what Jesus told us in the Sermon on the Mount.[66] In the Beatitudes, we find a portrait of the Master, which we are called to reflect in our daily lives.”(Gex 63)

    TalinMan

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  • Redefining Man in the New World Order

    Street Art depicting a man caught up in this dark COVID19 pandemic.Figuring out how to redefine himself in a new world order.
    Street Art, Rouen, Photo library of TalinMan

    The COVID-19 pandemic is perhaps one of the most defining moments in the history of humankind. Like a stealth war machine, the COVID-19 virus infiltrated communities undetected. To date, it has sickened more than 30 million people and destroyed millions of businesses across the globe. With governments confused, societies are cowering in fear. Indeed, it is now time to grapple with the existential issue: redefining man in the new world order.

    Call for Solidarity

    In his special address before an empty St. Peter’s Square, the Roman Pontiff exhorted all of humanity to unite in solidarity in the midst of adversity. With poignant grace, he described the current situation, saying:

    “Thick darkness has gathered over our squares, our streets and our cities; it has taken over our lives, filling everything with a deafening silence and a distressing void, that stops everything as it passes by; we feel it in the air, we notice in people’s gestures, their glances give them away. We find ourselves afraid and lost.

    Like the disciples in the Gospel we were caught off guard by an unexpected, turbulent storm. We have realized that we are on the same boat, all of us fragile and disoriented, but at the same time important and needed, all of us called to row together, each of us in need of comforting the other. On this boat… are all of us. Just like those disciples, who spoke anxiously with one voice, saying “We are perishing” (v. 38), so we too have realized that we cannot go on thinking of ourselves, but only together can we do this.”

    Pope Francis, “Urbi et Orbi” Address, 27 March 2020

    Forgetfulness of Spiritual Nourishment

    Undoubtedly, this pandemic has shattered the confidence of everyone. To allay the fears of society, the Holy Father emphasized the need to rediscover the “antibodies” that would protect society from the current malady.

    “The storm exposes our vulnerability and uncovers those false and superfluous certainties around which we have constructed our daily schedules, our projects, our habits and priorities. It shows us how we have allowed to become dull and feeble the very things that nourish, sustain and strengthen our lives and our communities. The tempest lays bare all our prepackaged ideas and forgetfulness of what nourishes our people’s souls; all those attempts that anesthetize us with ways of thinking and acting that supposedly “save” us, but instead prove incapable of putting us in touch with our roots and keeping alive the memory of those who have gone before us. We deprive ourselves of the antibodies we need to confront adversity.”

    Pope Francis, Urbi et Orbi

    A Wake Up Call

    Moving further, the Pope lamented the fast-paced progress of the rich and the arrogant. In contrast, however, he cited the indifference of societies to the plight of the poor and the marginalized. In fact, he highlighted certain symptoms that remained unnoticed. Hence, the world is now suffering from the brutal consequences of such neglect, as may be seen below:

    In this world, that you love more than we do, we have gone ahead at breakneck speed, feeling powerful and able to do anything. Greedy for profit, we let ourselves get caught up in things, and lured away by haste. We did not stop at your reproach to us, we were not shaken awake by wars or injustice across the world, nor did we listen to the cry of the poor or of our ailing planet. We carried on regardless, thinking we would stay healthy in a world that was sick. Now that we are in a stormy sea, we implore you: “Wake up, Lord!”.

    Pope Francis, “Urbi et Orbi”, 27 March 2020

    A New Twist: Sainthood

    Indeed, it is time to wake up and come to realize that change is necessary. Hence, there is only one thing necessary, that is, to re-examine the existential meaning of man. Accordingly, St. Josemaria Escriva’s point no. 22 gives us a hint of man’s ultimate destiny. In effect, this should serve as the golden rule on how one should live life to the fullest.

    22

    “Be firm! Be virile! Be a man! And then… be a saint!”

    St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way

    To be a Saint, be a Man

    Reflecting on the aphorism above, St. Josemaria suggests that the ultimate goal of man is to be a saint. However, to achieve it would require going back to basics. In other words, you begin by being a man. What would it take to be a man? For facility, I thought it best to share with you some excerpts from the seminal works of Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman, as follows:

    “The true gentleman carefully avoids whatever may cause a jar or a jolt in the minds of those with whom he is cast — all clashing of opinion, or collision of feeling, all restraint, or suspicion, or gloom, or resentment; his great concern being to make everyone at his ease and at home. He has his eyes on all his company; he is tender towards the bashful, gentle towards the distant, and merciful towards the absurd; he can recollect to whom he is speaking; he guards against unseasonable allusions or topics which may irritate; he is seldom prominent in conversation, and never wearisome. He makes light of favors while he does them, and seems to be receiving when he is conferring.

    Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman, The Definition of a Gentleman

    Virtues: Small Acts of Love

    Interestingly, Cardinal Newman further expounds on his definition of a gentleman by describing ordinary day-to-day acts or behaviors that conform accordingly. In fact, he highlights some virtues worth emulating. as follows:

    “He never speaks of himself except when compelled, never defends himself by a mere retort; he has no ears for slander or gossip, is scrupulous in imputing motives to those who interfere with him, and interprets everything for the best. He is never mean or little in his disputes never takes unfair advantage, never mistakes personalities or sharp saying for arguments, or insinuates evil which he dare not say out.

    From a long-sighted prudence, he observes the maxim of the ancient sage, that we should ever conduct ourselves towards our enemy as if he were one day to be our friend. He has too much good sense to be affronted at insults, he is too well employed to remember injuries, and too indolent to bear malice. He is patient, forbearing, and resigned, on philosophical principles; he submits to pain, because it is inevitable, to bereavement, because it is irreparable, and to death, because it is his destiny.

    Ibid

    Respect for Religion

    Finally, the advice of Cardinal Newman especially to the unbeliever encapsulates the refined character of a person who can ultimately be qualified as a canonizable saint.

    If he be an unbeliever, he will be too profound and large-minded to ridicule religion or to act against it; he is too wise to be a dogmatist or fanatic in his infidelity. He respects piety and devotion; he even supports institutions as venerable, beautiful, or useful, to which he does not assent; he honors the ministers of religion, and it contents him to decline its mysteries without assailing or denouncing them. He is a friend of religious toleration, and that, not only because his philosophy has taught him to look on all forms of faith with an impartial eye, but also from the gentleness and effeminacy of feeling, which is the attendant on civilization.

    Ibid

    In closing, it is my hope that the nuggets of wisdom cited herein would inspire you to examine your inner self. Ultimately, this should move you to aspire for the end goal of having a better life in the new world order to come. After all, conversion is a matter of a moment; and, sanctification is the work of a lifetime.1

    TalinMan 

    1St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way 285

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  • Seeking the Common Good

    The Western Wall, Jerusalem People go there to seek and pra for the common good.
    The Western Wall, Jerusalem, Photo Library of TalinMan 2019

    In the Courtyard of San Damaso yesterday, Pope Francis addressed his audience about the importance of seeking the common good. He lamented that this pandemic has exposed the emergence of partisan interests, which threaten to widen the gap between the haves and the have nots.

