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Tag: Christianity

  • BY BEING TOGETHER, NOT IN SUFFERING ALONE

    BY BEING TOGETHER, NOT IN SUFFERING ALONE

    September 15, 2025 – Monday, Memorial of the Our Lady of Sorrow

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091525.cfm)

    Having a wisdom tooth growing can completely destroy your day. Having a headache can affect your daily activities. When pain becomes unbearable, it affects our daily routine and activities, our work and studies, even our relationships.

    Who would really want to be in pain? As much as possible, we avoid pain. The medical science developed pain relievers to take away gradually or instantly the aches and pains we feel in our body. Anesthesiologists are there to assist patients who will undergo surgery through the use of anesthesia.

    Yet, no remedy can be given to a heart that is bruised, abused, betrayed or humiliated. No doctor can inject anesthesia to a deep emotional pain. It can even linger and worsen with time. Emotional pain can also be unbearable and life-threatening when it is faced alone.

    On this memorial of Mary, the Our Lady of Sorrows, we are reminded that pain in itself is part of life. No one can escape pain. All of us will meet pain in different degrees and aspects of life.

    However, this celebration reminds us of the wonder and comfort in facing and enduring pain when we are with others.

    Remember the prophecy of the old Simeon as told to us in the Gospel of Luke. When the baby Jesus was brought by the couple, Joseph and Mary to the Temple, Simeon had caught sight of Light, the salvation of the world. However, this child will be responsible for the rise and fall of many in Israel. This means that the humble, the poor and those marginalized by the society will rise into the heart of God. Yet, he will be the fall of the powerful, the self-righteous and the corrupt.

    Hence, the infant will be a contradiction, a counter-culture. The child will bring change and transformation to all that can be painful to those who seek comfort and power, titles and riches.

    Being a contradiction to the world, the child himself will undergo a terrible pain of betrayal, of dying and death. With this, no amount of pain reliever or anesthesia can aid. The same amount of pain was also given to the mother of the child, to Mary.

    Simeon prophesied, “you yourself a sword will pierce.” Mary’s heart will be pierced with so much sorrow and pain. Every blow to Jesus, Mary also endured. Every insult to her Son, Mary also suffered. Every agony of Jesus, Mary also agonized.

    However, despite all these gruesome and painful events in the life of Mary, she did not hide. Mary did not escape into dreams and denial. Mary bravely confronted pain by being with her Son, by journeying with him until his last breath.

    Unlike the men disciples of Jesus who hid and ran away from pain, Mary bravely faced that sword piercing her heart. She suffered in silence along with her Son.

    Yet, what made Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows to have the courage?It was love that sustained Mary. It was her deep concern and affection to the person whom she loved that moved her to be with Jesus and to also suffer with him. To the suffering Son on the cross, the presence of her mother was the best comfort he had. The presence of Mary was more powerful than any pain reliever and any amount of anesthesia to the dying Son.

    Although, Mary’s presence did not take away the pain, but her presence made Jesus to be more resolved that there is hope in humanity.Mary’s presence on the cross is a testament to God that humanity can show so much concern and love to a suffering person. That’s why pain is never the end, suffering is never the last thing in life. The glory of the resurrection of Jesus tells us of that freedom from pain and promise of joy.

    We can attain that, by being together, not suffering alone. It is in allowing others to suffer with us or by allowing ourselves to suffer with others. We realize then, to live life will bring pain in us, but it will also bear fruit joy because of being with our friends and loved ones.

    On this feast of Mary, we are also called to be an instrument like Mary, to give comfort to those who are suffering and in pain in many ways, physically, spiritually or emotionally. Let our presence be an assurance of friendship, of love and concern to those who are in terrible pain this moment. For those who are in pain also, never retreat, deny or hide the pain or escape from pain, but allow others to journey with you. Allow those who love you to hold you and to embrace you. They may not take away the pain you are feeling, but let their presence, friendship and love be your source of comfort and confidence in your painful moments. Hinaut pa.

  • DOPIMories

    DOPIMories

    Sometimes, the greatest lessons come not from classrooms, but from the encounters with people. When I joined the DOPIM Youth Congress in Molave, Zamboanga, I expected a simple gathering like talks, activities, and meeting new people. But what I did not expect was how the experience would eventually reshape the way I see life, faith, and relationships. In just a few days, I have realized a lot of things. One of those, is how God speaks through experiences, through strangers, and through the moments we often take for granted.

