On the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord

Today we celebrate the feast of the transfiguration of the Lord Jesus Christ. In the gospel, Jesus took three of his disciples to be with him to pray. The narration of the story in the Gospel presents the aspect of the mission of Christ - which Moses spoke to him, of his coming passion and death.

There are three things i would like to center my reflection:

1. Christ's transfiguration was part of his mission. He took three of his apostles to witness this extra-ordinary revelation of Christ's true identity as the Son of Gos the Father. The voice was heard saying, "This is my beloved Son, on whom my favor rests. Listen to him." This is again the second time, after the baptism of Jesus in the river of Jordan by John, when God speaks in confirmation of the identity of Christ as the Son of the Most High.

Jesus, took his three apostles to allow them to experience the love that binds the Father and the Son. This is also the kind of experience, as for Jesus to prepare his apostles for the mission of evangilization. It is the anticipation of the coming passion, death and coming to life of Jesus Christ. Although Jesus warned the three of not telling anyone...until the time that this truth must be revealed, thus, the message of salvation must be proclaimed by his disciples through out the world.

2. The message of the Gospel challenges us to one's again renew our faith and commitment to Christ. In this present generations, where morality and truth are threatened by materialism, hedonism, science, and even religion, we must again go back to our true identity and purpose. The challenge here is for us to transform ourselves and continue to ask for the intervention and grace of God in our journey. I mentioned of renewing our commitment, since the gospel shows us through Jesus Christ (our example) of understanding the identity (as adopted sons of the Father) and meaning of our existence as man. As the Father is pleased to his Son Jesus Christ, we too, must be pleasing in the sight of the Father. Thus, in understanding our identity and purpose, we carry out our commitment, to continuously tell the story of Jesus...the story of the salvation of humanity.

It is in our participation on the mission of Christ that we must share the love to the poor and the oppressed, from which this sharing of love comes from the dynamic exchanging of love of the Trinity. Hence, we continue to transform ourselves and become pleasing to God, in our task of spreading the message of salvation that made possible by the great love of the Father to us, through the blood of His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ.

3. "This is my Beloved Son, in whom my favor rests, LISTEN to Him". This is the third and the last point of my reflection. Listening is an act of love. it is an act of giving one's attention fully and wholeheartedly. The emphasis here is on the word Listen. Many would agree that the greatest pollution we have now is the "Pollution of Noise" (Fr. Iko Tabares). If we would try to recall each day, how many minutes or hours in our life in a day that we give time for silence? Silence is important to the life of man. It is in silence that we can re-charge our energy from the hectic schedules of our day.

We are now in a so called in a "loud generation", when we people lost our sense of silence and recollection. Everything now comes so fast...and we like to dwells in loud-environment. Their is no longer silence, the inner silence...a disposition that (in my opinion) often lead the people of todays generation into chaos and conflicts, which would create a greater effect in the harmony of the life of people. We must therefore regain what is essential in our life. this is the challenge of God in the gospel, Listen! For in listening, Gos speaks. A loud heart could not hear what God wants, what God is saying to us.

Henceforth, we must again learn to listen, by seeking the silence - the inner silence and find God and know what He's telling us...of what He wanted us to do...and of what He wanted us to respond to His message. As we carry the mission of evangilization of the world, we must cultivate and imbibe into our hearts the silence, the inner peace...to understand what God wanted us to share to his people.

Prayer for Enlightenment

Divine Jesus, the source of overflowing love and compassion, I come to you as a person with so much humility of my unworthiness.

With so much troubles and concerns, I have no idea of what will I become...of what awaits me at the breaking of the dawn. But with faith i still hold on unto your promise of brining me into your kingdom.

Help me to become like you...to follow your ways and take my cross upon my shoulders. Help me to face my perils in life. give me courage and strength to continue to become more faithful to you, that in everything I do...pleases you.

Do not allow darkness to cover me up and overshadow me...give me your light. Do not allow fear to swallow me, make me strong. Do not allow hatred and resentment overpower and take control of me; give me forgiveness and acceptance. Do not allow me to let go...give me faith.

