Quarantined Wayfarer

Tag: The Way

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
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
A New Dawn Rising at the Horizon
Full moon rising at Alabang
The year 2020 will certainly go down in history as one of the most disruptive eras of the millennia. The devastation brought about by the COVID 19 virus upon the world is like no other. With more than 84.5 million lives infected resulting in 1.8 million deaths, the pandemic spread its swath across the globe leaving millions of people in mental and financial disrepair. Yet, amidst the dark clouds, there appears to be a new dawn rising at the horizon.
As Y2020 moves to a close, one begins to sense a mystical eagerness to see a better and brighter year ahead. Thanks be to God – the world will soon see a new dawn rising at the horizon.
New Year’s Eve Celebration
In anticipation of the coming new year, people would usually prepare for a new year’s eve party with overflowing champagne and aperitif. At the stroke of midnight, people would offer a champagne toast, which is usually capped by a display of fireworks. The new year’s eve revelry continues until a new dawn is seen rising at the horizon. Indeed, the cross-over to the new year speeds through with a big bang!
This year, however, the pandemic has changed the New Year’s Eve celebrations. In lieu of the traditional display of fireworks and mass gatherings for the count-down to the new year, people by default isolate themselves in their homes. In effect, the subdued environment of peace paves the way for self-introspection for a better life for the next new year.
“New Year, New Struggle”
Interestingly, back on new year’s eve of 1971, St. Josemaria Escriva adapted the above-mentioned motto. It was a way of reminding those close to him about the importance of struggling to “begin again to live a new life – a fresh, clean life dedicated in generous sacrifice to God. It was not that any drastic changes were needed, and it was not really because he was on the threshold of a new year. The fact is, as he told them, life is a continual starting over; one is always having to repair the rips in one’s interior life, make acts of contrition, and throw oneself into God’s arms, repentant, like the prodigal son. “Human life is in some way a constant returning to our Father’s house. We return through contrition” (Christ is Passing By, 64).

Furthermore, he added that “We have to fight to keep ourselves from being enslaved by sin, and like that we will obtain peace. “Peace is a consequence of war, of struggle, of the intimate ascetical struggle which each Christian must keep up against everything in our life that does not belong to God. We are called to overcome pride, sensuality, selfishness, superficiality, and meanness of heart” (Christ is Passing By, 73) (Vasquez Prada)
Seeking Happiness
For the coming new year, it is worthwhile to spend some time to ponder upon the longings of the heart. It is good to ask ourselves: am I investing in “treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal”? (Matthew 6:20) St. Josemaria, in fact, sternly warns us to be mindful of the folly of selfishness, as seen in point 29 below:
29
“The limited and pitiful happiness of the selfish man, who withdraws into his shell, his ivory tower . . . is not difficult to attain in this world. But that happiness of the selfish is not lasting.
For this false semblance of heaven are you going to forsake the Joy of Glory without end?
St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way, 29
Virus of Indifference
Indeed, during these pandemic times, it is so easy to clam up into self-isolation. Such a move could easily be justified as a defensive stance against the virus. However, as St. Josemaria advises in point 29, one needs to guard against falling into the trap of egotism. This situation often leads to disaster in that one begins to lose sight of people who need to be helped. Pope Francis aptly described this in his new book, Let Us Dream: The Path to a Better Future: “COVID-19 has unmasked the other pandemic, the virus of indifference, which is the result of constantly looking away, telling ourselves that because there is no immediate or magic solution, it is better not to feel anything.”
TalinMan
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December 30, 2020
A Salute to Apostolic Front-liners: Celibates
“Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel.” Matthew 1:23
As the traditional Simbang Gabi reaches its crescendo, the spirit of joy and thanksgiving pervades the family home. Indeed, Christmas always rekindles the warmth of rebuilding family ties. Truly, everyone can exclaim: “it is good to be home for Christmas!”. Amidst the Christmas frenzy, however, a certain group of lay people remain almost forgotten. I refer to the unsung heroes of the spiritual battlefront: the apostolic celibates. Hence, I dedicate this post as my salute to the apostolic front-liners: the celibates.
Interestingly, in the 1930’s, the young Josemaria Escriva started scribbling his inner thoughts on spirituality. Later on, these notes were then compiled into his classic book of aphorisms entitled The Way. In point no. 28 of the book, he, in fact, salutes the apostolic front-liners: the celibates, referring to them as “officers of Christ’s army.”
28
“Marriage is for the rank and file, not for the officers of Christ’s army. For, unlike food, which is necessary for every individual, procreation is necessary only for the species , and individuals can dispense with it.