    At first, I was nervous about going to our foster homes. I kept asking myself, “What if strict ang tagbalay? What if makasab-an mi didto?” Yet, when I met Nanay Magno, all my fears disappeared. She welcomed me and Ate Tina warmly, fed us dinner, and even told us that she considered us like her own granddaughters in our very first meeting. That simple act of kindness moved me deeply. She made me understand that hospitality is not only about offering food or a place to stay, it is about making someone feel valued and loved. I also realized that to welcome others is to mirror Christ’s love. Just as how Nanay Magno made us feel at home in her own home.

    Another special part of the congress was meeting other youth from different dioceses. I really enjoyed this because we got to know each other and joined in different activities like the recreational activities and open fora. It made me appreciate the importance of making friends, share experiences, and support one another in our faith. It also reminded me that we are not alone in our journey, since many others are walking the same path with us.

    The next lesson I learned, was about the responsibility of the youth. During the talks of Rev. Ryan Jill H. Joaquin and Rev. Fr. Jomil C. Baring CSsR, I learned how powerful technology can influence our lives. Social media and Artificial Intelligence can either build us or break us. They can form our values or deform them. As young people, we are the natives of this digital world. It is very easy to fall into the traps of algorithms, trends, and even toxic comparisons. But as youth, we must be responsible users, to use social media as a tool for good, to speak truth instead of spreading hate, and to evangelize others.

    One line that struck me the most, was from the homily of Bishop Edwin, “As youth, be the best of what you can be, and be the best of what the world expects you to be.” For me, this is more than just a statement, it is a mission. I realized that we, the youth, are not just the future. We are also the present. Our words, choices, and actions online and offline can influence people around us.

    The last lesson was to cherish our elders. Staying with Nanay Magno reminded me of my own lola back home. I noticed how Nanay faithfully prayed the rosary, even though her family at home did not join her. Both me and Ate Tina felt her loneliness. It made me wonder how many times Nanay hoped that her family would also join her, because even I cannot deny that there is a different kind of happiness when we pray to God with our love ones.

    Perhaps, somewhere around the world, many of our elders suffer quietly, even when surrounded by loved ones. They give. They serve. They pray. But sometimes it felt like they are left unnoticed. It made me see how important it is to take better care of them, to listen to their stories, to value them, and to love them while we still can. Because tomorrow is never promised and we do not know what happens next.

    Looking back, DOPIM gathering was more than just a congress. It was a chance to meet God through people, talks, sharing and experiences. At first, I felt scared and unsure, but I went back with peace and direction. I learned that hospitality means opening my heart, responsibility means being a good example in today’s digital world, and valuing elders means showing love before it’s too late.

    Joining the 9th DOPIM Youth Congress was such an eye opener for me and specially for us youth. They brought us closer to God, to ourselves, and to others. They reminded us that as youth, we are not there just to participate, but to understand how to live with purpose, responsibility, and love.

    A reflection of the 9th DOPIM Youth Congress by Maria Jorean D. Traya from Agusan del Sur. Jorean is a first year Biology student at Mindanao State University – Main Campus, Marawi City. She is a member of the Catholic Students’ Organization of the Blessed Virgin Mary Chaplainy, MSU Main, Marawi City.

  • WALK IN HIM, ROOTED IN HIM, BUILT UPON HIM

    WALK IN HIM, ROOTED IN HIM, BUILT UPON HIM

    September 9, 2025 – Tuesday 23rd Week in Ordinary Time

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/090925.cfm)

    How do we make decisions? What are the things that we consider as we choose what is essential in life?

    Paul in his Letter to the Colossians, reminded the people not to be persuaded by selfish desires, “seductive philosophy” and perhaps appealing ideologies at that time. People might be tempted on impulse to choose and make decisions in their life based on what was popular and appealing to many.

    Hence, Paul said, “as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in him, rooted in him and built upon him and established in the faith as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.”

    To walk in him, be rooted in him and be built upon him is to make Jesus Christ at the very center of our life, of the decisions we make and the things that we do and we want to be. This is how we share in the fullness of Jesus’s humanity and divinity.

    And the Gospel today gives us the invitation on how we will be able to remain in Jesus and share in the fullness of God’s grace. This is shown himself by Jesus, and that is through the basics of prayer. As Jesus chose his closest disciples whom he also called apostles, Jesus spent a night in prayer to his Father in heaven.