In your power I know you can heal my many brokenness and wash away all my guilts from sinful acts I have made. To you I entrust my life and my only salvation.


-Amen-

Discipleship

"You give but little when you give your possessions...It is when you give yourself that you truly give."
(Kahlil Gibran)

This is the call for discipleship. One is asked to lay down his possessions. To offer and commit oneself to the vocation and the mission of evangilization.

This vocation is referred basically to priesthood and religious life. The call towards these life calls each one to leave/unload themselves from the unnecessary baggages. In the gospel, Christ called his disciples, asked them to follow him..."for he will make them fishers of men." He even mentioned the most difficult attachment a man can have (especially to the Filipino culture), a "family".

The vocation to priesthood and religious life is patterned after the life and mission of Jesus Christ. Thus, one must experience passion, death and resurrection to oneself, and to the mission Christ's entrusted to him. Each in called to empty himself in order to have a space for Christ, a place where he can dwell.

This vocation, however, must be cultivated and nurtured. Hence, formation plays a vital role here. It is in the process of formation that this Kenosis, an act of self-emptying must happen. The formation challenges the individual to go back to oneself, and examine the true meaning and essence of his identity as individual called to participate on the mission of Christ. Everything starts from small details in the process of formation. here, habit is formed, motivation and intention is modified, the desire is cultivated, and the heart is purified.

In this formation process, Christ allows his chosen people to witness him, and find him on the ordinariness one's experiences. Thus, it is in every dimension of formation which one is expected to offer himself freely to the demands of this process of formation. Thus, the giving of oneself is an act, a commitment towards the One who called - that in giving freely of oneself is an act of charity to the Christ who is the head of the disciples. It is an act of charity, since, we give up ourselves and expect nothing in return.

Henceforth, this is never easy...the call for the discipleship is not an easy thing to do. On this, we need to have the element of faith. We ask Jesus for the to guide and strengthen us; that in our offering of ourselves, we may become worthy to be called his disciples.

The St. Joseph Regional Seminary

The St. Joseph Regional Seminary

I. General Outlook:

The Seminary is known to be the seedbed of vocation, wherein the seed is being nurtured and cared. However, in my own reflection, the place is far more a formation house…it is “a Holy ground” (Exodus 3, 4-5), a ground where transformation happens. God invites/calls the individual to take off his sandals and come close to him. The act of taking of the sandals presents the invitation of the formation to unload the unnecessary baggage, to center one’s attention to the process and demands of seminary formation. Here in this place, the stories begin and end in some point…a journey, which many would claim a blessed opportunity. Again, I consider the seminary as [“a holy ground”, is the place where transformation of oneself begins], from which, the different phases and faces of formation allows the formandi to encounter Christ along the process of the journey.

A. Realities:

Specifically, St. Joseph Regional Seminary is a place where the future priests of the region under different Arch/dioceses are formed. Contrivance with the program patterned on the Up-dated Program for Priestly Formation (UPPPF) and Postores dabo vobis as its references, this project and expects from the individual to become “an integrated person, a contemplative pastor, apostolic proclaimer, and to be Christ centered”. Hence, the seminary is equipped with appropriate tools in the different aspects of the formation program; designated qualified Priests to oversee and to make this mission vision of formation to move toward its complete realization.

Basically, the seminary is composed of formators headed by the Rector, Priest formators, Personnel and Seminarians under different Arch/dioceses from Romblon, Kalibo, Jaro, Palawan, Antique and Bacolod.

B. Structure/ Facilities (buildings and environment):

1. Others would tell that seminarians of St. Joseph Regional seminary are unlucky compared to others in different seminaries. Although that this statement is true, in a sense, however, I beg to disagree. Although that the facilities and formation programs are not the same as other seminaries have, but this, I believe is the uniqueness and the identity of St. Joseph Regional Seminary. In my own reflection, this is not a form of deprivation or being unlucky, but this teaches the seminarians to become sensitive to the given realities. Although the seminary have not much sophisticated facilities, but produces quality priests with pastoral zeal, which embodies the being “Alter Christus”.

