Day 61: Moving on...

I went out early today to apply for my Carta d’Identita which requires me in dealing with other transactions. I was told that it’s way easy to accomplish than the permesso di soggiorno but I don’t want to take a risk especially if you already had a grueling experience with the system. I was glad I was able to obtain it without dropping a sweat simply because the attitude of the people in Roma Commune is highly commendable. This experience is a breather from my increasing dislike to unprofessionalism and racism in this country.  When you meet people like we met today, you will not only appreciate Rome for its history and architecture but also for its inner beauty.

Now that I have my Permesso di Soggiorno and Carta d’itentita, I can now apply for driver’s license, metro ticket, health insurance and postal pay. I’m getting there, piano a piano. 

Day 60: Organization

After a week hiatus I am finally moving towards my daily routine, especially with regards to my study periods. My health is still a little bit off – minor headaches and muscle constraint – but generally I am okay. The weather is very ideal too except during early morning or late at night which can be very cold.  My week kicked off with the right attitude and so my days are pretty smooth and stress free.  

Day 59: And

Since man has knowledge of the good and evil, contrast has become  the standard expression of life:
1. beauty and the beast
2. black and white
3. heaven and hell
4. saint and sinner
5. sheep and goat
6.matter and form
7. body and soul
8. man and woman
9. life and death
10. summer and winter
And many more...
But along these lines is one Truth and one LORD of all.

Day 58: Kawalan

(Unang Linggo sa panahon ng Kwaresma - Marcos 1. 12-15)

Nasubukan na ba ninyong umiyak o tumawa ng walang dahilan? ‘Yung tipong may nagtanong kung bakit ka umiiyak ang sagot mo ay hindi ko alam? Ang tawag du’n ay “Sisa.” Nasubukan ninyo na bang umalis ng bahay at sumakay sa Metro o bus na walang malinaw na pupuntahan? Ang tawag du’n “Jet setter.” Nangyari na ba sa inyo na magpunta sa Simbahan upang magdasal subalit hindi ka makasambit ng nais mong sabihin? Ang tawag naman dito, “The Tourist.” O may mga pagkakataon na ang pakiramdam mo pagud na pagod ka kahit  wala ka namang mabigat o gaanong ginawa  buong araw? Ang ibig sabihin nito, “tumatanda ka na.”

Sa walang birong usapan, ang lahat ng mga pangyayaring ito ay tumutukoy sa mga karanasanan natin ng “kawalan.” Ito ang karanasan na ang pakiramdam natin ay may kulang, walang buhay, ‘dryness,’ ligalig, o ‘restless.’ Hindi ito kanais-nais na karanasan kaya ang pangkaraniwan nating tugon dito ay ang maghanap ng pupuno sa ating kawalan. Sinu ba naman ang may gusto na magtagal sa kawalan? Subalit ang kadalasan nating natatagpuan na mga pampuno ay mga bagay na hindi tumpak at pang matagalan.

Ipinapaunawa sa atin sa Ebanghelyo na ang kawalan, isa man siyang nakakatakot na lugar, karanasan o kalagayan, ay isang malaking pagkakataon upang maunawaan natin na ang Diyos lamang ang tanging makapagpupuno sa atin. Dito natin makikita na Siya lamang ang makatutugon sa pagkauhaw, pagkagutom, sa pagiging salat at tuyo ng buhay. At sa mga panahon o pagkakataon na tayo ay natukso, nagkamali, naligaw, naging matigas ang ulo, naging marupok, nakalimot; na tayo man ay dumanas ng ‘disyertong buhay,’ mayroon tayong pag-asang makabangon at makabawi, dahil pagkatapos ng apatnapung araw, ang Diyos tulad sa unang pagbasa ay muling makikipagtipan sa atin.

Binigbigyang diin hindi ang kalunus-lunos at pangambang sasapitin natin sa disyerto kundi ang bagong pakikipagtipan ng Diyos sa atin – ang Diyos ang nangako at ito’y matutupad. Si Hesus, bilang Sugo ng Diyos ang sumasakatawan ng pangakong ito, dahil kay Hesus nagkaroon ng kaganapan ang Banal na Tipan ng Diyos sa tao.