    In seeking the common good, the Pontiff mentioned that: “the Christian response to the pandemic and to the consequent socio-economic crisis is based on love, above all, love of God who always precedes us1. And the highest point of holiness, let’s put it that way, is to love one’s enemies which is not easy. I would say it is even an art! But an art that can be learned and improved.”

    Pope Francis: Seek the Common Good

    In essence, Pope Francis’ message was a clarion call for one and all to seek the common good in order to put an end to this crisis. To attain it, a “bottom up” approach is necessary. It would have to start from the individual level, that is, one by one, each one learning to give love to the other. Then, gradually, the love among individuals shall flourish into love for the community, growing eventually into love for the common good of the nation.

    The bottom line, therefore, is upon each and everyone’s choice: to correspond or not to the call to love. This, in fact, is the essence of holiness: the struggle to be a saint. On a practical note, I would like to share with you a point in the book, The Way, authored by St. Josemaria, as follows:

    Point no. 20

    “You have clashes of character with other people . . . That kind of thing is inevitable: you’re not a gold coin that everyone likes.

    Besides, without those clashes produced by your contact with your neighbor, how would you lose the rough edges and jagged points – the imperfections and defects – of your temper, so as to acquire the regular, polished and firmly gentle form of charity, of perfection?

    If your character and the characters of those who live with you were soft and sweet like meringues, you would not become a saint.”

    St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way

    Clashes of Character

    Based on Point no. 20 above, expect clashes of character to emerge, specially, during this time of enforced home isolation. Certainly, couples or family members living together for long periods of quarantine may experience higher incidence of frictions. Tight living quarters may even exacerbate physical conflicts . Nonetheless, it is precisely in this battlefront that holiness awaits us.

    Occasions for Growth

    Precisely, such harsh living conditions should be looked upon not as problems but rather as occasions for growing in charity. Instead of complaining about the meals, one could complement instead the efforts of the spouse in taking time out to prepare and cook the meal. Instead of being irritated with the other person’s actuations, one could practice being more patient and understanding with the other. Indeed, it may be difficult but one can always start by sacrificing or practicing self-restraint.

    Little Acts of Love

    Whilst practicing charity in small things may seem trivial, one will be pleasantly surprised that those little acts of love and kindness which were done little by little and day by day shall blossom into solid virtues in time. This is why it is important to practice the good acts frequently in order that the same may become habits, which, in the long run, become embedded in one’s heart.

    Of course, as human beings are not perfect, there will be times when one will fail or overlook to act charitably. In such a case, the best thing to do is to begin and begin again.

    Finally, I would like to share with you some inspiring words of St. Josemaria, as follows:

    Conversion is the task of a moment; sanctification is the work of a lifetime. The divine seed of charity, which God has sown in our souls, wants to grow, to express itself in action, to yield results which continually coincide with what God wants. Therefore, we must be ready to begin again, to find again – in new situations – the light and the stimulus of our first conversion. And that is why we must prepare with a deep examination of conscience, asking our Lord for his help, so that we’ll know him and ourselves better. If we want to be converted again, there’s no other way.

    St. Josemaria Escriva, Christ is Passing By, 58

    TalinMan

    1Jn 4:19

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  • Quelling the Pandemic’s Scourge

    Photo fun at La Vallee, France
    Photo fun at La Vallée Village, France, Photo library of TalinMan

    Crossing the five month period since lockdown, the Philippines today holds the world record for the longest and strictest lockdown. Sadly, however, despite such draconian measures, the reported number of COVID-19 cases still continue to rise. Todate, COVID-19 cases have reached an all time high of 161,253 with deaths reaching 2,665. Indeed, the hard stance of Gov’t proved ineffective in quelling the pandemic’s scourge.

    Whilst the Govt’s move to protect lives seemed quite laudable, its effect on the economy was catastrophic. Recent statistics point to an economic depression expected to be worse than the Great Depression of the 1930’s. Undoubtedly, the strict stay at home isolation precipitated the closure of hundreds of thousands of businesses. This, in effect, resulted in the unprecedented rise in unemployment of nearly ten million workers. With no silver lining in sight, this grim scenario is now begging for a miracle that would quell the pandemic’s scourge.

    A Glimpse at the Holocaust Days

    A look back at the Holocaust era (1933-1945) would reveal some insights worthwhile considering during these days of extended isolation. In particular, Viktor Frankl, a celebrated Austrian psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, recalled in his memoir the importance of having a firm grip on one’s inner spirit in order to remain alive.

    “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms — to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”

    Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning

    No Time for Frivolity

    In the face of grave danger and uncertainty, Viktor Frankl would advise his fellow inmates to be mindful of the existential truth as quoted above. To survive this lockdown, it is vital to take advantage of the ample time to contemplate on the power of freedom of choice. In other words, instead of passively accepting fateful events, one ought to proactively make a choice as to the “end game” that needs to be pursued after this pandemic lockdown. Obviously, there is no time for frivolity. Amidst the difficulties during the Spanish Civil War in 1936, St. Josemaria Escriva aptly pointed out:

    Point no. 17

    Don’t succumb to that disease of character whose symptoms are a general lack of seriousness, unsteadiness in action and speech, foolishness – in a word, frivolity.

    And that frivolity, mind you, which makes your plans so void – “so filled with emptiness” – will make of you a lifeless and useless dummy, unless you react in time – not tomorrow, but now!

    St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way

    “Intensification of Inner Life”

    Given the existing challenges that confront us each day, there is need to personally take action: to respond sensibly day by day to the thousands of little demands that need be confronted or addressed. To do this would require deep reflection of personal values and beliefs acquired since childhood. This is tantamount to doing self-examination of the desires and longings of the heart, in order to find out one’s inner state of being, one’s strengths, weaknesses, desires, etc..

    Choosing to Do the Right Thing Daily

    As a follow through, it is important to always keep in mind the consequential effects of each act committed. This means that, in every instance, the overarching principle of choice is to go for what is right. Hence, one should always guard against distractions or temptations that may detract from the good. For example, screen-use addiction (inordinate use of social media) could pose a problem as it could deprive you of time needed for more important matters. If one gives in to such frivolous tendencies, then, obviously, such lack of conviction could lead to perdition. To survive, therefore, one needs to assiduously practice the morality of choosing the right thing to do daily.