2. Moreover, in my reflection, the seminary exemplifies the characteristic of St. Joseph, who is a simple and a humble Carpenter of their time. The building and in every corner, speaks of the holiness of the place. Here, silence and enclosure is practiced, the environment gives the impression and the feeling of being at home, in solitude and in prayer. Here, brotherhood is enjoyed by everyone (which I believe is the same with other seminaries), and that, intimacy and true brotherhood is witnessed. Facilities are all important today, especially with the advancement of technology, however, this is just (in my own point of view) secondary to what really is essential. Formation is defined by the formation program and the willingness of the seminarians to take part. Hence, seminarians are not deprived in the sense, but challenge to live a life after the example of St. Joseph, who is a humble, a silent worker and a simple carpenter, who became the father of Jesus and the husband of Mary. Thus, these realities in this regard must be seen under this concept of seeing things.

C. Formation Program:

1. Formation Program is the compass of the community in formation. This helps the individual to live his life in accordance to the demands of formation, to grow and to become matures, holistic person in the end. Formation program must be owned by the individual for them to become effective along the process of the journey. St. Joseph regional seminary envisions that seminarian must acquire and imbibe the characteristics of being an integrated person, a contemplative pastor, apostolic proclaimer, and to be Christ centered. Through this formation programs offered in the different aspects guide the seminarians to cultivate his “persona”. Formation program would lead seminarians to fully realize the meaning of priesthood and its responsibility.

2. The formation program gives many windows to the individual to maximize all of his potentials, to grow internally – with the community. This, I consider as a stream where transformation and growth transpires. In this case, the formation programs of the seminary allow the individual to see and understand his “being Human”, and at the same time, view things in the perspective of God. Thus this requires each one to have that leap of faith, a very vital element in the process of formation, thus, requires every one of active participation and total owning of it. I mentioned this facts and outlook of mine in relation to the seminary formation, since I, too, has been a witness of these. Since, I am just in the primary stage of Theology formation, faith and trust to the formation program is a must. It is “believing” that formation program as a “compass”, will provide something good in the future. Hence, everything begins in small things, in simple things that the individual can encounter along the process of formation. Formation program defines and gives meaning on these bits of ordinary experiences, which would help the individual to grow along the process, in every chapter of seminary life. Thus, Formation Program plays a vital role in formation.

D. Formators:

1. The Formators are the ones’ delegated by the task of overseeing the process of priestly formation, in every aspect in as much as the realization of the formation program is concerned. Specifically, they are priest/s called and delegated by the Archbishop with his council to look after and administer the process of formation, and guide seminarians to attain and fully actualize ones’ self, to attain growth in every aspect of seminary formation. They help form and prepare the formandi to become equipped so as to become effective pastors of the church, the people of God.

2. From this responsibility attached as ordered by the bishop, each unique characteristics and principles, although varies, yet molded into one, which adds-on to the flavor to the process of the seminary formation. Seminarians themselves find inspiration and motivation to the life and “witnessing” of the formators, which in the process help the seminarians to grow mature. In this, in my personal opinion, that every formandi must realize, that the “voice of the formators is the voice of God”, in which, the formators projects the ideals and virtues necessary to live a life as a priest of God, and as servants for his vineyard. Thus, priest-formators played the vital role, in collaboration to the council of elders to make the formation as effective as possible. In the end, seminary formation is a collaboration of efforts of the members of the community in realization of the objectives of the seminary formation.

E. Personnel:

1. The personnel are the ones’ who are assisting the seminarians in the daily life in the seminary. They are partners in the tasks and responsibilities of maintaining the cleanliness and order of the seminary. Basically, the personnel belong to the community, as part and with the community. They also play important role, such as, preparing the food and the place of the seminarians, doing marketing and looking after for the cleanliness of the places in the seminary.

2. They must not be alienated in all community activities, for they too are part of it. For instance, seminary personnel also belong to the different FC’s of the community. Thus, this simply signifies that they are in/with the community.