Ang panahon ng Kwaresma ay panahon ng pagninilay sa ating ‘disyertong’ pamumuhay; panahon ng pananalangin upang mapagtagumpayan natin ang hindi kalugud-lugod na kalagayan ng ating buhay; pagbibigay ng sarili para sa paglilingkod. Ang lahat ng ito ay nakatuon sa pananabik natin sa kaganapan ng pangako ng Diyos – sa muling pagkabuhay ng ating Panginoong Hesukristo.

Day 57: Here I am to Worship

The season of Lent is also remembering the covenant God made with us which lead us back to Sabbath.

Day 56: I surrender all

In the season of Lent, let us remember of two things:
1. God's love endures forever.
2. Surrender to His infinite goodness and love.

Day 55: The Fighter

Allow yourself to be down and you’ll find yourself dragged and exploited. It takes a quick decision to be happy, to do good and avoid evil. 

Day 54: Back in Business

I had my first full meal after three days of avoiding heavy food and drink. It was a good decision to go out and dine with friends. We had a Filipino meal – tosino, longgonisa and beef steak, with fried and white rice. Although worried that my stomach and liver were not yet ready for a full meal of such kind, I was compelled by my sense appetite and enjoyed every bite. Thankfully, I was okay after the meal, and hours after the meal. Otherwise, I will be writing gloomy lines again.  

Day 53: Lenten Season Begins

1.    Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of this forty day liturgical period of prayer and fasting.

Ashes were used in ancient times, according to the Bible, to express mourning. Dusting oneself with ashes was the penitent's way of expressing sorrow for sins and faults. 

The priest, minister, or in some cases officiating layperson, marks the forehead of each participant with black ashes, which the worshipper traditionally retains until it wears off. In some countries, the ashes are placed in the shape of a cross; in others, for example Ireland, there is no particular shape to the ash mark.

The act echoes the ancient Near tradition of throwing ashes over one's head to signify repentance before God. The priest or minister says one or both of the following when applying the ashes:

‘Remember that thou art dust, and to dust thou shalt return.’

-Gen 3.19-

‘Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.’

-Mk 1.15-

2.    The liturgical imposition of ashes on Ash Wednesday is a sacramental and not a sacrament. In the Catholic understanding of the term the ashes themselves are also a sacramental. In the Catholic Church, ashes, being sacramentals, may be given to anyone who wishes to receive them, as opposed to Catholic sacraments which are generally reserved for church members, except in cases of grave necessity.

3.    a. Sacramentals are material objects, things or actions (sacramentalia) set apart or blessed by the Roman Catholic Church, the Orthodox Churches, and the Anglican Churches to manifest the respect due to the Sacraments, and so to excite good thoughts and to increase devotion, and through these movements of the heart to remit venial sin, according to the Council of Trent. In Roman Catholicism, sacramentals such as holy water, the crucifix are recommended as a means of protection against evil.

b. The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines the Sacraments as "efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us.” The visible rites by which the sacraments are celebrated signify and make present the graces proper to each sacrament. They bear fruit in those who receive them with the required dispositions.

Day 52: My Bad

Skipping the day to write something was not part of the plan. But my body said otherwise. I was in bed the whole day, weak and pale, and can't eat anything 'heavy'. Coffee was prohibited and again I started drinking water and juice. It was really frustrating to know how one can be so vulnerable  when dealing with health issues. Hopefully I will get back into full gear in no time.

Day 51: Down...

c/o friant-movieworld.blogspot.com

I am knocked down with a terrible cold and happens also that my liver is overloaded and overworking due to a ‘too relax’ lifestyle. Accordingly, I have to refrain from drinking coffee and alcohol and eat boiled veggie and fruits. It’s good that I was made aware of this because I often neglect or taken it for granted. Now that I am reminded of one of the basic health rules, there is no room for complacency, being stubborn and dilly-dallying.

 

Day 50: ☧is our ℞

(Mk 2: 1-12)

Ang pasimula ng ministro ni Hesus sa Ebanghelyo ni San Marcos ay ang paghahayag na ‘ang kaharian ng Diyos ay narito na’ – nakakita ang mga bulag, nanumbalik ang pananalita ng pipi, nabuksan ang pandinig ng mga bingi at nabuhay ang patay – na ang ibig sabihin sa ating kalagitnaan, ang pangako ng Diyos ay nagaganap. Ang pangangaral ni Hesus ng magandang Balita ay kinapapalooban din at hindi maaring ihawalay na paanyaya ng ‘pagsisi’ na nangangahulugan ng ‘agad-agad’ at ‘malayang’ pagtugon.

