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 🌹
Category: Book Commentary
An Ode to Joy
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, #48A 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, 132TalinMan
- Pope Francis, Encyclical Letter, Fratelli Tutti, 69
- Ibid, 64
- Ibid, 67
- Interview of Pope Francis, Carmen Magallon, Il Mio Papa
- Pedro Arrupe SJ, Enamórate
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:
- 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,
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 SamaritanIn 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, #76Indeed, 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, 47TalinMan
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, 46Based 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
- Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 1. Preliminary Distinctions
Quo Vadis? Let Us Cross to the Other Side
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:
- “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.
- 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.
- 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, #45TalinMan
A New Year: A New Beginning
A new dawn arising on new year’s day: a time for a new beginning.
Photo Library of TalinMan, 2022Whilst 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, 44TalinMan
Hey! Christmas is coming. . . a 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,:
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“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, 43Have a blessed and merry Christmas!
TalinMan
- New York Times, July 27, 2020
- Pope Francis, Apostolic Exhortation, Amoris Lartitia, 33
- Ibid, 39
- Britanicca, Definition
- Pope Francis, Apostolic Exhortation, Amoris Lartitia, 39
- Ibid, 42
- Ibid, 43
The Season of Advent: a “Breath of Fresh Air”
Little boy flying a kite aided by the Amihan winds.
Photo library of TalinMan, 2021Just 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 MissalCall 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.
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“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, #42TalinMan
The Season of Amihan: a Harbinger of Good Things Ahead
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, 1937In 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:
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“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, 41Faith 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, NABRETalinMan
We Have Hit 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.
Disparate Demographic Trends
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, NABIndeed, 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:
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“Faith, joy, optimism. But not the folly of closing your eyes to reality.”
St. Josemaria Escriva, the way, 40TalinMan