3. The seminarians also look after the spiritual aspect of the personnel by providing and initiating their gathering, in prayer and bible sharing every Tuesday after dinner. These shows a simple and a unique way of tending the needs of the personnel as they, too, look after for the welfare of the community in general. In over a month of stay here, one observable characteristic of the personnel is that, they are welcoming and accommodating. They would ask seminarians if from diocese he belongs, tell stories of the past seminarians who already graduated. Indeed, communication and mutual understanding makes the relationship of seminarians and personnel to be smooth and authentic. Although, paradoxically, they at times a bit aloft and uneasy to approach new seminarians, yet, the interest and eagerness to know and to be known float naturally, simply signifies that willingness to build relationship with one another. Hence, because of these, community life becomes a joyous and a wonderful experience to everyone.

F. Seminarians:

We are the ones’ undergoing the formation. We are the ones who seek the essence and the meaning of our vocation through the formation program given by the seminary. Thus, we call ourselves “people in the journey”, and thus, a community. We are the community of seminarians who eat together, play, pray study and do pastoral works together. As individual called to be one in this place, trust is a vital foundation of relationship, per se.

1. It is in this, I believe, that trust must be established in every community life. Trust has been the basic foundation of the relationship here in the regional seminary. This experience was validated when the second year initiated us the freshmen. It is trust that first that has been established.

2. We the seminarians – a community, with personal orientations, values and principles in life, called to be together in this “holy ground”, a place of formation, could not avoid encountering complexities and differences, however, the call here is to embody the fraternal correction and co-formatorship.. Since, we trust every one; hence, responsible freedom is exercised. At times, reminder and fraternal correction is required if the individual who overlooked his responsibilities as a member of the community. It is in this concept that the co-formatorship is being practiced by the individual. Thus the bearer of this and must be the witnesses, are the ones’ in the higher years – to inspire the freshmen and anyone concerned to live with this values.

This I believe is the one unique characteristic of being in St. Joseph Regional Seminary. If I am to interpret this, this is perhaps the outcome of the reality in the seminary; of being intimate, at home to the place and to every member of the community. Since, we in the community, small in number, can in a way, reach out not only to our co-dioceses seminarians, or to the class alone, but with each and every one of us in the community. In my interpretation, Formative community stands on the principle of breaking these walls of regionalism as we call and individualism - but to be really a community with one common identity – seminarians of St. Joseph Regional Seminary.

G. The Seminary ambiance:

1. The ambiance of the seminary is perfect in relation to the realities of the seminary conditions. It is in this, why I have also mentioned that the seminary is a holy ground. There is the presence of solitude and peace, which (for me) the spirit can move smoothly. Perhaps, I could not explain further in detail regarding the ambiance, since it leaves me nothing to say. Perhaps, the place and its ambiance overwhelms me that no exact words I can say of the place.

2. It is nothing but a home for me…which made me so comfortable of the simplicity and elegance of the place. I could say that, the place is a factor for me to connect with the Divine Master, which in a way help me in my disposition and in my searching of meanings and essence in life. There are places here that helped me to meditate and to commune with the Divine. Take for example the trees, the beautiful sound of birds chirping, the crickets like witling at the end of the day. The place suggests silence. Thus, it is indeed a place I called home.

II. Insights and Realizations:

God knows best where a flower can blossom the most. Honestly, this is not my priority seminary. During my Philosophy days, I would usually discuss with my individual colloquium director of my preferred seminary, which I think that suet my personality. However, I was denied for three times. After years of regency, I came back to this place without really understanding the wisdom of my superior. Nevertheless, since I subject my self to my superior, “it is not my will be done, but His”. Later, I realized that God will deny my wants because He knows a better place for me to grow. It is in this that I have realized that God has his humor, which made me laugh at some point. Since I have made a commitment to God, that I’ll have him as the captain of my life, hence, I am bound to follow and become obedient unto his will.

The seminary, St. Joseph Regional Seminary was indeed a best place where God wanted me to mature, to grow in wisdom and in faith. In here I have found the bits of answers to the many questions that I have before. Now everything comes into my senses…slowly I am trying to see things not just on my physical or literal point of perspective, but trying to view things in the light of faith and in God’s perspective. God reveals himself to me in every aspect of my ordinary experiences here in my journey in the seminary. Thus, I have to believe, to have faith in my formators, my classmates, my brothers in the community, and to have faith in God; “like child who never fear nor doubt to the people around him.