Sa mga nakaraang tatlong linggo ang Ebanghelyo natin ay umuukol sa ministro ng pagpapagaling ni Hesus – mula sa pagpapalayas niya ng masamang espiritu, sa pagpapalaya niya ng lagnat sa biyenang-babae ni Simon, at sa pagpapagaling niya sa taong may ketong. Ngayong linggo, tayo ay muli na namang tumutunghay sa isang kabanata, sa isang kwento ng pagpapagaling ni Hesus sa isang taong ‘baldado.’

Kung ating pagninilay-nilayan ang mga nabanggit na kabanata ng pagpapagaling ni Hesus mababatid natin ang dalawang katotohan na hinaharap natin:

1.      1.  Ang ating buhay (mundo) ay puno ng ‘karamdaman’ – iba’t – ibang sakit ng katawan, pagkutya, pagsumpa, pagkakahiwalay-hiwalay, pigtas-pigtas na sarili at pamumuhay sa kadiliman. Ipinapahiwatig nito na mula nuon at kahit hanggang ngayon tayo ay nanga ngailangan ng kagalingan.

2.     2.  Na ang tangi nating malalapitan ay ang isinugo ng Diyos, ang nag-iisang Tagapamagitan at Tagapagligtas, ang Dakilang Manggagamot, ang ipinahayag ni San Pablo ikalawang Pagbasa na Siyang ‘katapatan’ at ‘Oo’ ng Diyos, ang Panginoong Hesukristo.

Mga simbolo ng Kagalingan:

1.     1.  Tahanan – tutoong sa tahanan sumisibol ang pag-ibig at pagda-damayan subalit sa loob din ng tahanan nag-uugat ang kagalitan at pagkakahiwa-hiwalay. Ang tanyag na awiting a house is not a home ay nagpapahayag ng una, kalungkutan na nararanasan ng isang tao mula sa tahanan. Ikalawa, isinasaad din ng awiting ito na sa tahanan nanahan ang pag-ibig. Sa Ebanghelyo ngayon, binuksan ang kwento sa pagsasabing si Hesus ay nasa isang bahay. Hindi binanggit kung kaninong bahay at kung gaano ito kalaki subalit idiniin na napakarami ng tao na nagpunta upang makinig sa pangangaral ni Hesus. Anupa’t hindi magkalulan ang tao sa dami ng naroroon. Napakagandang pagnilayan na ginamit ni Hesus ang isang bahay upang maging tahanan ng mga taong uhaw sa Salita at naghahanap ng kagalingan. Hindi ba’t nakakatuwa na pinili ni Hesus ang isang ‘tahanan’ upang katagpuin at muling pag-isahin ang mga tao?

Sa isang pamilya, ang alitan ay hindi maiiwasan. Nakakalungkot lamang  na kadalasan ito’y humahantong sa napakatagal na kagalitan at samaan ng loob. Nangyayari ang mga ito sapagkat nakakalimutan natin na tayo ang bumubuo ng isang tahanan. Na ang tunay nating yaman ay nagmumula sa ating ‘tahanan,’ ang pagkakaisa, pag-ibig, pagdadamayan, pag-asa. Sa Ebanghelyo, tayo ay dinadala ni Hesus sa loob ng kanyang Tahanan.

2.      2. Kaibigan –  ang tanyag na awiting that’s what friends are for, ay nagpapakita ng uri ng kaibigan na narinig at nabasa natin sa Ebanghelyo: in good times and bad times, I’ll be on your side forevermore…. Ipinahayag nito na ang ating mga ‘kaibigan’ ay yaman din ng ating buhay. Subalit, paanong ang ating mga kaibigan noon ay kaaway na natin ngayon? Kung ang ‘kaibigan’ ay tutoong ka-ibig-an sa buhay, bakit nakukuha natin na sila ay paslangin, itatuwa at  isumpa? Na sa sobrang galit natin ay wala na tayong puwang sa pang-unawa, pagpapatawad at kagalingan? Sa Ebanghelyo, pinagaling ni Hesus ang paralitiko dahil sa awa at habag Niya sa taong maysakit subalit mas lalong higit sa nakita niyang pagmamalasakit ng apat na kaibigan ng taong maysakit – na dahil sa kanilang tulong at pamamaraan, ang paralitiko ay nailapit nila kay Hesus.