    Jesus prayed. In fact, he spent the whole night in prayer as an act of communion with the Father, He listened to his Father’s voice speaking in him. This means that he did not choose the 12 just out of compulsion or feelings. Jesus chose each of them according to God’s desire. This was how Jesus also saw something in each of them, including Judas. Jesus saw something very good in Judas. Yet, Judas failed to see and recognize what the Lord had seen in him. As a result, Judas betrayed Jesus because Judas failed to recognize God in the person of Jesus.

    The Gospel also tells us that the people who were gathered around Jesus sought to touch the Lord. They realized that by mere touching him, they were healed. Power came forth from Jesus himself. And Jesus allowed them to touch him. This expressed God’s desire that indeed we are welcomed to share in the fullness of God’s grace that brings healing and gives life.

    We too are invited to touch God. Because it is in touching God that we will become grounded in whatever decision we will make. In touching the presence of Jesus in our sacraments, in the scriptures and in the lives of others that we too are able to walk with Jesus. When we become more aware of God in our life, then, the more we become sensitive to God’s desire for us and be rooted in Jesus. So, let us seek God’s desire in prayer and be built upon him. Hinaut pa.

  • TO AFFIRM, TO REJECT, TO BE ALONE

    TO AFFIRM, TO REJECT, TO BE ALONE

    I learned three things in my recent Youth Encounter Facilitators’ Training – To Affirm, To Reject, To be Alone is Good.

    Indeed, these three lessons are part of our life situations. Some of us may have avoided one or all the three. Some are afraid to face it. Some may not be able to recognize that they are doing something good. During our sessions, a question popped up in my head, “ Is it okay to not experience this or feel such emotions?”

    I used to struggle with receiving affirmations from others. When someone would complement me, I would easily downplay it or say ‘it’s nothing special.’ I would respond with ‘dili uy’ or ‘taka raman ka’  (It is not true) instead of simply acknowledging it and saying “thank you.”

    I felt uncomfortable receiving praise. I worried that people were just joking or being insincere. This made it hard for me to give affirmations too. I feel pressured to maintain a certain image and expectations. Even in expressing my faith like in simple praying, felt challenging. I struggle to acknowledge God’s blessings and goodness in my life.

    Yet, I was so touched with Simon’s story who became Peter after Jesus’ affirmation. That story inspired me. It challenged me to practice receiving and giving affirmations, genuinely. I want now to acknowledge others’ efforts and kindness, and express gratitude for God’s blessings. Though, it is still a work in progress, but I’m learning to embrace affirmations as a way to build connections and celebrate goodness.

    When we too are rejected or doing the rejection towards others, it can leave us feeling disappointed, hurt, and uncertain. However,  the story of the 2 blind men shows me a different perspective. They were rejected by the crowd, who saw them as helpless and dirty. The crowd judged them and got angry, but Jesus listened to their cries for help. Jesus stopped, called them over, and asked what they needed. At that moment, the blind men felt seen, heard, and valued. Jesus recognized their worth and importance, and they felt accepted.

    This story teaches me that even in rejection, we can find acceptance and love. Jesus’ actions show me now that everyone deserves to be heard, seen, and valued. I learned that I must offer kindness, compassion, acceptance. It is a call for me to listen to others and to recognize the worth and value in every person I encounter.

    I used also to fear being alone, left out, or not chosen. Many young people, including myself, dread silence, thinking that it means being alone. Yet, I’ve learned that being alone can also be good. To be alone, we can also sense God’s presence, recognize His work, and find peace. When we are feeling down, it’s okay to be alone because God is always with us.

    In silence, we can Hear God’s gentle voice, reflect on our thoughts and emotions, find calmness and peace and grow closer to God. I realized that being alone doesn’t mean being abandoned, it can also mean being with God. Embracing silence helps us trust in His presence and love.

    Is it okay to not experience this or feel such emotions? It can be yes or no. Yet, for me, this is necessary to be in touched with myself and be closer with God. It teaches me to  also rely on God’s strength in my weakness or darkest time

    A reflection by Joseph S. Funo-an, who was sent in Cebu City last August 17-22, 2025 for the Youth Encounter – Virac Model and YE-Facilitators Seminar Workshop (YE-FSW). He recently graduated at Mindanao State University, Main Campus, Marawi City, in Bachelor in Elementary Education.