A desire to have children? Behind us we shall leave children – many children… and a lasting trail of light, if we sacrifice the selfishness of the flesh.
St. Josemaria Esciva, The Way, 28
Reading between the lines, one could sense the nobility of upholding the celibate life. Clearly, St. Josemaria was alluding to the celibate’s abnegation of the flesh for the sake of illuminating society in accord with the Christian way of life. Thus, he speaks of the celibates, who would have many spiritual children i.e. those who are enlightened by the former.
Unsung Front-liners: Apostolic Celibates
As the fourth industrial revolution lifts off, it is not surprising to see the pervasive influence of social media in family life, politics, economics, entertainment, fashion and lifestyle. Clearly, the ubiquity of the internet and mobile phones has exascerbated an alarming trend towards individualism. Consequently, more and more people have become mobile phone-dependents, leaning towards screen-use addiction. In short, inter-personal relationships are waning. When talking about celibates, I do not refer to those people who have turned recluse or antisocial for mundane reasons such as disillusionment with marriage or frustrations in life. Rather, I refer to the few and select individuals who have chosen to live a celibate life in order to pursue the nobler goals of helping society reach the common good. In a word, these people – the celibates – seek to give themselves as an oblation for the greater glory of God.
Charism of Celibacy
Charism, n. a gift freely given by God to a person or community, for the good and service of others in bringing about the Kingdom of God.
Given the fact that human nature is beclouded by concupiscence, a life of celibacy based on sheer human efforts is bound to fail. For example, the preponderance of pornography in the internet has fostered a social millieu of eroticism and self-gratification. Thus, it would be foolhardy to insist that temptations of the flesh can be easily thwarted by sheer human will power. Such a perception is bound to fail. On the contrary, one would need to be gifted with the charism of celibacy to endure such pitfalls. Hence, it is important for one to discern whether or not the charism of celibacy has been given by God. Afterall, it is the key element that will ensure a person’s fidelity to the commitment to live a celibate life.
Celibacy: a Link to Building up the Kingdom of God
Finally, there is much to be thankful for, specially, the hidden and quiet apostolic efforts of the celibates. Without which, our beloved world of today would perhaps be doomed to perdition. In an essay written by Fr. Donald Cozzens, the author succinctly describes the essential nature of celibacy vis-a-vis the kingdom of God. He states:
” For these individuals, celibacy is their truth—the right way for them to live out their lives. Without disparaging marriage and with regard for the goodness and wholesomeness of human sexuality, they sense a mysterious pull of grace toward singleness that seems to fit with their inner life and spiritual journey. As the Dutch theologian Edward Schillebeeckx once said of the celibate: he or she has an existential inability to do otherwise. Celibates sense, moreover, that herein lies the key to their spiritual freedom; and that fidelity to this mysterious, perplexing gift is all-important. Intuitively, they sense that their gift of celibacy is linked to the mission of building up the Kingdom of God. Charisms, by their nature, are not given for the fulfillment of the individual alone but for the welfare and betterment of others—for the sake of the gospel.”
Fr. Donald Cozzens, Celibacy as Charism, Reflections,Yale University
TalinMan
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December 23, 2020
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
Year 2020: Onset of “Crisis Fatigue”
Street Art, Le Marais, Paris, Nov 2019
Photo collection of TalinMan
The first half of year 2020 certainly stands out as an epoch marked by “crisis fatigue”. Starting in early January, the onslaught of crises began with the assassination of Qasem Soleimani, a major general of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Consequently, this escalated tension between the United States and Iran, which almost precipitated a third world war. Soon after, a volcanic eruption in Taal inflicted damages on life and property in Batangas and the adjoining provinces. As tremors started to subside, subsequently thereafter, the COVID-19 pandemic broke out in Wuhan, China, and quickly spread its virulent attacks across the globe, causing governments to impose strict preventive measures via lockdowns to slow down the rate of contagion amongst nations.
As governments enforced lockdowns, the world literally stood still for as long as 8 – 12 weeks. Unfortunately, the series of enforced home isolations brought to bear unintended consequences: massive layoffs and domestic violence. As of late, the unemployment claims in the US soared to more than 38 million. In the meantime, uncertainties about the pandemic as well as the fate of the economy continue to inflict stress and anxiety amongst the people. “Crisis fatigue” has certainly exacted its heavy toll on the state of well-being of the middle class sector of society.
Meanwhile, as governments prepare for re-entry into the new world order, countless workers remain in the dark insofar as their livelihoods are concerned. The question, therefore, that takes first priority is:
How does one recover from crisis fatigue?