Nakita ni Hesus sa ‘kaibigan’ ang tutoong ‘tahanan’ na siyang kagalingan ng tao.  Kaya, sa Ebanghelyo ni San Juan, tayo ay tinawag ni Hesus na ‘kaibigan’ at inatasan na ‘tayo ay mag-ibigan.’ Malinaw na ipinapa-alala sa atin na ‘tayo pa rin ang taga-pangalaga ng ating mga kapatid,’ kahit ano at anuman ang mangyari.

3.   3. Ang Maysakit – Isa sa malaking ‘usaping moral’ ang tinatawag na euthanasia, ang sadyang pag-kitil ng buhay ng isang ‘taong-gulay’ na na nakaratay dahil sa dinanas na sakit o aksidente. Dahil sa awa sa paghihirap ng taong nakaratay, sa laki ng gastos at kawalan na ng lunas, gamot man o operasyon, imnumungkahi ng karamihan na tayo ay may karapatan na magpasya na ‘patayin’ ang ‘taong-gulay’ na. Kung ang pagiging ‘pratical’ ang ating pag-uusapan, napakadaling pagpasyahan ito. Subalit ang buhay ng isang tao ay hindi ibinigay at inilaan ng Diyos sa ‘practical’ na bagay. Dahil ang buhay ay banal at regalo mula sa Diyos, na ang Diyos lamang ang may karapatan na kuhanin ito. Dito natin makikita na sa kawalan natin ng pag-asa sa buhay, sa pagiging paralitiko natin, nakakalimutan natin na mayroon tayong ‘tahanan’ at ‘kaibigan’ na maaring balikan at hingan ng tulong, hugutan at kapulutan ng pag-asa at pagmamahal; na kahit tayo’y ‘lantang gulay’ na dahil sa ating karamdaman o kasalanan, tayo ay mahalaga at may pag-asa sa mata ng Diyos.  

c/o linpearson.com

4.     4. Ang Dakilang Manggagamot – ang pagpapalayas ni Hesus ng masamang Espiritu sa isang tao, ang pagpapa-alis niya ng lagnat sa biyenan ni Simon, ang pagpapagaling niya sa taong may ketong at ang pagpapalakad niya sa taong paralisado ay nagsasaad lamang na si Hesus ang tangi at dakila nating Manggagamot. Ang kanyang ginagamot ay ang ating kaluluwa – “Ipinatawad na ang iyong kasalanan!” Siya lamang ang may kakayahang magpatawad sa atin; ang magpagaling sa atin. Siya ang tunay nating “Tahanan at Kaibigan” na madalas nating kaligataan dahil sa paralisadong buhay na ating kinalalagyan. Kay Hesus may tutoong pag-asa at kagalingan. Amen

Day 49: The Unknown Superstars

c/o topnews.in

As everybody is talking and very sad about the death of one of the greatest music artists in the world, I can’t help but also think of the many ‘unknown and unnoticed Whitneys’ who struggle everyday and eventually give up on living. How in the sudden death of a ‘superstar’ do we really took notice of the problem of drug addiction while we ignore its presence everyday in our own home or neighborhood? While Whitney deserved a superstar tribute, those people around us who suffered and are suffering the same fate as hers deserve our support and care. Prayers and thoughts are very helpful but extra effort to reach out and do something about the issue will definitely prevent if not eradicate the increasing numbers of Whitney’s fate.

May you rest in peace Whitney, and those who suffered the same ordeal!

Day 48: Second Chance

I regained a handful of determination to study Italian this semester. In fact I will be attending three courses taught in Italian, two being part of the discipline I am taking, the other one was more of a dessert. Hopefully I will progress in time. I plan to go up north in the summer to begin my intensive Italian course. Needless to say, it’s better to be guided professionally. For now, I’ll just content myself to spend an hour or two everyday to learn vocabularies and grammatical rules, and then speak more often. Bottom line: I’ll do my best and be happy with the outcome or in Italian saying, Chi si accontenta gode! (enough is as good as a feast)

Day 47: Sunshine

I finally got my Permesso Di Soggiorno (Resident ID) and thankfully I didn't have to wait for hours to pick it up. At last I could now start planning my Europe trip outside Italy. Today was rather a pleasant day since things seem to be working fine with me. Nevertheless, there is no time for complacency but only productivity and growing up. I may be busy but I am not desperate or avoiding confrontations. Come what may might become a motivation at one point but it will be with an attitude of stability, grace, gentleness and faith in God.  

