DAY 9 – Sa Nagkukubling Liwanag (Last Part)

"Jesus looked up... and saw a poor widow. And He said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow put in more than all of them." Lk. 1:1-3

I can relate to the poor widow. I myself am poor.
Yes, I’m also in a moment of poverty or deficiency.
And I believe that it is only God who can best address this neediness of mine. For without Him, I know I will always be poor, remain to be poor.

Without Him, I know I will always be poor emotionally.
I will always find myself seeking for approval and security.
I will always find myself seeking for comfort and attention.
And I will always find myself seeking for love and affection.
Is this ‘EMOTIONAL POVERTY’ your type of poverty?

Without Him, I know I will always be poor spiritually.
I will always be deprived of joy due to my addiction.
I will always be deprived of confidence due to my vices.
And I will always be deprived of life due to my sinfulness.
Is this ‘SPIRITUAL POVERTY’ your type of poverty?

Without Him, I know I will always be poor intellectually.
I will always be incompetent to learn from my past.
I will always be incompetent to prepare for my future.
And I will always be incompetent to make good decisions today.
Is this ‘INTELLECTUAL POVERTY’ your type of poverty?

Lastly, without Him, I will always be poor materially.
I will always be lacking in food, clothing, shelter and in health.
I will always be lacking in finances to give enough for my family.
I will always be lacking in resources to help others generously.
Is this ‘MATERIAL POVERTY’ your type of poverty?

Emotional poverty or poverty of the HEART.
Spiritual poverty or poverty of the SOUL.
Intellectual poverty or poverty of the MIND.
And material poverty or poverty of the STRENGTH.

These I believe are the four general types of poverty that all of us are experiencing. And it is only with God’s help, initiative and generosity that these will be filled. For it is only through Him and with Him, that we can love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and with all your strength. Mk. 12:30

And one more thing.
As God fills our poverty with this kind of love for Him, God will also fills us with this kind of love for ourselves and for our neighbors. Mk. 12:31

All in all, God's answer to human poverty is more than wealth and money.
But his unconditional love and generosity!

Wow! Indeed wonderful.
I cannot believe that God will do this for you and me.
But no. More than 2000 years ago, Jesus proved it.
So today, let us believe it. 
For tomorrow you and I will be celebrating it!

Advance inspiring CHRISTmas to you my friend.

DAY 8 – Sa Nagkukubling Liwanag (First Part)

"Jesus looked up... and saw a poor widow. And He said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow put in more than all of them." Lk. 1:1-3

As we are about to end our 9-day reflection,
Allow me talk with you today regarding poverty.
What it is and its types.

I believe poverty, like charity (love) cannot be fully define or describe.
If you’ve heard a lot of times that ‘Love is a mystery’ allow me to tell you now, that also, ‘Poverty is a mystery.’

Let me give you an overview of what I mean:
“The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is the maker of them all.” Prov. 22:2 (And Diyos ba ang may likha ng kahirapan? Gusto ba N’yang maghirap ang tao? Maaari bang mahirap ka pero mayaman din?)

“I will do this that they may lack bread and water, and look at one another in dismay, and rot away because of their punishment.” Ez. 4:17
(Ang kahirapan ba ay isang parusa? Kapag naghihirap ka ba ibig sabihin may nagawa kang kasalanan?)

For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. Mk. 14:7 (Kung mananatili naman pala sa atin ang mahihirap, para saan pa ang ating mga pagsisikap na tulungan sila?)

“Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.” Lk. 6:21 (Maunawaan kaya ito ng mga nawalan ng kabuhayan at mahal sa buhay dahil sa bagyong Yolanda at Ruby?)

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” 2Cor. 8:9 (Ano kaya ang ibig sabihin nito?)

With all these questions about poverty, indeed, poverty cannot be easily defined. However, looking at these verses above and the rest, the Bible described poverty as a ‘period’ or a ‘moment’ of deficiency or of need.

But wait, it’s not all. (Most dictionaries and authors describe poverty as mentioned above, but not God) To complete. Biblical poverty is a ‘recognized’ moment of deficiency or of need that should be ‘needed’, ‘wanted’ and 'will' be filled.

‘RECOGNIZE’ because someone should accept it, the poor person should admit it in humility.
‘NEEDED’ because there should be someone responding to it. Someone should try to fill the lack or emptiness.
‘WANTED’ because the poor person should be willing to fill his/her emptiness and willing to be helped.
'WILL' because in due time poverty will end. It will 'surely' end.