    Doing it for Love

    Finally, it is important to remember the transcendental power of love. Simply put, no matter how hard and difficult things may be; but, if love is the primordial reason for doing so, then, any burdensome task becomes light and easy to handle. For this reason, Viktor Frankl survived the Holocaust, as he often reminisced his love for his wife during his imprisonment. To close, I leave with you his poignant words:

    Love goes very far beyond the physical person of the beloved. It finds its deepest meaning in his spiritual being, his inner self. Whether or not he is actually present, whether or not he is still alive at all, ceases somehow to be of importance.

    Viktor Frankl, ibid

    TalinMan

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  • No Room for the Lukewarm

    Urban Art, Relaxing while listening to music. Ciutat Vella, Barcelona,Spain
    Chilling Out, Ciutat Vella, Barcelona
    Photo library of TalinMan, 2019

    For more than four months by now, this pandemic continues to intimidate society. Indeed, it is turning out to be an acid test for the survival of the fittest. It’s either you’re a survivor or not. There is no room for the lukewarm. Only time will tell.

    Interestingly, a similar situation was experienced by Josemaria Escriva, during the Civil War in Spain in 1937. At that time, the young Escriva underwent a very difficult period of trial. The Republicans were persecuting the Catholic clergy. Fortunately, he was able to seek refuge in the Consulate of Honduras in Madrid. He endured more than five months of reclusion in a very small section, cramped together with more than a hundred refugees, One of the main focus of struggle that he persisted in was his fight against lukewarmness. I invite you to reflect on Point no. 16, as follows:

    Point no. 16

    “Give in? Be just commonplace? You, a sheep-like follower? You were born to be a leader!

    Among us there is no place for the lukewarm. Humble yourself and Christ will kindle in you again the fire of love.”

    St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way

    Primacy of our Relationship with God

    Despite being holed up in a tight space for more than five months, the young priest Escriva made sure that he fulfilled his daily norms of piety – holy mass, mental prayer, holy rosary as well as other pious customs. This was his way of protecting the primacy of his relationship with God the Father.

    Nowadays, the pervasiveness of technology and social media has gone to the point of choking the spiritual development of humankind. Interestingly, Pope Francis described it quite articulately: “The same distractions that are omnipresent in today’s world also make us tend to absolutize our free time, so that we can give ourselves over completely to the devices that provide us with entertainment or ephemeral pleasures. As a result, we come to resent our mission, our commitment grows slack, and our generous and ready spirit of service begins to flag. This denatures our spiritual experience. Can any spiritual fervour be sound when it dwells alongside sloth in evangelisation or in service to others?”

    Guard against the Onset of Lukewarmness

    In response to the admonition of Pope Francis, the Catholic faithful ought to realize the malady of lukewarmness. Hence, the need for vigilance and mindfulness in the things we think, say or do. In his essay on Lukewarmness (“Growth in Holiness”, Chapter 25), the acclaimed spiritual writer, Father F. W. Faber warns us to be on guard against the onset of lukewarmness, as manifested by some signs:

    1. constant putting off of our daily devotions;

    2. negligence and lack of attention when performing them;

    3. not feeling right with God;

    4. acting without any intention or with indifference;

    5. carelessness about growing in virtue;

    6. contempt of little things and daily opportunities which, if performed, give glory to God; and

    7. looking back at the good we have done rather than forward to the good we need to do in the future.

    Clearly, it takes a keen sense of self-reflection to notice the onset of this disease. This is because the slothful actions appear to be seemingly inconsequential. However, as these daily small doses of passivity or neglect accumulate over time into habits, the nasty virus of sloth gains momentum and overwhelms the natural immunity of the soul. Consequently, lukewarmness sets in. This brings to the fore the need to be on guard against the onset of lukewarmness; because, if left unnoticed, it could morph into a silent killer of the soul. This is precisely why our Lord showed a particular repugnance to lukewarmness, as cited below:

    15 “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. 16 So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.”

    Rev 3:15-16 NASB

    Remedies

    Because lukewarmness kills the verve and fervor of love for God in the soul, the earlier it is detected, the better. Here are some antidotes versus lukewarmness, as prescribed by St. Josemaria Escriva, namely:

    1. Fall in Love with Jesus

    God loved humankind first. It’s our turn to correspond. “We must be very human, for otherwise we cannot be divine. Human love, the love we experience on earth when it is really genuine, helps us to savor divine love. That is how we grasp the love by which we rejoice in God and which we will share in heaven when the Lord is everything to everyone.” [1]

    2. Work Hard, Offer It to God

    Consider some of the attributes of work – “Professional work is a witness to the worth of the human creature. It provides a chance to develop one’s own personality; it creates a bond of union with others; it constitutes a fund of resources; it is a way of helping in the improvement of the society we live in, and of promoting the progress of the whole human race. For work, which Christ took up as something both redeemed and redeeming, becomes a means, a way of holiness, a specific task which sanctifies and can be sanctified.” [2]

    3. Use Your Time Well during the Quarantine

    “We should never have time on our hands, not even a second—and I am not exaggerating. There is work to be done. The world is a big place and there are millions of souls who have not yet heard the doctrine of Christ in all its clarity. I am addressing each one of you individually. If you have time on your hands, think again a little. It’s quite likely that you have become lukewarm; that, supernaturally speaking, you have become a cripple. You are not moving, you are at a standstill. You are barren, you are not doing all the good you should be doing to the people around you, in your environment, in your work and in your family.” [3]

    4. Humble Yourself and Go Back to the Father

    “To be converted you must climb via humility, along the path of self-abasement.” [4] Escrivá finds in the parable of the prodigal son the best image for the conversion worked by God’s grace, in cooperation with man: “Our Father God, when we come to him repentant, draws, from our wretchedness, treasure; from our weakness, strength…The return of a son who had betrayed him is enough for him to prepare a banquet.”[5]

    TalinMan

    1. Josemaria Escriva, Christ is Passing By, no.166
    2. Josemaria Escriva, The Forge, no.702
    3. Josemaria Escriva, Friends of God, no.42
    4. Furrow, no. 278
    5. Friends of God, no. 309

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  • On Enhancing Productivity

    Laser Light Show, Team Lab Borderless, Tokyo 2019
    Team Lab Borderless, Laser Light Show
    Tokyo, 2019 – Photo Library of TalinMan

    Life under the new normal is seeking for ways of enhancing productivity. For the majority of businesses that continue to thrive presently, the work from home (WFH) model has become the de-facto protocol preferred. This is primarily geared to safeguard the health of the employees. Thanks to technology, most businesses have managed to provide continuity in their services under the WFH model. Likewise, such has benefited employees as well largely because the long hours of commute for them have practically been eliminated. In effect, WFH has made it more convenient for employees to earn their keep.

    Whilst enhanced productivity may seem apparent under WFH conditions, it would nonetheless be good to guard against counter-productive human tendencies. One of the most common practices that may pose such a problem is that of procrastination. By definition, it means the act or habit of procrastinating, or putting off or delaying, especially something requiring immediate attention. In the Filipino culture, this negative trait is commonly referred to as the “mañana” habit.