Day 46: Shuttingdown...

I had a dialogue with my conscience yesterday...it was a long one. It's on the issue of finding myself too tired. Firstly, I entertained a lot of reasons why I felt too weak bodily and mentally. Below is the list: 
1. cold weather
2. unregulated socialization 
3. added loads 
4.attending two courses in Italian
5. receiving some heart pounding emails 
6. frustration at the system and people's behavior and
7. lack of regular exercise...


to be continued...it's not fun when typing with iPhone...later.

Day 45: Hopeful

I hope the exchanges of “I love you” among ‘lovers’ will not be like the snowfall in Rome – a rare occurrence. May it be said as many as the countless ways in Elizabeth Browning’s poem, and may it be expressed the way it was enumerated in Dianne Warren’s Because you loved me.

I hope ‘sorry’ and ‘thank you’ will not be underrated today just because they have uttered the words “I love you.” Rather, may it don’t deny the consubstantiality of the truest sense these three phrases all shared.

I hope the love we receive today lead us to a deeper happiness called Joy; I hope that today will be a good day to begin and to continue afterwards, to spread love, and to shout to the world that love, indeed, is a wonderful thing.  

Day 44: To sing, or not to sing?

But how can I sing a new song when my heart is aching?

Should not I lament a sad song, an old song;

Or sing the song of Zion in a foreign soil?

Should I try to strum to make people happy?

Or hum a remorse for being unworthy?

How can music give comfort and take away misery;

If a voice is mute, ears impaired, and the heart is heavy?

(I will always love - someone like you!)

Day 43: Nag-iisang Tagapamagitan

6^th Sunday in OT

(Marcos 1. 40-45)

“Father, ipag-‘pray’ n’yo po ako ha!” Ito ang madalas kong marinig sa tuwing ako’y makakatagpo ng isang kakilala o bagong kakilala. Nagpapadasal ang tao dahil sa dalawang kadahilanan:

Una, dahil naniniwala tayo na higit na may kakayahan ang isang tao kaysa sa atin dahil mas malapit siya sa Diyos. Karaniwan ang tinutukoy natin ay ang mga pari, madre o yaong mga taong naghahayag ng salita ng Diyos.

Pangalawa, dahil inaamin natin sa sarili natin na wala tayong kakayahan, hindi tayo karapat-dapat na lumapit sa Diyos, nahihiya tayo o minsan nawawalan ng pag-asa dahil alam natin na dahil sa nagawa nating mga kasalanan, tayo ay hindi diringgin ng Diyos.

Subalit sa pamamaraan ng Diyos, lahat tayo ay may kakayahan. ‘Walang palakasan sa Diyos’. Kung tayo man ay gumagamit ng tagapamagitan upang makalapit sa Diyos, hindi ito nangangahulugan na aasa na lang tayo sa tulong ng iba at ipapaubaya ang gusto natin makamit sa pamamagitan ng kanilang tulong. Lumalapit tayo at humihingi ng tulong dahil kapos tayo sa lakas ng loob o kaalaman na ang ibig sabihin ang tulong ng iba ay pupuno o magdaragdag lamang sa kung ano ang mayro’n tayo, kulang man o kaunti.

Lumalapit ang isang tao sa Diyos sa pananalangin dahil kinikilala niya ang kaharian, kapangyarihan at kaluwalhatian ng Diyos – alin man sa humihingi, nagpupuri o nagsisi. At dahil dito, dahil sa pag-amin at pagpapasakop ng taong lumalapit, kinalulugdan siya ng Diyos at dinirinig ang kanyang panalangin. Kaya nga ang katuwiran natin kung bakit tayo nagpapadasal sa ibang tao ay, “malakas ka kasi kay Lord!”