So, in a larger perspective, biblical poverty is not experienced in isolation. But and should be resolve in transition (step by step) and in communion.
In other words, poverty is never separated from charity.
All the more, it highlights it.

Again, poverty is never separated from charity,
From charity that is best expressed in generosity.

Let us pray. Generous Father, I may not always understand why you allow poverty, sickness, hurts and ignorance to come my way. But I know you will fill me up. That you will help me and send people to fill me up. Yes, in your own time, always in your best time. In Jesus name. Amen.

DAY 7 – Sa Likod ng mga Ulap

"Jesus looked up... and saw a poor widow. And He said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow put in more than all of them." Lk. 1:1-3

“He has looked upon his servant, in her lowliness, and people, forever, will call me blessed.” Lk. 1:48

What happens when we allow Jesus to look upon us?
What happens when we look at ourselves through the lens of Christ?

Like Peter, we’ll see we’re no longer a betrayer but a leader.
And today, like that of the poor widow…
We’ll see ourselves not in poverty but in generosity.

As Don Moen puts it,
“And now let the weak say, ‘I am strong’
Let the poor say, ‘I am rich’”

Here’s one of the biblical inspiration of that song.
“As Jesus LOOKED UP, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also SAW a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this POOR widow has PUT IN MORE than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” Lk. 21:1-4

For the many people around her, maybe the poor widow looks dirty, disgraced, lowly and poor. But in the lens of Christ, in the eyes of heaven, she is pure, blessed, extra ordinary and rich.

Yes, because of the abundance of her hands and not of her pocket,
Because of the generosity of her heart and not of her account,
That Jesus praised her. Jesus chose her. Jesus owned her. Jesus loved her.
Indeed, LOWLY BUT CHOSEN!
Indeed, SHE OWNS NOTHING BUT GOD OWNS HER!

This is what happens when we still become generous amidst our poverty.
This is what happens when we stay humble amidst our abundance.
This is what happens when we allow Jesus to look upon us.
And this is what happens when we see ourselves through the lens of Christ.

Today, look at Jesus.
And see how rich and blessed you are!

Let us pray. Generous Father, help me to see myself today through your loving eyes, and to help others through your loving hands. In Jesus name. Amen.

DAY 6 – Sa Dulo ng Bahaghari (Last Part)

Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly. Lk. 22:60-62

I can relate to Peter.
Like him, I betrayed Jesus.
Not only trice; countless times.

Every time I think of ill thoughts, I betray Jesus.
Every time I speak of trouble, I betray Jesus.
Every time I act selfishly, I betray Jesus.
Every time I escape from prayer, I betray Jesus.

Yes, I confess. Many times I disowned Him.
Publicly and even privately
And because of this, I am poor.
I am ‘Peter’. And I am a betrayer.

But many times also that I see Jesus turning to me.
Looking straight at me with the same look He gave to Peter, saying…
“Chad, kasama ka sa aking mga dasal. Hiniling ko sa aking Ama na hindi ka madaig ng tukso. Na hindi ka mawalan ng pag-asa. Na manatili kang matatag sa kabila ng kalungkutang mararamdaman mo kapag itinatwa mo na ako. Oo, itatangi mo nga ako ng tatlong ulit. Ngunit, uulitin ko sa iyo, huwag kang mawawalan ng pag-asa. Naniniwala ako sa iyo, makakabawi ka. At kapag nakabawi ka na, huwag mo ring kalimutan na tulungan na makabawi ang iyong mga kapatid.”

When I hear these words, I cannot help but cry. Cry bitterly.
After awhile… cry joyfully.
Because I see in the eyes of Jesus a ‘Peter’ who is no longer a sinner, but a winner. I see in the eyes of Jesus, a ‘Peter’ who is no longer bitter, but a ‘rejoicer’. I see in the eyes of Jesus, a ‘Peter’ who is no longer in poverty, but in generosity. I see in the eyes of Jesus a ‘Peter’ who is no longer a betrayer, but a leader. That's Peter in the eyes of Jesus. That's you and I in the heart of Jesus.

Indeed, St. Peter who once acted like a betrayer.
Becomes the hope-filled and holy leader.

“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” Mt. 16:18

"Simon, son of John, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Tend My sheep. John 21: 17

“In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) and said, “Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit…” Acts. 1:15-16

“Then Peter stood up with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning!" Acts 2: 14-15

Lastly. Listen how Peter started his first letter.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a LIVING HOPE through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…” 1 Peter 1:3

Yes, the prophesy and words of Jesus in Luke 22:31 to Peter has come to true. Indeed, Peter became the source of hope for his brothers who like him betrayed Jesus. He became the First shepherd patterned to Christ, the first Pope and ‘hope’ of the Church.