III. General Feelings:

The song “Love is the answer” and “home” by Chris Daughtry reminds me of the feeling of coming and being at home. I am happy of what and where I am right now. Everything has come into my senses. I slowly begin to understand and see things in a wider perspective. Hence, I have to embrace this reality that I have right now; that I am here…thus I must remain faithful to the demands of seminary formation, to my fellow brothers in the community…to the experiences and situations that would make me grow…as my God remained faithful to me all these years. At this time, I could say, “wala nagn hahanapin pang iba”. Henceforth, I submit my self to God in my response to my formation, to own this formation and to be open and receptive to what ever or wherever the formation would bring me.

-Rhiyn-

LOVE AND LIFE

It hurts to love someone and not be loved in return, but what is more painful is to love someone and never find the courgae to let that person know how you feel. Maybe God wants us to meet a few wrong people before meeting the right one so that when we finally meet the right person, we will know how to be greatful for the gift.Love is when you take awaythe feeling, the passion, and the romance in the relationship and find out you still care for that person.

One sad thing in life is when you meet someone who means a lot to you, anly to find out in the end that it was never meant to be and you just have to let go.when the ddor of happiness closes, another opens, but sometimes we look too long at the closed door that we don't see the one which has been openned for us.

The best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on the porch and swing with, never saying a word and then walk feeling like it was the best conversation you've ever had. it is true that we don't know what we've been missing until it arrives. Giving all your love is never an assurance that someone will love you back. don't expect love in return; just wait for it to grow in the heart.there are things you'd love to hear that you would never hear from the person whom you would like to hear from them, but don't be so deaf as not to hear it from the one who says it from his heart. never say goodbye if you still want to try. never give up if you still feel you can go on. never say you don't lovea person anymore if you can't let go.love comes to those who still hope, although they've been betrayed by those who still need love, although they've been hurt before and to those who have the courage and faith to build trust again.

It takes only a minute to get a crush on someone, an hour to like someone, and a day to love someone; but it takes a lifetime to forget someone.Don't go for looks; they can decive.don't go for wealth; for wealth fades away. go for someone who makes you smile because it takes only a little smile to brighten your day. Hope you find the one who makes you smile. there are moments in life that you miss so much that you just want to pick this person from your dream and hug this person for real.Hope you dream of that special person.dream what you want to dream; go where you want to go; be what you want to be; because you have only one life and no chance to do all things you want to do. May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to make you human, and enough hope to make you happy.

Always put your self on other's shoes. if you feel that it hurts you, it probably hurts the person too. a careless word may kindle strife; a cruel word may wreck a life; a loving word may heal and bless. the beggining of love is to let those we love be just themselves and not twist them in our own image otherwise we love only the reflection of ourself find in them.The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes their way.Happiness lies in wait for those who cry, those who are hurt, those who searched, and those who have tried, for only they can appreciate the importance of people who have touched their lives. Love beggins with a smile, grow with a kiss, and ends with tears. the brightest future will always be based on a frogotten past; you can't go on well in the life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches. When you were born you were crying, and everyone arround you was smiling. Live your life to the fullest so that when you die you are the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.

Sometimes in our relentless effort to find the person we willlove, we fall to recognize and appreciate the people who loved us. we miss out so many beautiful things simply because we allow ourselves to be enslaved by our own selfish concern. Go for the person of deeds and not for the person of words, for you will find rewarding happiness not with the person you love but the person who loves you more.

The best lover are those who are capable of loving from a distance. Far enough to allow the other person to grow, but never too far to feel the love within your being. to let someone go doesn't mean you have to stop loving, it only means that you allow that person to find his/her own happiness without expecting him/her to come back. letting go is not just setting the other person free, but it also save yourself from all bitterness, hatred, and anger that were kept in your heart.