Subalit sa tuwing tayo’y magpapadasal sa isang tao, at matapos nating matanggap ang ating kahilingan sa Diyos, ang tutoong mas nakatanggap ay ang taong nagdasal para sa atin. Sapagkat sa tuwing ang taong ito ay lalapit sa Diyos, siya’y umaamin at nagpapasakop. Dahil sa kanyang kababaang loob, lubos na nalulugod ang Diyos.

Ganito ang ginawa ng taong may ketong sa Ebanghelyo, lumapit siya kay Hesus at kusang loob na humingi ng kagalingan. Wala siyang pwedeng asahan na magdarasal sa kanya dahil walang taong magnanais lumapit sa kanya. Ang ketong nuong panahon na iyon ay hindi lamang sakit ng balat bagkus lalo na ng kaluluwa – para sa kanila isa itong parusa ng Diyos sa kasalanan ng taong may ketong.  

Kung ganu’n kanino sila lalapit para sa kanilang kagalingan kung ang lahat ng tao ay umiiwas sa kanila? Sino ang kanilang magiging tagapamagitan? Kaya hindi nakakapagtaka na talagang humugot ng lakas ng loob at pananalig ang taong may ketong na binanggit sa Ebanghelyo na lapitan si Hesus at hindi siya nabigo. Siya ay gumaling sapagkat ang kanyang nilapitan ay ang iisang Tagapamagitan ng tao sa Diyos, ng mga makasalanan sa Banal.

Kung papaanong sa unang pagbasa, ang paring si Aaron ang inutusan para ipahayag ang pagiging marumi ng isang tao, sa Ebanghelyo inutusan ni Hesus ang dating may ketong na humarap sa pari upang mapatunayan na siya ay magaling na. Subalit si Hesus ang Pinakamataas na Pari, na siyang may kakayahang magpawalang sala, maglinis at magpanibago ng buhay ng isang makasalan.

Ang punto ko ay hindi ipagbawal ang paglapit at paghingi ng tulong-panalangin sa ibang tao, kailangan natin ang bawat-isa, subalit sa paghingi natin ng tulong sa ibang tao ang ating buong pag-asa at paglapit ay dapat laging nakatuon sa Diyos; siya pa rin ang ating nilalapitan at kinikila na tanging pinagmumulan ng ating buhay at ng lahat ng ating mga ikinabubuhay.

Day 42: "B" Month: Upset!

What can be more upsetting than knowing after all the excitement, effort and expectations, what you have anticipated for and prepared so well for will not come into existence. It’s like having an incredibly amazing dream while asleep when suddenly a thug wakes you up. The most annoying part is not that your dream was discontinued but the fact that you will never be able to get back to that dream – it’s gone. You may have another similar dream one day but it’ll never be the same. Besides, who knows when will that one day come?

Kim
(the son of Ogie Tan and Yayo Hernandez of Karilagan Singers)

That is why I would prefer to be awake doing something than enjoying a dream while in a deep slumber because if things do not work as expected, if things didn’t happen my way, being physically and logically awake, I can still do something about it. Normally, I would fret, stammer, be disappointed and feel betrayed but after looking at the bigger picture and bright side of the story, I will be okay again, ready to rebuild, to move on and even aim higher; in full gear, up and set to sail through again.

And then in the end I will realize that even if a super storm which threatens nature passes by, or the winter season which makes the trees withered brings piles of snow, or a promise made but end up unfulfilled, I can still find the beautiful, the good and truth in it. This is not just a matter of psychological or emotional conditioning but of having a strong conviction and firm belief that the Lord Creator, who although allows failures and evil to exist, is in full control and can and is able to bring out goodness and victory in human affairs.

Day 41: "B" Month (Big Mouth for Truth)

c/o joepaduda.com

No matter how nicely, gently or reasonably you confronted somebody about the truth to his/her face, the usual reaction is negative. This is due to our reflex to accommodate only the good, what is pleasing and at tune to our expectations. But that’s BS – both for the speaker and listener who entertain that. We allow such a thing to happen not because we avoid hurting the person we’re approaching with, not really. The truth of the matter is we’re afraid for ourselves – we don’t want to be responsible; we are worried to be hated by people, or shunning oneself from complications. In other words, we’re selfish and immature. For me that’s a drag, laxity and stupidity to its maximum.  I am not encouraging a drastic, irresponsible and irrational use of a big mouth for truth. Rather, ex-communicating the ‘playing safe’ attitude to cater our humongous ego. That’s cowardice and betrayal.