  • SELFLESS

    SELFLESS

    September 7, 2025 – 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

    Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/090725.cfm)

    A recent Facebook post catches my attention. It is about a young man named Seth Adam Smith who realized, after being married for a year and a half, and said that: “Marriage is not for me”…. Why? Because after all these months of marriage with his teenage sweetheart, he comes to understand now what his father’s advice to him before his wedding day, is becoming true and right before his very eyes.

    His dad once said to him then: “Seth, remember marriage is not for you. You don’t marry to make yourself happy. You marry to make someone else happy. More than that, marriage is not for yourself. You are marrying FOR a family and for your future children. Marriage is not for you. It is not about you. Marriage is about the persons & people you marry to.”

    Surely married couples here could relate to this realization or advice. For marriage is indeed not really for the sake of oneself but for the sake of your lifetime partner and family.

    And so eventually married couples have to learn along the way that marriage is not all about me or about I but about US. And surely such realization is a hard-lesson to learn where learning happens only through trial and error experience. To be SELFLESS, i.e. to be not selfish and self-centered then is the very challenge of committed love we called marriage.

    For love is more than just a feeling or emotion but a commitment and decision to go beyond and give up oneself for the sake of the other. In other words, in marriage – in committed love, couples are to love their own spouse as much as, and as more than they love themselves and they love one another.

    This is the very kind of love Jesus asked of us in His commandment of love when he said: “Love one another as I have loved you”. A love much and more than our kind of love, but a selfless love for the sake of the other, and a love that leads us to a life and a world that is not the same as it is, but for the better of us. A married life committed in love not for your own but for the sake of your loved ones and of loving them, and above all for our Lord Jesus Christ.

    It is indeed easy nowadays for people to say: “Not for me”. Priesthood? Not for me. Religious life? Not for me. Marriage? Not for me. And even perhaps, Christianity? Not for me. But come to think of it, priesthood, religious life, marriage – following Jesus is indeed not for Me nor for You, but for Him; not about Me or You, but about Him whom we love & follow in life as Christian. And Christians who opted for Christ is saying that their discipleship is SELFLESS – not for them but for Him whom they choose to follow in life.

    For what it is to be a Christian? What does it cost to be a disciple of Christ? To be a Christian, as Jesus taught us today is like marriage, more than just a preference but a commitment.

    To follow Christ is not just we prefer Christ in our dealings with life – that we want and like Christ to be part of our lives, but it is to commit ourselves to the Christian way of life. To commit to Christ then is to be selfless, i.e. letting go of ourselves and letting God be God in our lives.

    On one hand, selflessness involves letting go, i.e. as Jesus said: to renounce – to give up everything. And this us not easy, because usually we prefer to have, possess, acquire, and own everything.

    But Jesus reminds us that the Kingdom of God is more than what we prefer and desire (want and like) in life, but it is what God’s wants and wills what is best for our life. Like Seth who realized that “Christian Marriage is not for me…not for my sake but for the best and sake of my partner, and my own family”.

    Being His disciples then is not about being self-oriented, self-centered & inward-looking, but rather being other-oriented, other-centered & outward-looking. And the Kingdom of God is then not about You and I, not even about yours & mine. But God’s kingdom is all about We and Ours, and above all about HIM, as our Lord and we, as His disciples.

    On the other hand, selflessness requires to letting God be God, that is to submit to God’s will. Human as we are we like to be in control, to lead and to be the master. In a way we prefer to take the driver’s seat and take the steering wheels, and go where we want to go.

    But following Christ means to commit and submit to God’s will for us, and let God control, lead, guide, and form the direction of our lives. This means that we become passengers, and let Jesus takes the wheels and brings us to place and time in our life beyond our imaginings.

    Again, be reminded what Jesus is saying to us in our gospel today: to BE HIS disciple is to hate our life, carry our crosses & follow Him, and renounce all our possessions… all for the sake of and because of HIM.

    Jesus himself, by his words and examples, has shown us how to be selfless by letting go and letting God be God. In the same way, for us to fully fulfill God’s kingdom in our lives, as Christians, pray we must that we selflessly commit our lives to Christ (as Christian husband, wife, mother, father, priest, religious nuns or brothers, sons and daughters, family) by letting go and letting God be God with total commitment for Him (and, not for the sake of me, you, & ours alone) in faith & life. AMEN.