    In order to enhance productivity, St. Josemaria Escriva proposes a simple yet practical remedy – Point no. 15, which reads, as follows:

    Point no. 15

    “Don’t put off your work until tomorrow.”

    St. Josemaria Escrivá, The Way

    Whilst it appears quite succinct, the aphorism is a time-tested remedy which is easy to apply, specially for those in WFH model. To foster this trait, it is essential to be aware of some of the obstacles that hinder its development, namely:

    Curiosity

    Indeed, the uncertainties of this COVID-19 pandemic have engendered a dystopian view of the world. Social media has not stopped from inundating society with torrents of doomsday news. With the ubiquity of smart phones and the internet, people have become voracious consumers of information from social media – bad news mostly. Interestingly, during this pandemic, two new words – “doomsurfing and doomscrolling” – have made it to the lexicon.

    “Doomscrolling and doomsurfing are new terms referring to the tendency to continue to surf or scroll through bad news, even though that news is saddening, disheartening, or depressing. Many people are finding themselves reading continuously bad news about COVID-19 without the ability to stop or step back.

    Merriam-Webster Dictionary

    Stress & Anxiety

    Again, this COVID-19 pandemic has caused an increase in the level of stress and anxiety upon society. Subsequently, this hysteria, induced by inordinate doomsurfing and doomscrolling amongst smartphone users, has led to counter-productivity amongst the ranks of people working from home.

    Unless there is a deliberate effort to stay away from the smartphone, those under the WFH model will undoubtedly be inundated by the torrents of doomsday scenarios.

    Screen-use Addiction

    Interestingly, Brian Chen of The New York Times raised the alarm on the negative effects of the use of smartphones. He wrote:

    “This experience of sinking into emotional quicksand while bingeing on doom-and-gloom news is so common that there’s now internet lingo for it: “doomscrolling.” Exacerbating this behavior, shelter-in-place orders leave us with little to do other than to look at our screens; by some measures, our screen time has jumped at least 50 percent.

    We’re not alone, exactly, with so many of us going through this. Yet doomscrolling, combined with screen addiction, could take a significant toll on our mental and physical well-being, according to health experts. The activity can make us angry, anxious, depressed, unproductive and less connected with our loved ones and ourselves.”

    Brian Chen, The New York Times

    In conclusion, the best remedy for fighting this current malaise is quite simple: set your phone aside and hunker down to work, as suggested by St. Josemaria’s Point no. 15.

    TalinMan

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  • On Being Proactive

    Atelier of Eric Simonin, La Grotte du Souffleur de Verre at Brantome, France
    Atelier of Eric Simonin, La Grotte du Souffleur de Verre, Brantome, France
    Photo library of TalinMan

    More than three (3) months in the running, this pandemic continues to mercilessly attack its mindless victims – the undisciplined crowds. People forget that this “war” is still raging. Carelessness and irresponsibility still abound amongst the throngs of people looking for things to do outside their homes. There is much to be desired in terms of the discipline and character of the crowds. Hence, the need to be proactive becomes imperative.

    To win this “war”, it is necessary to be proactive. By definition, it means: “serving to prepare for, intervene in, or control an expected occurrence or situation, especially a negative or difficult one; anticipatory:” . . . This character trait begins to develop when a goal is set into play. Once a person defines an objective be it for personal, family or business reasons, the race towards the said objective begins. In this respect, both time and energy will begin to matter. In other words, when a desired goal is targeted, the person necessarily prepares for winning the crown awaiting at the finish line.

    Just like in any kind of race i.e. sprint, marathon, etc., one needs to take on the attitude of a winner. Focus and attention to the little things or events that may pop out during the day become the underlying elements for winning the race. As an example, Point no. 14 of The Way gives a very practical tip for discarding distractions along the way, as shown below:

    Point no. 14

    “Don’t waste your energy and your time – which belong to God – throwing stones at the dogs that bark at you on the way. Ignore them.”

    St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way

    Importance of Being Proactive

    As time is of the essence, St. Josemaria’s Point no. 14 underlines the importance of remaining focussed on the target. The biggest enemy to be wary of is that of distraction. Distraction happens when the focus of the individual is diverted away from the target or desired goal. During this COVID_19 induced forced isolation, it is so easy to fall into the trap of digital distractions. With the plethora of information being streamed in social media, phone calls, text messages, Viber, Whatsapp, Netflix, Instagram, Tiktok, etc., it is not uncommon to see people being lulled into situations where one is unwittingly transformed into a zombie.

    Moreover, given the protracted nature of this COVID_19 pandemic, the incidence of fatigue both mental and physical are on the rise. Induced by stress and anxiety, fatigue could weaken the individual’s attention span which could result in loss of focus. Once this happens, people easily succumb to the allures of distraction. This situation calls for a higher level of mental alertness to fight distractions. This means striving harder to always be in the zone or in the moment The idea is to be aware of things that are happening before one’s eyes. Thus, simply relying on instinct without benefit of using one’s intelligence becomes unproductive.

    Setting up a Survival Plan

    Undoubtedly, this COVID_19 pandemic will go down in history as one of the most destructive events in world history outside of WWI and WWII. We have seen the severity of the damage inflicted upon millions of laborers who have lost their means of livelihood. With thousands of small and medium scale businesses forced to shut down, there emerges the overarching need for a survival kit that would be useful under the new normal, post COVID_19. Without a doubt, one cannot remain complacent by assuming that the return to normalcy would be the same as pre-COVID_19 times. Indeed, the situation calls for a “re-boot” of how to live life after the pandemic.

    Make Good Use of Time

    The lockdown has caught everybody by surprise. All of a sudden, everyone is saddled with lots of ample time in their hands. As we look three months back, let us ask ourselves: How have I used my time during this pandemic?

    As we all know, time is a very precious gift from God. It’s really up to the individual person to decide on whether to use time wisely by investing it in useful endeavors or to simply spend it by wasting it away in useless activity.

    Focus on the Important Issues

    With a clear plan in place, the task of managing the dictates of each day becomes easier. When distractions pop out or begin to appear, one should proactively make decisions to pursue or not. Again, here lies the importance of having a goal to refer to. For example, without a focus on the important issues, one could easily fall prey to the attractions of social media. Clearly, this makes a case for debunking useless distractions which could ruin one’s day.

    Conserve Your Energy

    As one goes about fighting the many battles of each day, it is important to conserve one’s energy. Without focus, one could win many battles and yet lose the war. With the pervasiveness of smartphones, it is of no surprise that one can spend long hours addressing emails, inter-acting with friends, etc.; and, yet end up accomplishing nothing. Indeed, the quality of life could be enhanced simply by focusing on important tasks and avoiding distractions. Ultimately conserving one’s energy would make for a happier and longer life.

