Quarantined Wayfarer

Tag: Hope for the future

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, 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
Share and Enjoy !
Shares

October 25, 2021
”Let Us Dream”
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
Share and Enjoy !
Shares
June 29, 2021
Never Give up Hope for the Future
View of Strasbourg from the River III, Photo library of TalinMan, 2019
Today we celebrate the feast day of St. Augustine of Hippo, perhaps the greatest Christian philosopher in Antiquity. If you read about his early life, you wouldn’t think that he would end up as a saint. That’s why, we should never give up hope for the future.
Specially during this COVID-19 pandemic, it seems that a pervading wave of pessimism is weighing down on everyone’s sensibilities. People are prone to panic and fear. It is imperative that people stand firm and never give up hope for the future. It is never too late to begin to focus on ways and means that would strengthen the human character. We all can learn from one of the aphorisms of Saint Josemaria Escriva, as follows:
Point no. 19
Will-power. A very important quality. Don’t disregard the little things,which are really never futile or trivial. For by the constant practice of repeated self-denial in little things, with God’s grace you will increase in strength and manliness of character. In that way you’ll first become master of yourself, and then a guide and a leader: to compel, to urge, to draw others with your example and with your word and with your knowledge and with your power.
St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way
Will-Power
Defined as the ability to control one’s own actions, emotions, or urges, will-power is certainly one of the most important attributes that one should possess at this time in order to win this war against COVID-19. It begins with a desire – to win this war versus COVID-19. With the desire comes the willingness and the resolve to struggle against obstacles that would prevent it from happening.
For the young Augustine, he spent his first thirty years dabbling from one Christian sect to another, whilst enjoying a hedonistic life. In fact, at a tender age of 18, he sired a son by his lover of 15 years. It was only in the year 391 when Augustine met Bishop Ambrose, a master of rhetoric, who influenced him to become catholic. Once baptized as Catholic, Augustine pursued a life totally reformed. As described by his friend, Bishop Possidius, Augustine’s personal traits reflected a portrait of a man who ate sparingly, worked tirelessly, despised gossip, shunned the temptations of the flesh, and exercised prudence in the financial stewardship of his see. In a word, will-power resided in Augustine.
Daily Wins
For the fainthearted, the great tendency is to shun taking risks or accepting challenges. As may be gleaned from Point no. 19, St. Josemaria warns everyone against trivialization of little things. It is vital that, in order to win the war against this pandemic, one ought to practice self-denial in the little things encountered each day. For example, these little acts of sacrifice could be seen in waking up early in the morning, not procrastinating on tasks in your list, reading books to learn, etc.. For in the end, the desire to have strength of character – will-power -can only be attained through the daily repetition of small acts of heroism that eventually contribute to building the foundation of strong character.
Love of God
Finally, sheer will-power by itself will not redound to success. In order to ensure the proper shaping of one’s self for the future, it is highly advisable to seek the will of God in accord with one’s particular state in life. Afterall, He loved us first. If, therefore, one corresponds to God’s call by surrendering one’s will to Him, out of love for God, then, there should be no need to worry about the future. The fire of love will sustain one’s will-power to face the future with hope. The words of St. Paul resonate deeply in my heart, as follows:
Sacrifice of Body and Mind.
“I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship. Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.”
Romans 12:1-2, NABRE
TalinMan
Share and Enjoy !
Shares

August 28, 2020