Unfortunately, religious men and women like me are no exceptions to such a scenario, and not astonishingly that we’re leading the poll. I think it is because some of us use a veil so huge that it not only covers their hair but also covers their logic, sight and listening ears. And still others among us wear too long religious garb, sometimes fancy ones in order to cover up our insecurities and heartless opinions. And then we debate whether to remove it or keep it or to short  it or to remain as tradition says. I’m glad some of them realized that keeping the latter shrinks their wholeness and holiness.  After all, it’s being free, responsible and humane that count.

I pray that God will have mercy on us.

Day 40: "B" Month

We give you thanks almighty God for all the benefits we have received from Your bounty through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

1. My eldest brother celebrated his birthday today
2. Sumptuous meals (and in between) and company of friends
3. I got my third 'I'
4. Opportunities to do something good; to give and to share
5. A very fine weather today

Day 39: "B" Month

with Bro Eddie Canuto and Fr Romy Velos, CS

Examination is over; the first semester is done. The ice is melting and the surrounding becomes green again. Suddenly, I miss the snow. Then today, I was told that there will be another snow fall in Rome starting Friday, and accordingly it will be 'heavier' than the snowfall the previous days. I am now more worried than excited, worried because the whole city will be paralyzed again. Needless to say, many commuters will find their home again by driving or walking 'extra' miles, especially to migrant workers who go to different working locations and do not have cars. Another sad story from the recent snow fall was the death of a Filipina (R.I.P.) who was run by a car which lost its maneuvering due to the slippery condition of the roads. My excitement to seeing snow dissipates easily as I think of the recent tragedies and possible ones. I hope and pray that people will consider being safe than sorry, and prefer joy over tragedy. 

I would also like to use this medium to thank our country's ambassador to Italy, Hon. Ambassador Virgilio Reyes, Jr and his wife Mrs Marie Reyes, for the wonderful dinner and reception at their official residence. And most importantly, Rendiamo Grazie a Dio! (Thanks be to God!)

Day 38: "B" Month (Absurdity – the real tragedy in human beings)

A magnitude of 6.9 earthquake hit the central part of the Philippines, leaving over a dozen dead. Pictures of the aftermath quickly circulated in social network sites attracting sympathy and concern for the victims. While many responded with prayerful thoughts, one ill mannered human being articulated the pitiable and stinking condition of his (her) soul when he (she) wrote:

“Let us all pray….na matuloy ang tsunami para maraming bisaya ang mamatay, para mabawasan ang mga baduy sa pilipinas.”  - (Ahcee Flores)

This shows how tragic the condition of human beings is. Such words are evil, a curse. St Thomas, in his commentary on the book of Job said that one is said to curse when he (she) speaks of evil, which can be said in several senses:

1.   1. Someone speaks evil to another which causes evil as in a judge condemning someone is the cause of penalty of the one who is condemned.  It demonstrates the true evil of someone in an orderly way. (This is a valid argument. On the contrary, the other two are not)

2.  2. Someone curses another by calling down evil upon the person, or wishing that person evil. 

3.   3. Someone speaks evil simply by disclosing an evil, either in the past, future or present, whether true or false.

St. Paul said, “Bless, and curse not.” (Rm 12.14) How can this man truly “pray” when his (her) prayer is a curse? In the same manner, how can we praise God if we are sinning, when to sin is to ‘curse’ God and is a contradiction of to ‘praise’ God? How can we bless God if we speak evil of God through our brethren or ourselves?

As we pray for the victims of this recent tragedy, let us also pray for the conversion of human beings who ‘curse, and bless not.’

Day 37: "B" Month

How to describe nothingness? It is supposedly a non being and yet the moment we imagine or utter a word to talk about it, nothingness becomes. Even if we do not speak about it we could not deny that in our world, in our life and even in the deepest corner of our soul, it is there.

and the searching continues, and so with struggles, until we become consumed with His being...

Day 36: “Bawal Magkasakit!”