    In closing, it is my hope that by instilling the discipline of focus, one would be able to develop the habit of being proactive in living a better life on a daily basis.

    TalinMan

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  • God’s Grace will not fail You

    St. Josemaria Escriva and companions during the Spanish civil war in 1937.
    St. Josemaria and companions during the Spanish Civil War, 1937
    – Photo library of Opus Dei

    This COVID-19 pandemic has affected the lives of hundreds of millions the world over. The enforced home isolation i.e. the lockdown has immobilized the world trade. As an antidote to the escalating emotional distress, St. Josemaria Escriva propounds an aphorism, as highlighted below, worthwhile to reflect upon during this extended period of isolation. In essence, he is reminding us not to be intimidated by fear and pessimism but rather to trust in God’s providence – “God’s grace will not fail you.” Just as the storm passes away and brings out the sun, so too, the darkness induced by the COVID-19 pandemic will surely turn into bright rays of hope and encouragement for us, wayfarers.

    Point no. 12

    Grow stronger in the face of obstacles. God’s grace will not fail you: “inter medium montium pertransibunt aquae!” – “through the very midst of the mountains the waters shall pass.” You will pass through the mountains!

    What does it matter that you have to curtail your activity for the moment, if later, like a spring which has been compressed, you’ll advance much farther than you ever dreamed?

    St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way

    Lessons from the Life of Josemaria

    Based on an article published by Opus Dei, it is heartening to note that St. Josemaria practiced what he preached. In other words, he really “walked the talk.” This is clearly demonstrated by some excerpts from the said article, as follows:

    "In the first year of the Spanish Civil War, Saint Josemaria continued to carry out a wide-ranging but clandestine pastoral work, to the extent that circumstances allowed, risking his life when necessary for the good of souls. Thousands of priests and religious had already lost their lives for the faith. After a real odyssey, he found refuge in the Honduran Consulate in Madrid, which along with other friendly sites granted asylum to many thousands of people during those months.
The living conditions were very trying. Men, women and children were obliged to live together in the confinement of a few square meters. There were no beds; they slept on mattresses spread out at night on the floor. Since only one bathroom was available, it was necessary to wait in line to use it. Only two meals a day were provided, at midday and in the evening; and due to the food shortage, these barely reached subsistence level. Saint Josemaria lost sixty-five pounds during those months. Afterwards, when his mother saw him she failed to recognize him at first; only later did she realize he was her son, by his voice.
From the first moment of their confinement, the climate the founder created contrasted sharply with the general tone of pessimism. To stay busy during the day, he set up a schedule that included Holy Mass, norms of piety, study, language learning and family life.A point in The Way alludes to these circumstances: “The plants were hidden under the snow. And the farmer, the owner of the land, remarked with satisfaction: ‘Now they’re growing on the inside.’ I thought of you, of your forced inactivity.... Tell me, are you also growing on the inside?”

    Clearly, St. Josemaria lived up to his conviction that no amount of obstacles or challenges should paralyze anyone. Despite the pessimism around him, St, Josemaria indeed busied himself with norms of piety that filled up his waking hours during the months of isolation. By means of prayer and sacrifice, he allowed the spirit of Jesus Christ to inhabit in his human heart. In effect, his conviction to draw himself closer to God each day enabled him to “grow in the inside“.

    In sum, despite man’s frailties, it is nevertheless possible to acquire such strength in spirit. To win, one needs to humble oneself before the Lord, admitting to one’s faults and shortcomings. After which, one seeks forgiveness for all the wrongs done in the past. Finally, as the Lord is kind and merciful, one bows down with sorrow and remorse and receives the forgiveness of God. Alas, with gratefulness in the heart, one stands up feeling renewed in strength of spirit, ready to face once again the challenges ahead with renewed hope and fortitude.

    TalinMan

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  • Year 2020: Onset of “Crisis Fatigue”

    Street art depicting Face affected by stress. Le Marais, Paris
    Street Art, Le Marais, Paris, Nov 2019
    Photo collection of TalinMan

    The first half of year 2020 certainly stands out as an epoch marked by “crisis fatigue”. Starting in early January, the onslaught of crises began with the assassination of Qasem Soleimani, a major general of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Consequently, this escalated tension between the United States and Iran, which almost precipitated a third world war. Soon after, a volcanic eruption in Taal inflicted damages on life and property in Batangas and the adjoining provinces. As tremors started to subside, subsequently thereafter, the COVID-19 pandemic broke out in Wuhan, China, and quickly spread its virulent attacks across the globe, causing governments to impose strict preventive measures via lockdowns to slow down the rate of contagion amongst nations.

    As governments enforced lockdowns, the world literally stood still for as long as 8 – 12 weeks. Unfortunately, the series of enforced home isolations brought to bear unintended consequences: massive layoffs and domestic violence. As of late, the unemployment claims in the US soared to more than 38 million. In the meantime, uncertainties about the pandemic as well as the fate of the economy continue to inflict stress and anxiety amongst the people. “Crisis fatigue” has certainly exacted its heavy toll on the state of well-being of the middle class sector of society.

    Meanwhile, as governments prepare for re-entry into the new world order, countless workers remain in the dark insofar as their livelihoods are concerned. The question, therefore, that takes first priority is:

    How does one recover from crisis fatigue?

    St. Josemaria Escriva proposes his unsolicited advise to those affected by “crisis fatigue”, as follows:

    Point no. 11

    Will-power. Energy. Example. What has to be done is done. . . without wavering. . . without worrying about what others think. . .

    Otherwise, Cisneros * would not have been Cisneros; nor Teresa of Ahumada, St. Teresa; nor Iñigo of Loyola, St. Ignatius.

    God and daring! « Regnare Christum volumus! » – « We want Christ to reign! »

    St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way

    * Cisneros (1436-1517): Spanish Cardinal, Regent of the Throne of Spain and Confessor of Queen Isabela the Catholic. Cardinal Cisneros started the reform of the Church in Spain, anticipating what years later the Council of Trent would start for all Christendom. His courage and strength of character were widely known.

    To succeed in navigating the future, there are several pre-conditions that need be established:

    1. Establish your goal.

    Before one can establish personal goals, it is vital to step back into quiet solitude in order to examine oneself and to find out what are the basic longings of the heart. The question, therefore, to be asked is: what will make me happy? Whether it be mundane targets or spiritual ideals, it doesn’t really matter. The point is that one should establish a goal given a certain timeline. Hopefully, this should provide the impetus to be forward-looking rather than being paralyzed by the crises.

    2. Align your strategy.

    This phase requires a self-assessment of one’s strengths and weaknesses, taking into consideration threats as well as opportunities. It would require harnessing and honing one’s strengths i.e. knowledge, character and skills, whilst making one’s weaknesses irrelevant. Subsequently, one is then able to draw up a battle plan that would be geared towards achievement of the goal. In effect, once the strategies are put in place, the same should be cast in stone with the conviction to go for it.