I think at first Peter didn't see this to himself.
I think at first Peter didn't realize this to himself.
It is only because of that ONE STRAIGHT LOOK from Jesus,
That one look of compassion and mercy, that one look of love and generosity.
Has everything started to make sense to Peter.

For Peter knows and accept that in the end he is still loved.
For I believe and accept that in the end you and I are still loved.
That's who we are. In the eyes of Jesus, in the heart of Jesus.

DAY 5- Sa Dulo ng Bahaghari (Part 1)

Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly. Lk. 22:60-62

To Peter’s eyes, he's a liar, a betrayer.
But for Jesus’, he’s the hope of His Church, the leader.

That one straight look, that brief eye to eye contact with Jesus is enough for Peter to realize this. That HE IS LOVED! That he is still OWNED even he disowned Jesus.
.
Yes, this fact I believe is what made Peter to go outside.
He knew that he BETRAYED and DISOWNED Jesus,
But he discovered that he is still LOVED and OWNED by Jesus.
So he didn't only go outside, he wept and wept bitterly.

 Today, let’s start our 2-day throwback (Holy) Thursday.
Allow me to help you see who St. Peter really is-
In the eyes of Jesus, from the heart of Jesus.
From being the betrayer to being the leader.

St. Luke in his gospel above, made us realize why Peter (Simon) go outside and wept bitterly.
Yes, it is because Peter remembered something.
What was that something? What did Peter saw in his memory?
Is it only because Jesus prophesied that he will betray Him and he did?
Here’s what I believe Peter’s complete recollection.

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.” Lk. 22:31-34

Indeed Peter remembered that he promised Jesus that he will be ready to fight and go to prison and even to death with Him (actually he tried, read Lk. 22:50) But he found himself betraying his master three times as Jesus told him. However, I also believe that he did remember the first part of their exchange:

“Simon, kasama ka sa aking mga dasal. Hiniling ko sa aking Ama na hindi ka madaig ng tukso. Na hindi ka mawalan ng pag-asa. Na manatili kang matatag sa kabila ng kalungkutang mararamdaman mo kapag itinatwa mo na ako. Oo, itatatwa mo nga ako ng tatlong ulit. Ngunit uulitin ko sa iyo, huwag kang mawawalan ng pag-asa. Naniniwala ako sa iyo, makakabawi ka. At kapag nakabawi ka na, huwag mong kalimutan na tulungan rin na makabawi ang iyong mga kapatid.”

This is I believe the complete recollection of Peter.
This is also I believe what that STRAIGHT LOOK from Jesus is all about.
To tell Peter. Yes, to reassure Peter.

“I see that out of fear you'll betray me. But remember, please remember Peter. That even before you betrayed me, I already prayed for you. That I forgive you and loved you. Nothing will ever change that. Nothing Peter.”

Then he cried... Then I cried.

Day 4 – Sa Buwan, Makikita Mo Rin Ang Araw

“The eye is the window to the heart.”

Not only poets and actors believe on this, also doctors. According to studies and present medical practices, having your eyes examined will help you see whether you have serious heart problems. Others found also that iris’ lines, dots and colors are related to someone’s personality and traits. If this is true in literature, theater, and medicine; I believe this is also true in the matters of faith. I mean, in the eyes of Christ, you’ll see His heart.

Try to see these things:
“At the SIGHT of the crowds, his HEART was moved with compassion” Mt.9:36. In one occasion, Jesus met a rich man and the Gospel writer said: Jesus, LOOKING at him, LOVED him…” Mk. 10:20-21
Indeed, Jesus’ eyes are the window to His heart.

And one more thing.
Jesus also talks about this eye-heart-body connections. Listen.
“Everyone who LOOKS at woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his HEART.” Mt 5:28
“The lamp of the body is the EYE, if your eye is sound, your WHOLE BODY will be filled with light.” Mt. 7:22

Why I’m talking about this?
Because this is the reason why I asked you to look up and see God.
This is the reason why (I think) the local Church in celebration of the Year of the Poor is inviting us to look at Jesus.

Yes, when we see His eyes, we’ll see His heart.
When we see His heart, we’ll feel how much He loves us.
When we feel how much He LOVES us,
We’ll discover how much He OWNS us.
Amidst our poverty. Regardless of our infirmity.