Mk 1.29-39

Noong ako’y bata pa, may mga pagkakataon na hinihiling ko na magkasakit ako. Ang pagkakasakit sa aking isip at karanasan ay ang pagkakaroon ng lagnat. Sa tuwina kasing mayroon akong sakit ay nakakakain ako ng mga gusto kong kainin, nakakaiwas ako sa mga gawaing bahay, at natutuwa sa pag-aaruga ng aking Ina. Kabaligtaran ito ng nais ko ngayong malaki na ako; dahil kabaligtaran din ang mga nakukuha ko kapag may sakit ako tulad ng hindi ako makakain ng gusto ko, hindi ko magawa ang mga dapat kong gawin at tapusin, at wala na akong Nanay na mag-aaruga sa akin. Kaya nga para sa akin, tama ang prinsipsyong “Bawal magkasakit!”

c/o spokenexistence.com

Day 35: "B" Month

Snowfall was over but snow is almost everywhere, and so with people who seem cannot get enough, locals and foreigners alike. I went outside to take photos and to deposit some more ‘firsts’ in my first snow experience. It was very cold outside, slippery and roads were messy. There were few cars and public buses but fortunately the metro was in full operation. Since Rome is not accustomed to having snow, the public transport system was literally paralyzed. Yesterday, many people walked for hours just to get home and today they walked some extra kilometers to go to work.

The surrounding is pleasantly ‘white’ and snowball fighting was an obvious fun. I saw young and not so young people enjoying it. I also tried the snow bed and even met several snowmen. The five year old in me could not contain his joy and went home satisfied, but uttered he already had enough.   

Day 34: "B" Month

Today marks the third day of ‘AB normal' month and once again, it snowed in Rome – a rare happening and opportunity for Romans. It was two years ago since it last snowed here, and at that time they said it was twenty years ago since it last snowed in Rome. How lucky am I to have witnessed it, and for the first time experienced to see, touch and taste snowflakes. As soon as I was told about it two days ago, I have been waiting in joyful anticipation. The excitement grew to the point of exaggeration but the wait was worth it - dreams do come true.

With my camera ready and a snow jacket (c/o Fr Romy), I allowed the five year old in me to enjoy the experience, under the biting cold and under ‘cheesy’ smiles from people who were either bored or jealous. I even helped scattered rock salt and clear the stairway, scooping the snow-turned ice with my bare hands and a small tool we found upstairs – everything for the sake of enjoying the moment.

I was in the library when a co-priest and co-Filipino called my attention to look outside. I immediately left what I’m doing, headed to my ‘camera’ and had my camera set and the rest is history.  

Day 33: "B" Month

Yesterday was the feast of the Presentation of the Lord. In the Gospel, Simeon spoke his canticle:

Now, Master, You can dismiss your servant in peace; 
You have fulfilled Your word. 
For my eyes have witnessed your saving deed

 displayed for all the peoples to see: 
A revealing light to the Gentiles, 
the glory of Your people Israel. (Lk. 2:29-32)

There is interplay of going and coming, dying and living which all points toward the salvific act of God. While people avoid death, Simeon prays for it; while people desire grave for treasures (as ancient graves have), Simeon desires grave for the true treasure – eternal life; and as Simeon was inspired to offer his life to God, the Messiah offers his life for humanity.  

Day 32: "B" Month

c/o www.newyorkcondoloft.com

February has been considered by others as a ‘freak-month’ because it is the only month in a year which does not complete the 30 day cycle. Moreover, every four years we adjust our calendar by adding one day to it (leap year). How ‘abnormal’ is that? The name February comes from the Latin word “februum” which means ‘purification’. Since Romans considered winter as ‘month-less’ period, the months January and February were added later, the latter being the last month of the year. For more details, ‘google’ it…:)

Today is the feast day of St Brigid, one of the patrons of Ireland and considered the famous female leader of early Celtic Church. She is often depicted holding a lamp which symbolizes ‘learning and wisdom’ – excellent ‘tools’ that can be used as we welcome the often considered ‘not normal’ month of February. How interesting is that?

And in the words of St. Broccan Cloen:

Ni bu Sanct Brigid suanach
Ni bu huarach im sheirc Dé,
Sech ni chiuir ni cossena
Ind nóeb dibad bethath che.

Saint Brigid was not given to sleep,
Nor was she intermittent about God's love of her;
Not merely that she did not buy, she did not seek for
The wealth of this world below, the holy one.