Tuesday, December 25, 2007
DISCLAIMER
Most of the stories herein used are taken from different sources and authors which I already forgot to mention as I forgot from what source and who is the author of which. May God instead give you blessings as I used your stories for my homily and reflection without malice or intention to take your credit. thanks.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
The JOY of CHRISTMAS
A Story:
A husband was waiting for his wife at the airport. When the wife arrived, she immediately ran toward her husband and showered him with her kiss. The wife noticed her husband was indifferent to her. She asked him, "Why are you not excited to see me? I can sense you are not happy." Still there was no reaction from the husband. Then the wife told her husband while pointing her finger to a couple's direction, "See! Why can't you be like that guy who was smiling at his wife? They probably miss each other that is why the woman is crying while giving a hug to her man. I can sense the joy in the heart of that guy." Her husband finally replied, "You know dear, the reason why that guy is happy while I am not, look at where he is standing. I am standing here at the arrival area while that guy is standing at the departure area!"
A Reflection:
Friends, tonight is the first night of our Simbang Gabi. Are you happy/joyful tonight?
People whom I notice enjoying their lives are busy preparing for Christmas. They arrange their Christmas trees, decorate their houses with lights and lanterns, buy gifts for their friends and loved ones, sending greeting cards and text messages, and are excited to celebrate the holy day with their family and special someone. Even the children are happy/enjoying their lives these days. They look forward to receive gifts from their parents and godparents. Some children are waiting for santa Claus to visit them and give them gifts. Indeed, this Christmas season is the season of joy.
But what should be really the real cause of our rejoicing during this season? Is it because of the gifts? Parties? Food? Etc? Or is it because of Christ? I hope people will not forget that it is the birthday of Jesus that we are celebrating this Christmas. It is Jesus who brings us real joy during this season. We have to ask what are the "joys" Jesus has given us. For some, there is reconciliation, for others they have the opportunity to confess their sins. In our church, we give gifts for the poor but we see to it that they are not only after the gifts but also to thank Jesus because there are people who are sharing their blessings to them. There is also a Christmas Party and we do not sing "My Way" here but "God will Make A Way" in order to mark this ocsasion that it is for Christ and not just a human affair. If there is a reason to rejoice and enjoy the spirit of the season, it is because we can reflect on how Jesus has given us many blessings and gifts in life.
A husband was waiting for his wife at the airport. When the wife arrived, she immediately ran toward her husband and showered him with her kiss. The wife noticed her husband was indifferent to her. She asked him, "Why are you not excited to see me? I can sense you are not happy." Still there was no reaction from the husband. Then the wife told her husband while pointing her finger to a couple's direction, "See! Why can't you be like that guy who was smiling at his wife? They probably miss each other that is why the woman is crying while giving a hug to her man. I can sense the joy in the heart of that guy." Her husband finally replied, "You know dear, the reason why that guy is happy while I am not, look at where he is standing. I am standing here at the arrival area while that guy is standing at the departure area!"
A Reflection:
Friends, tonight is the first night of our Simbang Gabi. Are you happy/joyful tonight?
People whom I notice enjoying their lives are busy preparing for Christmas. They arrange their Christmas trees, decorate their houses with lights and lanterns, buy gifts for their friends and loved ones, sending greeting cards and text messages, and are excited to celebrate the holy day with their family and special someone. Even the children are happy/enjoying their lives these days. They look forward to receive gifts from their parents and godparents. Some children are waiting for santa Claus to visit them and give them gifts. Indeed, this Christmas season is the season of joy.
But what should be really the real cause of our rejoicing during this season? Is it because of the gifts? Parties? Food? Etc? Or is it because of Christ? I hope people will not forget that it is the birthday of Jesus that we are celebrating this Christmas. It is Jesus who brings us real joy during this season. We have to ask what are the "joys" Jesus has given us. For some, there is reconciliation, for others they have the opportunity to confess their sins. In our church, we give gifts for the poor but we see to it that they are not only after the gifts but also to thank Jesus because there are people who are sharing their blessings to them. There is also a Christmas Party and we do not sing "My Way" here but "God will Make A Way" in order to mark this ocsasion that it is for Christ and not just a human affair. If there is a reason to rejoice and enjoy the spirit of the season, it is because we can reflect on how Jesus has given us many blessings and gifts in life.
Friday, October 5, 2007
What is inside this booklet -Scarification?
When we are hurting emotionally, we think of many ways to get rid of such pain. We can either ignore or deny it. We can also blame others for causing the pain or plan to get even. Even worse, we actually do something bad against our offender.
What we do not realize is that we do not stop the pain in these ways. There is no easy cure or quick solution to free ourselves from emotional pain. Unlike treating a physical pain wherein we can buy “pain reliever” medicines, the only way out of emotional pain is to deal with it.
So how do we deal with emotional pain? Although we cannot instantly remove it from our hearts, we initially bear it without harming ourselves and others in the process. While we cannot erase the memories that bring back the pain, we should focus on something that will make the pain bearable as we try to find a long-term and lasting solution.