    3. Go for it.

    This is where the rubber meets the road. Point no. 11 will definitely be crucial in paving the way forward. Come hell or high water, one should mobilize all of one’s strengths in pursuing the goal. This will require the strength of character or true grit to face up with headwinds that may pose as obstacles along the way. Will power and energy will be indispensable in order to reach the goal. To the wavering heart, it is good to remember the gospel verse – “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and lookin back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62

    4. Pray, pray, pray.

    Finally, it would be foolhardy to rely solely on one’s human strength. On the contrary, it would be good to keep in mind that God is always on hand, waiting to be called as collaborator in the pursuit of the goal. Afterall, the words of St. Paul should serve as a good reminder to always keep one’s faith:

    “But you must keep steady all the time; put up with suffering; do the work of preaching the gospel; fulfill the service asked of you. . . . I have fought a good fight to the end; I have run the race to the finish; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day.

    St. Paul, 2 Timothy 4: 7-8

    TalinMan

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  • To Flatten the Curve

    Poster which says Je t'aime. I love you. Me neither.
    Poster on Love, Le Marais, Paris, November 2019
    Photo Library of TalinMan

    This year, the summer season saw temperatures rising to its highest at 58 degrees celsius in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. People were hoping that the heat would drastically slow down the rate of viral infection. However, much to the dismay of everyone, the virus continued with its onslaught of infections. Summer is quickly fading away albeit failing to “flatten the curve.”

    With governments imposing home isolation, an interesting phenomenon began to take shape across the globe. I refer to the rising cases of domestic or family violence, as reported by Ms. Amanda Taub of the New York Times. Apparently, the strict confinement of couples for long durations in cramped spaces have fomented enmity rather than intimacy. Again, we see an apparent failure to “flatten the curve” of yet another problem – “intimate” violence, a new term for domestic violence coined by Ms. Taub.

    More often than not, the root cause of such a problem may be traced to weakness in character. It could be that being together 24 hours for prolonged period could induce friction between spouses. This, in turn, could spark arguments, criticisms or vehement complaints, which could inflame the passion of anger. Left unchecked, anger seeks its object, giving rise to violence.

    How do we “flatten the curve” of domestic abuse?

    St. Josemaria Escriva brings to the fore a simple remedy, as shown below:

    Point no. 10

    Never reprimand anyone while you feel provoked over a fault that has been committed. Wait until the next day, or even longer. Then make your remonstrance calmly and with a purified intention. You’ll gain more with an affectionate word than you ever would from three hours of quarreling. Control your temper.

    St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way

    Control Your Temper

    As may be gleaned from the above, the secret sauce to domestic peace lies in the ability to control one’s temper. The reality, however, is that it is easier said than done. The underlying reason is that such a virtue is not embedded in the human DNA. Because of the sin of our first parents, all of mankind are born into this world with a corrupted human nature. This human frailty is evident based on the preponderance of evil seen in present day society.

    Use of Intellect or Reason

    To put it bluntly, a person’s inability to control one’s temper manifests a weakness of character, more particularly, intemperance, St. Thomas Aquinas would refer to it as a childish vice. As parents, we know from experience that a child, if left to himself, say, in a toy store, would literally “go bananas” wanting to bring home all the toys he likes. In this example, if left unchecked, the child becomes spoiled. Hence, to prevent such a situation, it becomes vital to control the emotional impulse of wanting to have the toys. And, the only way to restrain the urge to possess the object is by the use of reason, which the parents are supposed to teach their children. In essence, the working principle boils down to the use of reason or rational thinking in order to control or moderate the inordinate desire or passion burning at hand.

    Practice of Self-Restraint

    In addition to the above, the practice of self-restraint is also essential to the emotional development of the human person. This necessitates the use of the will. By definition, will is the faculty of the mind that selects, at the moment of decision, a desire among the various desires present. Here, one would see the cooperation of human reason and will, wherein, the former identifies the nuances of various desires and the latter selects & decides on the proper choice and acts upon it. This power of self-restraint requires habitual practice in order for it to become a virtue. If done repeatedly, one eventually acquires self mastery – the pinnacle of human character.

    Need for Gentleness

    As a final note, it is important to integrate the virtue of meekness or gentleness in emotional development in order to foster harmony in the domestic home. As St. Thomas writes: “Wherefore meekness above all makes a man self-possessed.”  Because anger is impetuous, gentleness enables the person to quickly transcend the self during difficult moments through more accurate assessment of the situation. In the end, gentleness may even pave the way for a more intimate and loving relationship between couples.

    TalinMan

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  • An Ode to Joy


    
    It was 50 yrs ago on a bright Saturday morning that I stood before the altar of St. Francis at Lourdes Church eagerly awaiting for the entrance of my beloved Joy.

    With mixed feelings of excitement and fear, I, nevertheless, took the plunge to be with Joy for life. It was sheer courage boosted by the madness of love that made it happen. Despite having nothing at all, I invited her to be my partner for life; and, lovingly she accepted it. I am forever grateful for the trust that she put in me.

    Over the years, despite our lack of financial resources, our differences & faults, we continued to enjoy our marriage which was blessed with our three children – Carlo, Iman & Jay. Whilst we had our ups and downs, we persisted in our marriage. Indeed, the patience and love we had for each other enabled us to remain together. It must have been God working behind the scene.

    Finally as we celebrate our golden wedding anniversary today, I thank God for gifting us with the most beautiful “kintsuge” plate, which is composed of broken pieces of our individual weaknesses & mistakes but joined back together by God to rebuild an ever more beautiful marriage melded with gold.

    Je t’aime 🌹

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  • Who is My Neighbor?

    A view of Ukraine's national flag waves above the capital with the Motherland Monument on the right, in Kyiv. Presently, Russia is bombarding the city. That’s why we need to ask "who is my neighbor?”
    A view of Ukraine’s national flag waves above the capital with the Motherland Monument on the right, in Kyiv. Photo from Mint.com

    February 24, 2022, will be remembered as the day that undermined the geo-political order in Europe. It was the day that Mr. Putin ordered the massive attack on its neighbor, Ukraine, over land, sea, and air. The world was caught with a surprise. It begs everyone to ask the existential question: who is my neighbor?

    As the world views the unfolding drama of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it is quite evident that this war is a battle between Democracy and Authoritarianism. In reality, however, it brings to the stage the fundamental question of human rights – can a government of one country unilaterally barge into another country using military force in order to subjugate the citizens of the latter? Therefore, it becomes imperative to know who my neighbor is.