Do not let the bitterness lure away your strenght and weaken your faith. Never allow pain to dishearten you, but rather let yourself grow with wisdom in bearing it. You may find peace in just loving someone from a distance not expecting any in return. but be careful for this can sustain life but can never give enough room for both person to grow. We can all survive with just beautiful memories of the past, but real peace and happiness comes only with open acceptance of the reality.

There comes a time in our lives when we get the chance to meet someone so nice and beautiful. Then we just find ourselves getting so intensely attrcted to that person. This feeling soon becomes a part of our everyday lives and eventually consume our thoughts and actions.

The sad part of it is when we begin to realize that this person feels nothing more for us that just friendship. Then we start our desperate attempts to be noticed and be closer to that person. However, our efforts are still unrewarded and we end up being sorry for ourselves.

You don't have to forget someone you love.What you need to learn is how to accept the verdict of reality without being bitter or sorry for your self. Believe me, you would be better off giving that dedication and love more deserving. Don't let your heart run your life. Be sensible and let your mind speak for itself. Listen not only to your feelings but to reasons as well.

Always remember that if you lose someone today, it means that someone better is coming tomorrow: If you lose love doesn't mean that you failed in love. Cry if you want to, but make sure that the tears wash away the hurt and bitterness that the past has left you. Let go of yesterday for love will find its way back to you. And when it does, pray that it will be the love that will stay and last a life time.


-Unknown-

Life's Real Challenge

If you are running away from Life's real challenge:


1. until where?

2. how long will you survive?

3. will your conscience let you be at peace?

4. will you carry the damages you would create; not only to your self/life but to others as well?

5. can your face "tomorrow" with an unsettled past?

6. will you be happy in everything that you do?

7. will you grow/become mature holistically?

8. can you be true to your self and to others as well?

9. can you afford to love authentically and be a real friend/person with a "character"?

10. can you change the world?

- remember, "what you are and whatever you will become, is your own contribution to your family...community, society...nation and the world!"

"Change" always do happen. we cant live a life with just "maybes and what ifs"...life will become a realistic and authentic if we begin looking back unto our personal stories and stop running away from anything we feel a "threat of the past" and let us haunt by these forever.

Man, as the "locus" of the revelation of the being through experiences encountered along the history. Let us Value the "here" and the "now". let us not wait for "chances", or simply make the "it's-a-destiny" as an excuse; it is the choice we make that matters.

start now!

-rhiyn-

A Phenomenological view of Love

Love is a many splendid thing...as the song would say. Love can be short or long, right or wrong, can be in different forms, comes in different circumstances, and often we see it only when it goes and seek it when its gone. Others would tell..."right love at the wrong time".Some would say that it's a mysterious thing, moves in mysterious ways...once it strikes...you're hit.

Love knows no time, place and space. But in the real essence, how can this be define? What Love really means?

The definition of Love depends upon the experience of a person, of what it is to love and be loved...how this unvails its mystery to both involve. Love can be defined as cruel, selfish...maybe!Some would say, love is blind, dangerous according to some...while others say it's just a give and take relationship...Well a person could say I LOVE YOU BECAUSE I NEED YOU...others dare to love for the opposite reason, I NEED YOU BECASUE I LOVE YOU...

Now In a more profound realm of understanding the essence of Love...

Try to imagine the LOVE without person/s involve, a lover, or a someone?What or how could it be possible? it is not, is it? If LOVE exsist without a PERSON it is just an ILLUSION at the end. What then a PERSON can be without LOVE? is it not that because of LOVE, the cause of our human existence, and this has drawn us into our only purpose in this ever changing world, which is either "to love and be loved in return" or "to love without expecting any in return?" Love is not possible without a being which beholds this LOVE - in relation to others...It is then true, that man's existence touches the very realm of being and falling in LOVE...that drives every desire and passion of man. Man cannot but to love. In the end, LOVE exists as MAN do - it would come in any unexpected time, place and space and in any given circumstances...Love can bring joy and happiness; at times inflict pain...some will fail, as others succeed and reached fulfillment; yet one thing which will last...the very fact that LOVE is LIFE...as LIFE needs LOVE...man cannot live without love, as love cannot exist without man..

What man can be without love...what then love can be without man?

-Rhiyn-