Not Just Ready

I've celebrated my birthday with my sisters in Christ. That is one of the joys of having a community wherein to have friends who can understand you and whom you can really walk with because you have same faith. Nevertheless there is also a downside when the community is getting bigger. The values are not in place and it seems even the leaders are clueless with the mission and vision of the group. They say I'm tough and strict to still adhere to what I think is right. Yes I belong to the conservatives but only aim to uphold the truth and teaching of the church and Christ. I don't preach without basis and I don't lord my members. I felt that they view me as their "ate" or big sister and they are comfortable with me. Although there are still lies though when unfolded I just knew they were shy for me to find out that they have disobeyed. The funny part is they know they are wrong but still insist on doing these things just for the sake of "love"- the most misused word. Although I just give them my two cents and still let them know that they can journey with my group as long as they wanted to learn and love God. I also told them we are all sinners and who am I to judge them though I insist that if you know it's wrong then don't do it any more. My unit head last weekend has been teasing me to step up for unit head role next year. I just laugh out loud. For me, the community is not ready for a person like me. There would be challenges for sure if others won't agree on the way I do things especially I am indeed strict and make it clear to follow the teachings and strive for holiness. My members know by now that there is still joy in striving for holiness where you don't have to hide because you are committing sin and being shameful about it. I guess the community is too afraid to lose a member than uphold the truth and teachings of Christ.

The Complicated Life Living in Democracy

In my previous post I did specified that INC has the right to rally since they are Filipinos and we all are living in democracy. Since to assemble, one has to get a permit so for me it is the responsibility of the government agency to ensure that these people can exercise their right to express without affecting the rest of the nation. Here in Singapore, there is a designated area where the people can rally and they too must get a permit to do so. Nevertheless if you asked me about these politicians who support the INC's complaints regarding how the DOJ handled the case then I could say they are not upholding the law. Anybody who has committed a crime cannot hide and use their religion to gain immunity. Otherwise let it state in the Constitution then. When abused, we all have the right to ask for justice. And for all who supported that this is religious freedom may I know why you say so and how do you apply that logic in running the government and justice for everyone.

Great Expectations

I learned recently to let go of people not because they give up on me but the other way around. Perhaps I just tried to always be there for them that even if it is harmful for me I still chose to stay. For instance I always make time every time I know someone even not  a close friend but just want an ear to listen. But if it is my turn there are people who would readily criticize me. I know there are some who give good advises though if everything that comes out in my mouth is not good for them then can I think that I'm pestering them and that is their only way of telling me they don't like me. I learned then to choose my friends to turn to. I also have this habit of raising bar especially if I know one group of people or community is about journeying to Christ. I have high expectations especially on leaders that they have reach already certain spiritual level compare to ordinary members. But all these results to frustrations. Majority I know  now are not living the faith or even below my "standards". Only a few I could say is really striving hard and understood the teaching of Christ. I may be quick to judge but I have this question in my head that I really wanted to ask them. Have you love Christ that much? In loving Him I learned excuses are not excuse for me not to follow Him. If we love somebody we are eager to know more about Him. Yet there are some reasonings I heard now that base on my opinion are out of His teachings. There is only one truth and so I am more frustrated to hear that it is because we all are different that our ways are not synchronize. It is an excuse of a common person. Every person who is in Christ bear the same marks of Christ that make others identify He is for Jesus. 

As of the moment I also stopped watching KrisTV. Before even if Kris have confusion on her belief as a Catholic by mixing it with superstitions I am still entertained by her "ignorance". But as years goes by there is no improvement and I could say she is really not a good model. That is why I raised bar to those who have the power to influence especially those in the community. But during my prayer I am reminded that in the end it is between them and God anyway. I must stop having expectations. I always get lesser than what I expected. I must do what I can and just choose people who can come to me closer. Only those I could truly trusted.

Loving Correction

It is always a big challenge in heading a Christian group to correct fellow brethren. I'm always caught in this dilemma and often I was in the frontline. I received highly praises for my sound judgement and courage to fight what is right. Nevertheless they don't know that the battle I'm also dealing within. My new household like any other group has a problem on cohabitation. I have no apprehension following the guidelines to know them carefully by asking specified things during Christian Life Program. The problem with this guideline is that many discussion group leaders have this apprehension on how to ask this specific question of cohabitation. I understand that is their personal lives and we may be accused of mingling with their affairs. But if you are really re-born Christians you would think of this as a calling of love. Correcting others is also showing your concerns to them and I always emphasize that correcting doesn't mean to force them do what is right. It is just letting them aware period and the ball is theirs. We should not complicate things like these especially defining the passing the ball because if these people decide to journey with us we always have the opportunity to influence them given the chances in which we should grab immediately. Yes loving correction needs timing. A delayed reaction because of fear of rejection I think is self glorification. Correction may be accepted and may be not. A missed opportunity is simply letting the person commit a sinful life without validating if s/he knows it is a sin and wrong. But above all, it is their decision on how to live their lives after the correction. Let our conscience be clear that every Sunday Mass we can face the Lord that lessen our sins "things that we failed to do." This is between them and God anyway.

The Other Side of the Coin: A Different Perspective

Much has been said especially in social media regarding the rally of Iglesia ni Cristo recently in Manila. These commentaries have valid points and we are entitled to live in an orderly, peaceful environment where our rights are not being compromise. There are two sides of the coin and that is why I just observe in spite of the so many reactions by even fellow Catholics. I understand where they are coming from especially those who have first hand experience (in traffic and also abuse from the members of INC). Nevertheless I felt it is not also right to take this opportunity to bash the INC's belief especially if they think that Jesus is only Man. This is also not the time to ridicule their faith and belief and most of all celebrate because their church is falling into pieces. A true Christian will see the hurts and pains the other has been undergoing regardless of what religion s/he belongs. Last night I asked a friend who is a member of INC if he had participated in the rally and how he feels. I'm truly glad that it ended peacefully. I don't care about the speculations on how it ended or what compromise has been given. I felt more on the members of the church. Are they lost now? Are they in pain? My friend told me his eldest did come to the rally. I was amazed that a young girl would choose to be there to tell the world what she felt. My stand here is this: the members of Iglesia ni Cristo has the permit to rally so they have the right to do so as Filipinos. The traffic jam experienced by Manila especially on Friday night I think was the MMDA's fault or whichever government agency that is responsible for order on the road. In the first place there is already a permit issued so they know already that there will be a rally so they should have planned re-routing. I am not informed how Catholic activities are being planned if major roads have to be closed but I'm sure someone in the government should oversee it. Whatever belief, perspective and faith the members of Iglesia ni Cristo have, let us just respect it. Not because of harmony but because as Catholic we believe that God has given the gift of freewill and in this case they just practice to have a choice. If God can give it to Adam and Eve (and to us) then why not we could also give to others. Let us not discriminate our brothers and sisters because they are different. This just reflects how manipulative is our government and they are not doing their service hundred percent. I already lose faith in PNoy a long time ago. This is just a simple case if only he has a sympathy for the people. We are in democracy and everyone is entitled for the freedom of speech. Even the Iglesia ni Cristo whatever their reasons may be.