    Rhetoric on the Invasion

    In his speech prior to the attack, President Putin explained to his citizenry that he issued directives for the Russian Armed Forces to launch a “special military operation” against Ukraine for the following reasons:

    1. To rescue the Russian-speaking Ukrainians in the Donbas region from the clutches of the government of Ukraine, which he described as “Neo-Nazis”; and,
    2. To de-militarize the whole country for the purpose of bolstering the border security of Russia.

    On the contrary, however, the so-called “special military operation” as announced by President Putin was mere propaganda to justify his war against Ukraine. In reality, it was a barbaric act of war launched by Russia against its neighbor, Ukraine. Undoubtedly, the Russian aggression was unjustified since it was unprovoked and pre-meditated.

    At the core of it, such unilateral action by Russia only manifested the total disrespect of Putin for international laws on the sovereignty of nations.

    Consequences of the Russian Invasion of Ukraine

    Clearly, judging from the intensity and frequency of the aerial bombings, missile attacks, artillery fires, and ground attacks being unleashed by Russia on the civilians and other non-military targets, the people of Ukraine are suffering terribly. In a letter to the Pope, the Ukrainian bishops said that they were writing ”in these hours of immeasurable pain and terrible ordeal for our people”. The following are the consequences of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, namely:

    1. Mass exodus of refugees. As of day 12 of the invasion, approximately 2 million Ukrainians have fled to the neighboring countries on the western border. Notably, the majority of the refugees are comprised of mothers and children without the fathers, who have decided to remain in Ukraine to fight the Russian invaders.
    2. Humanitarian Crisis. The Russian aggression deliberately targeted the civilians as well as non-military establishments – hospitals, schools, residential buildings, etc.. Moreover, missiles were used to destroy and control nuclear power plants and water distribution facilities. As a consequence, people are left without food, water and electricity.
    3. Chilling Effect of Nuclear Threat. Surprisingly, the attack on Ukraine comes with the veiled threat of Mr. Putin to use nuclear arms, if the EU or NATO interferes. Indeed, the situation calls for extreme caution as any misstep could trigger WW3.

    Who is thy Neighbor?

    To my mind, the Ukraine tragedy may be likened to the Parable of the Good Samaritan. It is a story about a man who fell victim to robbers and brigands. As he lay on the road helpless, several persons came along the same road but did not help the injured man. This is how the story unfolds, as follows:

    The Parable of the Good Samaritan.

    “But because he wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’ Jesus replied, ‘A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead. A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. Likewise a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight. He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn and cared for him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction, ‘Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back.’ Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?He answered, ‘The one who treated him with mercy.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewise’.”

    Luke 10:29-37, NABRE, Parable of the Good Samaritan

    In the case of Ukraine, however, the big difference is that the passersby are all looking at the opposite side of the road. We still have yet to see the good samaritan’s arrival. Thus far, the Russians have continuously bombarded several major cities in Ukraine, mercilessly targeting the civilians and civilian infrastructure i.e. hospitals, schools, residential buildings, and even nuclear power plants. Despite President Zelensky’s repeated request for a “no fly zone” over Ukraine’s air space, which is desperately needed, neither the US nor the EU have acceded to it.

    The Sad Plight of Ukraine

    In his encyclical, Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis presented the sad plight of the injured man, as follows:

    “76. Let us turn at last to the injured man. There are times when we feel like him, badly hurt and left on side of the road. We can also feel helpless because our institutions are neglected and lack resources, or simply serve the interests of a few, without and within. Indeed, “globalized society often has an elegant way of shifting its gaze. Under the guise of being politically correct or ideologically fashionable, we look at those who suffer without touching them. We televise live pictures of them, even speaking about them with euphemisms and with apparent tolerance.”

    Pope Francis, Fratelli Tutti, #76

    Indeed, the same situation is happening to Ukraine. Whilst it is currently being bombarded by the massive forces of the Russian military, the World powers simply turn their gaze away from it on the guise that it may escalate into WW3.

    Failure of Diplomacy

    Sadly, President Putin’s invasion of Ukraine implies the failure of diplomacy. Somehow, there seems to have been a lack of honest to goodness dialogue between Putin and the Western leaders. Could this war have been avoided if genuine inter-personal relationships had been developed amongst the world leaders?

    As the whole word watches the on-going saga of the Russia-Ukraine war, we need to remind ourselves of the importance of honest to goodness dialogue. As St. Josemaria Escriva aptly put in point 47 (shown below) of The Way, we need to get rid of the tendencies towards posturing and pretentiousness. Otherwise, there will always be barriers that would hinder peace and harmony, particularly in politics.

    47

    “That pose and those important airs don’t fit you well. It’s obvious that they’re false. At least, try not to use them either with God, or with your director, or with your brothers: and then there will be between them and you one barrier less.”

    St. Josemaria Escriva, The way, 47

    TalinMan

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  • Elections: ‘Tis the Season to be Jolly

    Groundswell of Pink Followers. Indeed, elections: ‘tis the season to be jolly.
    Groundswell of Pink Followers, GMA Network File Photo

    The 8th of February 2022 officially marked the start of the campaign season for the country’s national elections. With five major contenders vying for the Presidency, this year’s elections promises to be colorful. Sure enough, we see the color pink emerging from the ranks of the Presidential aspirant Leni Robredo, the color red being adapted by Marcos kin, Bongbong, and various shades of blue being used by the other contenders: world boxing champion Pacquiao, Mayor Isko, and Senator Lacson. As the election campaign heats up, it would be interesting to see whether, in fact, this elections lives up to the cliché: “ ‘tis the season to be jolly.”

    It’s More Fun in the Philippines

    Every six years, the campaign season for National elections ushers in a period of frenzy across the archipelago. Economy-wise, it is normal to expect a spike in the GDP figures. This is on account of the election spending i.e. political ads, campaign sorties, cash give-aways, etc., which stimulate the local economies across the Archipelago.

    Moreover, myriads of campaign sorties bring along a band wagon of talents and celebrities to entertain the crowds. In lieu of political ideologies being presented, movie stars and beauty queens perform their acts to please the crowds. It’s no wonder then that during the campaign season for elections: ’tis the season to be jolly.

    History of Philippine Politics

    Interestingly, Philippine-style politics bears certain characteristics that make it unique vis-a-vis rest of the world. A look back at history will show that the erstwhile two-party system i.e. the Nacionalista Party and the Liberal Party flourished from the time the Philippines secured its independence from the United States of America in 1946. It suffered a setback, however, on September 21, 1972, when President Marcos declared martial law. Sadly, it was during the Martial law era that politics degenerated into cronyism. Indeed, it was Marcos’ dictatorial powers that kept him in place much to the chagrin of his political opponents. Indeed, this era proved to be the darkest period in the country’s history.