I call this “Scarification”. Its main goal is to show us how to handle pain positively in a way that helps us manage its effects and live as normally as we possibly could.
The word “Scarification” according to Random House Webster’s College Dictionary is a noun for the verb to “scarify” which means: to make scratches or superficial incisions. It is an act of making cuts in the skin.
I first derived my reflection from this idea of “Scarification” because I was amazed with a “scar” being treated more as an art rather than a meaningless mark of a healed wound. Second, in Scarification, one has to endure the pain as the artist cuts one’s skin. The person bears the pain hoping that after the procedures, comes a beautiful design on the skin. With these reasons, I borrowed the word “Scarification” for this work. As a process of handling pain positively, first, people should go through their pain with a hope that at the end they could find meaning in their painful experience. Then they should look at their “Scar Makers/Holders” with compassion as people like them who are also in need of God’s healing.
The mental frameworks which guide me in writing this booklet are:
1. Problems can’t be solved with clouded emotions. Take a step back, breathe deep and re-FOCUS and create the opportunity to make a "conscious choice" in our responses rather than just react.
2. Avoid "Argumentum ad hominem!" Discuss the issue or the problem rather than destroy the offender's/person's credibility.
3. Both the offended and the offender have some degree of “responsibility” regarding the issue or problem. Both are encouraged to seek “resolution” if possible i.e. self-correction and precaution.
4. Resolving the issues takes a creative and innovative act –Scarification is one. There may be other solutions to a single problem –mediation, arbitration, confrontation, compromise and/or reconciliation.
5. Closure is shown through “significant gestures” like hug, handshake, kind words and affirmation. Forgiveness is the highest form of closure. You know you have forgiven if you feel no pain in remembering the painful past.
What we do not realize is that we do not stop the pain in these ways. There is no easy cure or quick solution to free ourselves from emotional pain. Unlike treating a physical pain wherein we can buy “pain reliever” medicines, the only way out of emotional pain is to deal with it.
So how do we deal with emotional pain? Although we cannot instantly remove it from our hearts, we initially bear it without harming ourselves and others in the process. While we cannot erase the memories that bring back the pain, we should focus on something that will make the pain bearable as we try to find a long-term and lasting solution.
I call this “Scarification”. Its main goal is to show us how to handle pain positively in a way that helps us manage its effects and live as normally as we possibly could.
The word “Scarification” according to Random House Webster’s College Dictionary is a noun for the verb to “scarify” which means: to make scratches or superficial incisions. It is an act of making cuts in the skin.
I first derived my reflection from this idea of “Scarification” because I was amazed with a “scar” being treated more as an art rather than a meaningless mark of a healed wound. Second, in Scarification, one has to endure the pain as the artist cuts one’s skin. The person bears the pain hoping that after the procedures, comes a beautiful design on the skin. With these reasons, I borrowed the word “Scarification” for this work. As a process of handling pain positively, first, people should go through their pain with a hope that at the end they could find meaning in their painful experience. Then they should look at their “Scar Makers/Holders” with compassion as people like them who are also in need of God’s healing.
The mental frameworks which guide me in writing this booklet are:
1. Problems can’t be solved with clouded emotions. Take a step back, breathe deep and re-FOCUS and create the opportunity to make a "conscious choice" in our responses rather than just react.
2. Avoid "Argumentum ad hominem!" Discuss the issue or the problem rather than destroy the offender's/person's credibility.
3. Both the offended and the offender have some degree of “responsibility” regarding the issue or problem. Both are encouraged to seek “resolution” if possible i.e. self-correction and precaution.
4. Resolving the issues takes a creative and innovative act –Scarification is one. There may be other solutions to a single problem –mediation, arbitration, confrontation, compromise and/or reconciliation.
5. Closure is shown through “significant gestures” like hug, handshake, kind words and affirmation. Forgiveness is the highest form of closure. You know you have forgiven if you feel no pain in remembering the painful past.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Scarification: The Art of Turning Painful Memories into Purposeful Moments
“In most of our life’s pain, we realize there is a person who hurts, a person who is hurt, good people who help, and a God Who heals.”
For those who are emotionally hurt because of what others have done against them, hopefully this booklet can help you in your journey towards your own healing through the path of “Scarification” and “Forgiveness”.
The examples, exercises and stories presented here can easily guide you to reflect on your own situation. Though the personal stories here are all real, names and some details of the events are changed to protect the persons’ privacy.
God bless us all!
For those who are emotionally hurt because of what others have done against them, hopefully this booklet can help you in your journey towards your own healing through the path of “Scarification” and “Forgiveness”.
The examples, exercises and stories presented here can easily guide you to reflect on your own situation. Though the personal stories here are all real, names and some details of the events are changed to protect the persons’ privacy.
God bless us all!
BOOK LAUNCHING will be on October 25, 2007, 6:30 in the evening at the Resurrection of Our Lord Parish, B. F. Homes Parañaque Phase I.
For more information, please contact Pam or/and Carol @ telephone number, 842-5434.
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