In a nut shell, in the real eyes of Jesus we’ll realize-
WE OWN NOTHING BUT GOD OWNS US.
In other words- YOU AND I ARE POOR BUT GOD LOVES US.
In the words of Pope Francis – LOWLY BUT CHOSEN. 
This is what I’ve seen in the eyes of Jesus.
This is what you’ll also see in the eyes of Jesus.

I invite you now. This Christmas, look at Jesus.
This Year of the Poor, look at Jesus.
I’m telling you, you’ll see what Peter saw.
You’ll feel what the poor widow felt.

What am I talking about?
Tomorrow you’ll see.
Sa ngayon, masdam mo ang maliwanag na buwan,
Makikita mo rin ang sikat ng araw.

DAY 3 – Minamasdan Ka Rin Nya

What happens when we look at God?
Obviously we see Him. But not only that.
We see ourselves better!

I think God works like a mirror.
We need to stand in front of Him to better see the things we cannot see by ourselves.      
After all, from the start, He revealed that we are His image.
“Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness” Gen 1:26
Therefore, see God, and you’ll see yourself.
Better. Clearer!

And the good news is that this God who works like a mirror-
A spirit and invisible, became flesh and visible for us.
Yes, during that first Christmas- God became man.
Indeed, He became Emmanuel: God-with-us and dwelt among us.

So Mary and Joseph, Elizabeth and John the Baptist saw Him.
The wise men and humble shepherds saw Him.
Peter, James, John and the rest saw Him.
Pharisees, teachers of the law and elders saw Him.
The rich and the poor saw Him.
The sinners, outcasts, sick and even blind people saw Him.

But they never knew, they never knew.
That even before they look at Him, Jesus already saw them.
With the eyes of compassion and mercy.
With the heart of love and generosity.

These are the things that we can see through the eyes of Jesus.
These are the things that we can feel from the heart of Jesus.

Today, look straight at the eyes of Jesus,
And you’ll see how much He loves you.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, through your eyes, I know I'll find myself.
Help me to see you today. Help me to look at you today. Amen.

DAY 2- Kahit Ano Pa Ang Nakita Mo

How can you describe yourself?
According to you, who are you?

Thank you for answering this question yesterday.
If ever you never had the chance,
I invite you to pause for awhile and answer it.

Yes, think about it: Who are you?

I wish I can read your mind.
But sorry for myself, I don’t have that extra power.
However, even though I don’t have any clue about it,
Allow me to tell something that I know about you.

YOU ARE LOVED!

And you know what?
Whatever you told to yourself…
However you look at yourself…
Even though you think bad about yourself…
This someone who loves you OWNS YOU!
And never He will leave you nor condemn you.

How did I come to know this?
Because you looked up.
Because I looked up.
And both, we see God.

Let us end today's reflection by singing the attached song.
Kindly allow its lyrics to linger into your mind and heart today.

DAY 1 – Kailan Ka Huling Tumingala?

There was a time that ‘look up’ has become the craze of many selfies and groupies in social media. Unfortunately, I’ve never have the chance to take my picture that time so even though it’s already passé, I would like to post my only ‘look up’ picture here. Hope you’ll like it.

But why am I looking up? Obviously, as the theme of our advent recollection suggests, 
I would like to invite you to ‘look up’ with me. 
But why look up? In due time, I’ll tell you.

In the mean time, allow me to ask you a question.
When was the last time you look up? Why?
Kailan ka nga ba huling tumingala at Bakit?
Is it for you to see the grandeur of the sky and of the clouds?
Was that eye-catching bird called your attention?
To see whether your mangoes is ready for harvest?
Is it to check whether it will rain or not?
To enjoy the countless stars and breath-taking moon?
Or you’re having a ‘look up’ groupie with your friends?

Why did you look up?
Why and when did you usually look up?
Is it to look at heaven and to see God?

Yes, whatever your reasons for looking up,
Today, I invite you to look up again and see God.
For only in looking and seeing Him,
That we will have a better vision of ourselves.

Prayer: Generous Father, as I start my advent reflections today, help me to look upon your face for I believe that seeing you will lead me to better understanding of myself. In Jesus name. Amen.

Guide questions for reflection: How can you describe yourself today? According to yourself, who are you?

Look up. Advent Recollection for the Year of the Poor

"Jesus looked up... and saw a poor widow. And He said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow put in more than all of them." Lk. 1:1-3

Inspiring day to all!

Today, I invite you to join me in a special advent recollection in preparation for our celebration this CHRISTmas as well as the Year of the Poor. Let us pray that this 9-day reflections help us more to get closer to God- the source of all generosity.

Stay Inspired!