    Surprisingly, on February 25, 1986, the People Power Revolution broke the iron-fist rule of Marcos, thereby restoring democracy in the Philippines once again. Shortly thereafter, Corazon Aquino, the widow of the late Senator Aquino who was assassinated, was installed as the 11th President of the Republic of the Philippines. Indeed, this was a moment of glory for the Filipino people.

    Given the euphoria of the EDSA Revolution, democracy prospered to such an extent that the political system metamorphosed into a plethora of political organizations of every name, ideology, creed, and color. The cultural milieu fostered an aura of extreme adversity towards the martial rule. It was undoubtedly an era highly influenced by egalitarian principles.

    The Absence of Principles-based Politics

    While it is true that democracy flourished under the Aquino government, the absence of principles-based politics remained a threat to democracy. Personality-based politics pervaded the politico-cultural milieu. This paved the way for the rise of political dynasties. To date, such a problem, however, still persists.

    Given such a situation, it behooves us to rally everyone to bring back the two-party system. Hopefully, this would instill amongst the people the brand of politics based on sound political ideologies and principles. This way, party discipline will be instilled amongst the ranks of party members. Hence, the problem of political “butterflies” and fence-sitters would be quelled.

    Equal Rights & Opportunities For All

    With the elections coming shortly in May, it would serve us well to remind ourselves of the value and relevance of electing a national leader that espouses the highly upheld egalitarian principles. This simply means voting for a President who believes in the primacy of equality in political, social, economic, and civil rights for all people.

    Egalitarianism, however, does not mean that people’s conditions be made the same in any respect. Rather, “an egalitarian might be one who maintains that people ought to be treated as equals – as possessing fundamental worth and dignity and as equally morally considerable.”1 Hence, in the exercise of political governance, the would-be President ought not to engage in favoritism, social prejudice, or cronyism.

    Wrong Brand of Equality

    On this note, I would like to share one of St. Josemaria Escriva‘s aphorisms, which gives a stern warning on the dangers of misunderstanding the principle of equality, as encapsulated in Point #46 of The Way:

    46

    “Don’t you think that equality, as many people understand it, is synonymous with injustice?”

    St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way, 46

    Based on a commentary on Point #46, the modern-day saint wanted to highlight the ill effects of a wrong understanding of the concept of “equality”. For example, if one were to apply a uniform salary for all employees regardless of position and skill level, then such would be tantamount to communism. On the contrary, St. Josemaria likened the egalitarian principles to that of a mother who would apply the same degree of love to her children despite the differences in the character of her children.

    To conclude, it is quite important to discern the politico-ideological leanings of the Presidential contenders for the 2022 Elections. At the core of it, the litmus test of the candidate’s desirability will lie on whether or not he or she is God-fearing. After all, the roots of the egalitarian principles may be traced to the Almighty God, who gives the same amount of love to each and every one of us, despite our failures and misgivings.

    TalinMan

    1. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 1. Preliminary Distinctions
  • A New Year: A New Beginning

    A New Year: A New Beginning

    A new dawn on new year’s day. A time for a new beginning.
    A new dawn arising on new year’s day: a time for a new beginning.
    Photo Library of TalinMan, 2022

    Whilst starting off on an upbeat note, the year 2021 unexpectedly turned out to be quite disastrous. It seemed that the pandemic had waned during the first few months of the year. However, towards mid-year, the country was hit by the resurgence of the more virulent Delta variant. Within months, as the situation improved, people were starting to look forward to the joyous season of Christmas. Life was back to normal, so it seemed. Finally, as we were about to cross the finish line, on the 16th of December, Typhoon Rai, a category 5 typhoon, inflicted damage in the Visayas and Northern Mindanao, rendering thousands of families homeless and without food and water. To top it all, the highly transmissible Omicron variant started spreading its swath in Metro Manila. Thankfully, however, we are now in 2022, a new year: a time for a new beginning.

    We are still at war: A New Battle Plan

    As the new year slowly unfolds, many are beginning to panic for fear of being infected by Omicron. Partly to blame, of course, is the excessive media hype of the Omicron infections. Let’s face it, the war we are fighting is essentially the same COVID pandemic albeit of a different variety. Hence, the protocols for health security still remain the same. The problem is that many have lowered their guards to the point of thinking recklessly that the war has been won. For example, during the advent season, many flocked to the shopping malls and restaurants. The majority of the families organized family reunions for Christmas and the New Year.

    Now that we are in the new year, it’s a good time to remind ourselves that we are still at war. Hence, we need to stick to a battle plan, which should enable us to come out as winners after all. Simply put, whilst we are at the start of a new year, we need to consider a new beginning: a new life with dreams of a better post-COVID environment. Leaving behind the dark past, one begins to look at a brighter tomorrow. Indeed, with a spirit filled with hope, a new year is always the time for a new beginning.

    Tribute to the Unsung Heroes

    As one reflects on the 655 days that have transpired since the imposition of the first COVID lockdown, it is not an exaggeration to say that our world has seen the rise of negativity. In the world of social media, bitterness & hate have overwhelmed the good. There has been an unprecedented proliferation of ideologies advocating racism, violence; extremism, polarism, individualism, feminism, misogyny, homophobia, elitism, & populist movements. Indeed, it makes one worry about the future.

    If there is one key takeaway that the COVID pandemic has brought to bear, it is this: despite all the negativity and the destruction, life goes on with many heroes passing by unnoticed. We see doctors, nurses, and other medical practitioners doing their very best to save lives at the risk of losing their very own. Moreover, we witness the untiring efforts of essential workers – delivery boys, shop assistants, school teachers, priests, and nuns – giving their very best to sustain the needs of their fellow brethren. For these, we give thanks.

    The Gift of Life

    Amidst all the negativity we see around us, it is good to take a pause and look back at the origin of life: we have been gifted with life by the love of God. Consequently, the realization of this sublime truth alone should move one’s heart to gratefulness to almighty God. Hence, it should awaken the goodness in one’s heart to see the sufferings of one’s neighbors.

    No man is an island. We are all interconnected.

    As exemplified by the heroic deeds of the front-liners as mentioned above, we come to realize that no man is an island and that we are all interrelated. Consequently, this should move us to reflect on how we treat our neighbors. Do we take time out to communicate with our neighbors? Or, given our indifference due to self-centeredness, have we failed to hear the cries of our neighbors?

    Holy Shamelessness

    As we move into the tumultuous days of 2022, let us be inspired by the maxim of St. Josemaria Escriva on holy shamelessness. In simple terms, the modern-day saint wanted to exhort his interlocutors during the Spanish civil war from 1936 to 39 to remain steadfast in fighting for their dreams notwithstanding the difficulties and uncertainties of the times. At the core of it, we need to examine whether we are driven by love in our hearts.

    44

    “Use the polite excuse that christian charity and good manners require. But then . . . keep on going with holy shamelessness, without stopping until you have reached the summit in the fulfillment of your duty.”

    St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way, 44

    TalinMan

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