One night while I was so busy being
paranoid, I decided to read the bible. I asked God for a sign. I ask
if He want me to become His shepherd. I started by randomly
selecting a page from the scriptures using the tip of my fingers.
When I stopped and opened the page I picked, I was surprised. It was
Mathew 16: 1-4 and the title was, “No signs will be given”. This
strucked me and I paused for a moment and decided to read some simple
explanation because I was confused. It told me to refer to Luke 12:
54-56, they have the same title and almost similar verses. Again, I
randomly picked a page from the bible and when I opened it was a
passage from the Gospel of Mark. It has the same title but its verses
were elaborated. I reflected and read it between the lines. With my
own understanding, the scriptures tells me not to ask for signs. If
everything will be based on signs our lives will be meaningless.
Having faith is more than a sign. We will not need God in our lives
if we live with signs. Uncertainties in life make us human. If
everything is constant, our heart and mind will be stagnant. We all
need to make choices based on our conscience, knowledge and
discernment. Therefore, signs are not necessary. For as long we make
decisions with God everything will go the right way. Sometimes, we
don't need to ask for signs. It just happens, its like a visitor
knocking outside the door, when we least expect it.
Showing posts with label Religion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Religion. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Alone
No signs will be given
One night while I was so busy being paranoid, I decided to read the bible. I asked God for a sign. I ask if He want me to become His shepherd. I started by randomly selecting a page from the scriptures using the tip of my fingers. When I stopped and opened the page I picked, I was surprised. It was Mathew 16: 1-4 and the title was, “No signs will be given”. This trucked me and I paused for a moment and decided to read some simple explanation because I was confused. It told me to refer to Luke 12: 54-56, they have the same title and almost similar verses. Again, I randomly picked a page from the bible and when I opened it was a passage from the Gospel of Mark. It has the same title but its verses were elaborated. I reflected and read it between the lines. With my own understanding, the scriptures tells me not to ask for signs. If everything will be based on signs our lives will be meaningless. Having faith is more than a sign. We will not need God in our lives if we live with signs. Uncertainties in life make us human. If everything is constant, our heart and mind will be stagnant. We all need to make choices based on our conscience, knowledge and discernment. Therefore, signs are not necessary. For as long we make decisions with God everything will go the right way. Sometimes, we don't need to ask for signs. It just happens, its like a visitor knocking outside the door, when we least expect it.
One night while I was so busy being paranoid, I decided to read the bible. I asked God for a sign. I ask if He want me to become His shepherd. I started by randomly selecting a page from the scriptures using the tip of my fingers. When I stopped and opened the page I picked, I was surprised. It was Mathew 16: 1-4 and the title was, “No signs will be given”. This trucked me and I paused for a moment and decided to read some simple explanation because I was confused. It told me to refer to Luke 12: 54-56, they have the same title and almost similar verses. Again, I randomly picked a page from the bible and when I opened it was a passage from the Gospel of Mark. It has the same title but its verses were elaborated. I reflected and read it between the lines. With my own understanding, the scriptures tells me not to ask for signs. If everything will be based on signs our lives will be meaningless. Having faith is more than a sign. We will not need God in our lives if we live with signs. Uncertainties in life make us human. If everything is constant, our heart and mind will be stagnant. We all need to make choices based on our conscience, knowledge and discernment. Therefore, signs are not necessary. For as long we make decisions with God everything will go the right way. Sometimes, we don't need to ask for signs. It just happens, its like a visitor knocking outside the door, when we least expect it.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
A Cathedral turned into Mosque
It is very characteristic of the spiritual life in the Eastern Roman Empire in the days of Justinian, that the Emperor chose to build, as his own greatest church --which was also intended to be the greatest church in the world-- a shrine dedicated to Christ as "Hagia Sophia" or Holy Wisdom in English. Christ, the Wisdom (Sophia) and Power( dynamis) of God, in St. Paul's words, was a manifestation of the holy trinity, projecting the action of God from the realm of the divine to the world of man. It is by no means coincidence that the chief temples of Pagan Athens and Christian Constantinople were both dedicated to Wisdom. The Parthenon as the shrine of the Goddess Athena, Goddess of Wisdom, and Justinian's Great Church both showed respect for "Sophia" which has always been one of the chief traits of the Greek mind. Christ as the Wisdom of God was a familiar idea to Greek Christianity; the Hymn of the Resurrection, sung during the Eucharist, invokes Christ as "the Wisdom and the Word and Power of God". Near St. Sophia stood St. Eirene, representing the peace of God. Like St. Sophia, St. Eirene had been originally built by Constantine the Great. It is highly indicative of the Eastern Roman Empire's connection with its Classical Greek roots, that when both St. Sophia and St. Eirene were burnt down and rebuilt, Wisdom was given first place.
My version of 5 people that I'l meet in heaven
Mitch Albom had its own idea of heaven.That the end of life is just a beginning. In heaven several unexpected individuals will stumble upon your feet. They will teach you that life is more than how you lived it. That everything in life happens for a reason, and that reason maybe unclear while you live. Heaven is not just a mere place filled with angels and saints. Heaven is place a recollection of everything that had happened in your life. Heaven is where God tells you: " I already fixed it all". This book emphasizes that God already planned our lives from the moment of conception. Its up to us on how to live it.
