STARRY, STARRY NIGHT ...

Feb 10, '10 8:35 PM for everyone

On the eve of his 60^th birthday, a friend posted this comment on the web which I am taking the liberty to reproduce thus:
“For very personal reasons, I can't and I won't be active again in the --- association. Suffice it to say that my past involvement in the association was an awakening (rude?), despite the personal disappointments and frustrations.
I just hope that more and more ex-seminarians from CKMS use what they learned not for their own personal interests but for others who are less fortunate.
Para sa lahat ng mga pinalad na pumasok at nagaral sa CKMS, sana'y mabawasan na ang mga dadaan, pormahan, papogian, paplastikan, at dagdagan na lang ang paggawa ng mabuti dahil ang paggawa ng mabuti ay mabuti.
Tulad ng marami, marami akong mga kakulangan at mga kalabisan, at ayaw ko ng maragdagan pa ang aking mga kasalanan...
Salamat sa lahat ng mga nakilala at nakasama sa association na may mabuting kalooban para sa kapwa.”

Needless to say, I hope this valued friend would eventually reconsider.  Without wishing to justify, apologize for nor condone the many faults, mistakes, frailties  of its members, I believe all human associations and societies have their intrinsic imperfections and shortcomings.

“You must, therefore, be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect." --Matt. 5:48

It’s a good standard, a perfect standard, but an impossible standard and Jesus knew it.  How could Jesus not have known about the treachery of Judas or Peter’s denial of Jesus, the cowardice and unfaithfulness of his disciples?  And yet, Jesus chose to live with them, ate with them…taught them everything he knew – including the power to cast out devils. Mt. 10:1.

It’s true that those of us who had such intensive seminary training should be expected to know a little better and act accordingly. Alas, we are just as sinful and imperfect as the next guy.

The problem is that some of us turned out to be more sincere, more pious, more dedicated than others.  Does it mean that the rest do not deserve the rarified company of the saints?  Quite the contrary, I believe the virtuous are mandated to be the leaven, the light and the salt of the world. Mt. 5:13-16

The problem is that some of us are simply too sincere, too dedicated, too concerned to promote the kingdom of God that they have become a rare breed.  The seminary can do that to people. Thus they feel out of place in the company of lazy, lackadaisical, uncommitted and indifferent workers in the vineyard of the Lord.  

Was that perhaps the reason why in the end, Jesus was heard to state that “my kingdom is not of this world.”  REGNUM MEUM NON EST DE HOC MUNDO. Jn. 18:36

My friend, I am reminded of the song “Vincent” by Don McLean.

“And now I think I know what you tried to say to me…
how you suffered for your sanity
how you tried to set them free.
They would not listen
they're not
list'ning still
perhaps they never will.

…this world was never
meant for one
as beautiful (as loving, as caring…as sincere) as you.”
James L.

 

reply

reply cecilpf wrote on Feb 10, '10 Fratres, Let's rise above our human differences and limitations. These are inescapable realities we have to deal with. To overcome these "pagkukulang", let us recall those simple but powerful words: "Whenever two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them." and so..."Love one another as I have loved you" No other than our Lord Jesus urged us. Thus, look at the early Christians..."See how they love one another!" If this were true for the past 2000 years, to those who TRULY believe in Jesus, how much more should we make this a reality in our lives. As contemporary Christ-ians, more specifically followers of the Divine Word, let this Love be diffusive, from within and without. Let this circle of love be all encompassing to the exclusion of nobody.

reply butchcelestial wrote on Feb 10, '10 . . . . . everyone therefore should be involved in some kind of 'ministry'. As Christ ministered to us, let us minister to others . . . . . . know them, be their friend, help them, and if possible, show them the light of Jesus Christ. For these are, in the final analysis the kingdom He was talking about.

reply resumus wrote on Feb 12, '10, edited on Feb 12, '10 While there may be differences in the levels of sincerity, piousness, or dedication, the more crucial gap may lie somewhere else. It is accepted that the needy requires attention. But the term "needy" may carry several definitions. The "needy" may be the slum-dwellers; they may also be the sorrowing orphans and widows, the oppressed who need genuine legal help, the sick who need protection from medical malpractices, the consumers who are victimized by unscrupulous merchants thus substantially reducing their purchasing power, among several other neglected areas of concern. In short, the perceived indifference of some XVDs MAY not truly be disinterest or dispassion but rather there may exist a different way of looking at missions and priorities. Imperative questions, therefore, are: Are those expected to help the needy equally needy themselves but in a different unexpressed area? Are those expected to help capable of truly helping in a SUSTAINABLE manner given their own unique circumstances? Are the expectations realistic? Is it necessary to duplicate to excess the spiritual function of the SVD or should the proposed lay group focus on a different albeit supportive role?

reply francisac wrote on Feb 12, '10 Blessed are they who expect nothing, for they shall not be disappointed.

reply resumus wrote on Feb 12, '10, edited on Feb 12, '10 Of course, I truly appreciate it that Kuya Kaka ventilated his apprehension relative to an apparent charade. From what I have gathered, he has been in almost all of the discussions and activities conducted by the different SVD alumni groups. His misgivings are worth contemplating on both by each individual and by the group. I have followed his foray thru the muddy roads left behind by Ondoy, I could not help but admire his seemingly inexhaustible energy in extending help to the flood victims. I could not have done any better, given my younger body. He would indeed be a great loss to the group if he does not reconsider his decision. But knowing his loving selfless heart (even if I have come to know him only thru Multiply & homecomings), I'm inclined to believe that, sooner or later, he'll again be ready to do more XVD work. Sana nga. Sana naman.

reply elmersarmiento wrote on Feb 12, '10 certainly, we have differences and we have to accept this fact. but still, let us not forget the objectives of XVD (alliance with SVD, camaraderie among XVDs, renew our SVD spirituality).

reply jeemsdee wrote on Feb 13, '10 elmersarmiento said the objectives of XVD (alliance with SVD, camaraderie among XVDs, renew our SVD spirituality  Tnx, Kuya ELMER. You have managed to capture in not so many words what the XVD is all about. What is more, you have shown us through the years that despite personal disappointments, differences, and sacrifices you have had to endure, you continue to lead and support us with your quiet, edifying and dignified presence. You are an inspiration. With you and your kind around, I am confident the XVD will continue to muddle through and eventually find its merry if scenic way toward the Kingdom promised by our Lord to the patient and compassionate. From now on, I hereby dub thee the XVD's PETER. Tu es petrus!

reply elmersarmiento wrote on Feb 13, '10 Thank you James for the nice words. But I don't have a halo, like Peter. I am aware that when a halo falls, it's only a few inches to be a noose.