My Reading Assignment

Before we parted ways, Sister Linda my spiritual adviser has given me reading assignment. I am really a bookworm and thanks for the digital age that interesting information are just in one click.

First is about the dites especially common to Filipinos (kasabihan which mostly became pamahiin). This is quite interesting for I told her I have a hard time especially to follow my folks since most of their belief are based on superstitions and that had made me conclude that the popular dites are not true. She cited an example of these and the most popular ones which is of not allowing to sweep the floor during night or else you are sweeping your luck away. The reason that our ancestor has said this is because during old times there was no electricity yet so imagine sweeping the floor at night where it is difficult to see what you are sweeping and might even sweep away your valuables. Well unfortunately I think I have to ask sister the next time if she has the book for the other sayings because I really want to hear the other backgrounds of these. I am so amaze how a simple wise thinking turns into something absurd but people until now are still blindly following it. 

The next reading assignment is about a particular priest who is now famous in America and its southern region. I have high respect especially on the clergy because simply they are our leaders. Although I know they are also human and can commit error that is why some followers has even left the faith and converted to another. His approach is more of contemplation which I subscribe for daily readings. I have difficulty though to read his writings for I'm not quite familiar to what he is talking about like the desert father and mother. I need to google most of his ideas and I'm glad because I was able to know more. I heard a little about the Orthodox Eastern Church and to my amazement this priest who is a Roman Catholic priest yet endorsing the Orthodox. I then search for the differences between Roman Catholic, Protestants and the Orthodox Eastern. At first I was convinced that I am in a false religion. Firstly because as history stated that Orthodox Eastern came about because of Great Schism. What interesting about in this religion is that they kept the old commandments of the church. I'm quite surprise that before the clergy are allowed to be married. I have to contemplate why my church have suddenly changed that and even installed a Pope (as what they say). Then it came to me that a true church should have to know the movement of the Holy Spirit. What do I mean by this. What I think of is that they should know for the better good of the church. It occurs to me since Christians that time were growing in numbers that there should be a leader that would unite the believers and lead them. I think it is pride for bishops not to recognize a Pope if for longest time they think everyone of them is equal. And I guess they have not really followed the Lord's disciples for before they recognize the like of St. Peter and Paul as their leaders. About celibacy of the priests and not permitting them to get married, I then understand the great role they have. A married man cannot immediately act to his follower's needs because he may think first about his family. Its hard to move around and to rightfully discern without also taking consideration his family. The priesthood's priority is the church and should not be compromised. Celibacy of course is applied for sex is only sacred on marriage for pro creation and it would be against the teachings of the church if they are allowed. Just a practical application I guess. I then read some reviews about this Franciscan priest who is known for his dissent on Roman Catholic Church. Many had written about his favor over homosexuality and it is quite controversial for he even officiate a marital vows for them. What caught my attention is his known idea that Jesus does not need to be crucified for our salvation. I have an atheist friend and he told me same idea. That perhaps if this Jesus would have live longer then he would have teach longer. I then read this Franciscan priest review regarding the movie The Passion. Yes he clearly stated that he believes Jesus can save us just by incarnation and no need for crucifixion. I then contemplate on this and as I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt I agreed to him though I wanted to research on the reason why the Lord needed to  do that. In my mind if Jesus is indeed God then He is mighty indeed so He can save us without being crucified. I then read about what kind of God who is morbid to be offered blood as sacrifice. I'm not satisfied with my housemate's idea that it was just a tradition before that blood is needed for the sacrifice to God.  I really need to exert another effort for this. Then I continue reading his writing about the God capability of forgiving sins. Yes I agree that God can forgive anything. But one statement have struck me that I stopped reading his work. He wrote there that atonement is not needed. I simply disagree. Why? For what will God forgive if the people is not even sorry. And if God will just forgive and forgive (which He actually does) but without atonement then where is conversion? A true repentant will not stop by just saying he is sorry but also the transformation of his life. That is turning 180 degrees. This is the essence of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I then conclude there is really something wrong with this priest and he is indeed should not be trusted and many will be lead wrongly. I then linger to the thought why God's will the crucifixion of Jesus for I then verified that there are prophecies in the Old Testament not only for the Messiah's coming but also to the kind of death he is facing. Well He need to die of course to conquer death for us but why such a horrible death. Then I read yesterday a very enlightening website. Now we have lethal injections, etc. for the convicted criminals as their death penalty. Before the death penalty for the criminals is crucifixion. Not only humiliating but also horrible. A slow death where really blood is shed.  And this is what Jesus accepted. Simply because my sins (and yours) are subjected for a death penalty but Jesus chose to redeem us by taking all of it. We are the criminals and our sins are also horrible but the mighty God out of his love took the death penalty for us. I shed a tear after reading this. So who can dare to say that we don't need atonement from our sins. A great love needs a response and even for our own good! If we only fully understand Jesus' teachings and the morality of it then there will be order in our lives. And all I can say is Lord you are amazing! My reading assignment is complete because You completed me.

P.S.
I'm also perplexed why this Franciscan have written that the Roman Catholic church does not believe on the mystics where in fact it recognizes numerous saints that are mystics. I agree though to what he wrote that out of goodness of God, He created everything that is good. What he failed to realize is that with God's great goodness He has given us freewill. That is why there is something what we call profane. People have the tendency to choose what is wrong and sinful. AND only by turning away from these is the complete conversion of mankind.

The Uncommon

“I have told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have troubles. But be brave! I have defeated the world!” (John 16:33 ERV)

It has been my struggle to witness people who have lukewarm hearts especially during the Holy Eucharist. I maybe misinterpreted their actions but I can't help but to sigh if I see there is no reverence. There are those who just go to mass for the sake of going. I tried to understand that perhaps they are in state of desolation. Nevertheless I'm a little bit concern when I hear some of them that there are gestures that are not required like sign of the cross with holy water upon exiting, etc. There are moments I also felt some doing extra gestures are over acting but I realize it is much better to do them I guess than do because it is only what is required. I mean they are bold enough to show the world how much they love the Lord and that I guess that I want to witness. I love so much the Lord that I want everyone to see Him and accept Him. Although I must keep in mind (always) that people have their differences. I just pray that their hearts which is invisible in the naked eye are in good disposition and they are better outside the church. On the other hand I have admire mostly those who are unbelievers/not Catholics/not Christians. Because there are moments they love as Jesus would love others. Although they don't worship Him which is another dilemma. Well there is really a high expectation if you declare yourself a believer. Although we are all work in progress but being complacent I guess is disheartening to see. Often I see myself as an outcast for just realizing these things and other things that are not so common to the believers. Like the concept of God's plan, how to ask for signs, etc. Last night I have read the above passage and a friend also reminded me that in old times Jesus is also different from what is common. I guess to be His disciple is to be a witness to what is the truth, to assert His word and to love just like Him. And the last is a struggle for me for how can a simple lady like me would love the unlovable? Its really difficult and I pray that He will give me grace to do that.