Quarantined Wayfarer

Tag: Pope Francis

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,:
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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December 12, 2021
To Survive, 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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October 3, 2021
Election Fever Arising
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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August 2, 2021
Regression from Integration to 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
¹Pope Francis, Ash Wednesday Homily 2019
² Pope Francis, Ash Wednesday Homily 2021
³Ibid
⁴ Ibid
⁵ Pope Francis, Encyclical Letter, Fratelli Tutti, # 8
⁶ Ibid, #36
⁷Ibid, #62
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February 21, 2021
Welcoming a Renewed yet Reshaped World Order
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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January 20, 2021
How Deep Is Your Love?
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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October 21, 2020
Seeking 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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September 10, 2020
Contagion of Hope
In his “Urbi et Orbi” address for Easter Sunday, Pope Francis proclaimed to the whole world the joy of Easter with the verse, “Jesus Christ is risen!” – “He is truly risen!”.
The Holy Father further continued to speak: “Like a new flame, this Good News springs up in the night: the night of a world already faced with epochal challenges and now oppressed by a pandemic severely testing our whole human family. In this night, the Church’s voice rings out: ‘Christ, my hope, is risen!’ ” (Easter Sequence).
The hope brought forth by the risen Christ should, in fact, be the antidote to this pandemic, which spreads from heart to heart like a contagion that would instill trust in the Lord’s goodness. “There is no room for indifference, self-centeredness, division and forgetfulness”, said the Pope.
On that note, Point # 3 of The Way precisely points out the importance of maturity. A trait of character that speaks of being able to control the longings of the self.
The crucified Christ at the main altar of the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain.
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Point # 3     Maturity. Stop making faces and acting up like a child! Your bearing ought to reflect the peace and order in your soul.
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As the pandemic continues with its onslaught of unabated contamination across the globe, the greatest temptation is to close in on oneself; and, allow the deluge of negative information to overwhelm us.
Instead of allowing fear and terror to destroy the psyche of society, St. Josemaria is counseling us to be calm and not lose our composure. Faced with uncertainty of what lies ahead, we turn to the Lord of Hope for He is the master of the universe.
Let the words of Pope Francis in his homily during the Easter Vigil Mass inspire and console us, as follows:
“Tonight we acquire a fundamental right that can never be taken away from us: the right to hope. It is a new and living hope that comes from God. It is not mere optimism; it is not a pat on the back or an empty word of encouragement, with a passing smile. No. It is a gift from heaven, which we could not have earned on our own. Over these weeks, we have kept repeating, “All will be well”, clinging to the beauty of our humanity and allowing words of encouragement to rise up from our hearts. But as the days go by and fears grow, even the boldest hope can dissipate. Jesus’ hope is different. He plants in our hearts the conviction that God is able to make everything work unto good, because even from the grave he brings life.”
TalinMan
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April 13, 2020