St. Josemaria Escriva proposes his unsolicited advise to those affected by “crisis fatigue”, as follows:
Point no. 11
Will-power. Energy. Example. What has to be done is done. . . without wavering. . . without worrying about what others think. . .
Otherwise, Cisneros * would not have been Cisneros; nor Teresa of Ahumada, St. Teresa; nor Iñigo of Loyola, St. Ignatius.
God and daring! « Regnare Christum volumus! » – « We want Christ to reign! »
St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way

* Cisneros (1436-1517): Spanish Cardinal, Regent of the Throne of Spain and Confessor of Queen Isabela the Catholic. Cardinal Cisneros started the reform of the Church in Spain, anticipating what years later the Council of Trent would start for all Christendom. His courage and strength of character were widely known.
To succeed in navigating the future, there are several pre-conditions that need be established:
1. Establish your goal.
Before one can establish personal goals, it is vital to step back into quiet solitude in order to examine oneself and to find out what are the basic longings of the heart. The question, therefore, to be asked is: what will make me happy? Whether it be mundane targets or spiritual ideals, it doesn’t really matter. The point is that one should establish a goal given a certain timeline. Hopefully, this should provide the impetus to be forward-looking rather than being paralyzed by the crises.
2. Align your strategy.
This phase requires a self-assessment of one’s strengths and weaknesses, taking into consideration threats as well as opportunities. It would require harnessing and honing one’s strengths i.e. knowledge, character and skills, whilst making one’s weaknesses irrelevant. Subsequently, one is then able to draw up a battle plan that would be geared towards achievement of the goal. In effect, once the strategies are put in place, the same should be cast in stone with the conviction to go for it.
3. Go for it.
This is where the rubber meets the road. Point no. 11 will definitely be crucial in paving the way forward. Come hell or high water, one should mobilize all of one’s strengths in pursuing the goal. This will require the strength of character or true grit to face up with headwinds that may pose as obstacles along the way. Will power and energy will be indispensable in order to reach the goal. To the wavering heart, it is good to remember the gospel verse – “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and lookin back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62
4. Pray, pray, pray.
Finally, it would be foolhardy to rely solely on one’s human strength. On the contrary, it would be good to keep in mind that God is always on hand, waiting to be called as collaborator in the pursuit of the goal. Afterall, the words of St. Paul should serve as a good reminder to always keep one’s faith:
“But you must keep steady all the time; put up with suffering; do the work of preaching the gospel; fulfill the service asked of you. . . . I have fought a good fight to the end; I have run the race to the finish; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day.
St. Paul, 2 Timothy 4: 7-8
TalinMan
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June 8, 2020
Seizing the Day, “Carpe Diem”
The Way is a collection of 999 counsels composed by St. Josemaria Escriva.
Today, being Good Friday, I will start a series of blogs that would feature a book on spirituality entitled, The Way, authored by St. Josemaria Escriva, founder of Opus Dei.
The author starts the book with a Prologue, which states:
“Read these counsels slowly. Pause to meditate on these thoughts. They are things that I whisper in your ear-confiding them-as a friend, as a brother, as a father. And they are being heard by God.”
Hence, I shall tackle the points one by one.
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 Point # 1     Don't let your life be sterile. Be useful. Blaze a trail. Shine forth with the light of your faith and of your love.  
With your apostolic life wipe out the slimy and filthy mark left by the impure sowers of hatred. And light up all the ways of the earth with the fire of Christ that you carry in your heart.
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Setting aside time for learning something new. This self-isolation due to COVID-19 affords all of us the time to reflect on the Point #1 above. Instead of just idly wasting the hours that pass us by, it makes sense to set aside a few minutes or hours during the day to pursue hobbies or interests that would uplift or develop your body, mind or spirit.
Striking a balanced schedule. The challenge is to structure a daily schedule that would adequately address one’s particular state in life. In my case, I spend my mornings doing mental prayer and participating in an online mass, after taking breakfast and doing the bathroom rituals. After lunch, I spend at least an hour to study a new course online. Then, I go for my daily one hour exercise, dancing to the beat of Bachatta around my little garden. I find that this not only gives me physical well-being but also uplifts my spirit on account of the beauty of the flowers and plants that I started to notice lately.
Maintaining social contacts. Realizing the importance of social networks, I initiated a “Zoom” conference with some friends; and, apparently they liked it. Hence, we agreed to have a 90 minute virtual cocktails with friends at exactly 5:30 PM daily. This is the fun part of each day, as friends just hang around virtually together to talk about anything under the sun.
With my routine, I find myself quite happy despite the extension of the quarantine until end of April.
C’est la vie!
TalinMan
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April 10, 2020