Inspired by the book he wrote, I also want to meet 5 people who'll make me understand the different things that happened in my life. If ever I would be given the chance to pick those 5 persons I'll meet in heaven those would be: my Grand mother: Lola Nitz, An Augustinian Friar, Micheal Jackson Jose Rizal and an Aborted Fetus. I know for sure each of them would tell me something. They will help me understand the mystery of life because they already solved their own puzzles.
Someone dies, while the other lives. Someone does a sacrifice for the betterment of the many. All parents damage their children, but they just cant let go of them. Lost love is stronger than real love. Heaven is a home, place with no pain, no anger, no hatred. A place of serenity and eternal peace of mind and heart.
What is your idea of heaven?
Heaven will be my Home.
Inspired by the book he wrote, I also want to meet 5 people who'll make me understand the different things that happened in my life. If ever I would be given the chance to pick those 5 persons I'll meet in heaven those would be: my Grand mother: Lola Nitz, An Augustinian Friar, Micheal Jackson Jose Rizal and an Aborted Fetus. I know for sure each of them would tell me something. They will help me understand the mystery of life because they already solved their own puzzles.
Someone dies, while the other lives. Someone does a sacrifice for the betterment of the many. All parents damage their children, but they just cant let go of them. Lost love is stronger than real love. Heaven is a home, place with no pain, no anger, no hatred. A place of serenity and eternal peace of mind and heart.
What is your idea of heaven?
Heaven will be my Home.
Byzantium: The glory of Christendom
New York, Milan, Istanbul, Dubai, London,Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpor, Singapore..... These are a few of the famous capitals of industry, fashion, music, power and etc. common to us in 21st century. Cities even before Christ are the cradle of civilization. Cities are the melting point of artifcts that represants the granduer of a certain empire/dynasty. Most of ancient artifact are found on this places.
Before the invasion of the Holy Roman Empire, Byzantium was an ancient Greek City. It is located in a very strategic location. It is a frontier between Europe and Asia. Therefore, whoever occupies it dominates the Mediterranean and Black Seas. Nature protects the City on 3 sides with cliffs making it impenetrable from invaders.
During the reign of Constantine the Great, he chose this City as his new capital. He replaced the name Buzantium to Constantinople. The security and wealth provided by its setting helped Byzantium survive for more than a thousand years. Constantinople was a state-controlled, world trade center which enjoyed the continuous use of a money economy - in contrast to the localized systems found in the west.
The city's wealth and taxes paid for a strong military force and financed an effective government. Excellent sewage and water systems supported an extremely high standard of living. Food was abundant, with grain from Egypt and Anatolia and fish from the Aegean. Constantinople could support a population of a million, at a time when it was difficult to find a city in Europe that could sustain more than 50,000.
Justinian (527-565) was the last emperor to attempt seriously to return the Roman Empire to its first-century grandeur. Aided by his forceful wife Theodora and a corps of competent assistants, he made lasting contributions to Western civilization and gained short-term successes in his foreign policy.
The damage caused by devastating earthquakes (a perennial problem in the area) in the 520s and 530s gave Justinian the opportunity he needed to carry out a massive project of empire-wide urban renewal.
The ruler as builder was one of the oldest ideals of a sovereign. Public buildings and other structures were, in principle, gifts to be used by the ruler's subjects, but also monuments of the greatness of the ruler. Justinian strove hard to realize this ideal. The greatest buildings he erected or rebuilt were in Constantinople, the city which was now the embodiment of the civilization of the Eastern Roman Empire. Numerous magnificent and artistically beautiful structures were constructed or rebuilt during his reign. They included statues, churches and various other monuments. His crowning achievement was the building of St. Sophia, the Church of Holy Wisdom.
the multilingual mercenary army from Constantinople fell apart even before fighting began at the battle of Manzikert. With the disintegration of the army, the only limit to the Turks' march for the next decade was the extent of their own ambition and energy.
Byzantium lost the heart of its empire, and with it the reserves of soldiers, leaders, taxes, and food that had enabled it to survive for the past four centuries. From its weakened position, the empire confronted Venice, a powerful commercial and later political rival. By the end of the eleventh century, the Venetians took undisputed trading supremacy in the Adriatic Sea and turned their attention to the eastern Mediterranean. The Byzantines also faced the challenges of the Normans, led by Robert Guiscard, who took the last Byzantine stronghold in Italy.
The end came finally in May 1453. The last emperor, Constantine XI, led his forces of 9,000, half of whom were Genoese, to hold off the 160,000 Turks for seven weeks. Finally, the Ottomans, with the help of Hungarian artillerymen, breached the walls of the beleaguered city. After 1123 years, the Christian capital fell.
Before the invasion of the Holy Roman Empire, Byzantium was an ancient Greek City. It is located in a very strategic location. It is a frontier between Europe and Asia. Therefore, whoever occupies it dominates the Mediterranean and Black Seas. Nature protects the City on 3 sides with cliffs making it impenetrable from invaders.
During the reign of Constantine the Great, he chose this City as his new capital. He replaced the name Buzantium to Constantinople. The security and wealth provided by its setting helped Byzantium survive for more than a thousand years. Constantinople was a state-controlled, world trade center which enjoyed the continuous use of a money economy - in contrast to the localized systems found in the west.
The city's wealth and taxes paid for a strong military force and financed an effective government. Excellent sewage and water systems supported an extremely high standard of living. Food was abundant, with grain from Egypt and Anatolia and fish from the Aegean. Constantinople could support a population of a million, at a time when it was difficult to find a city in Europe that could sustain more than 50,000.
Justinian (527-565) was the last emperor to attempt seriously to return the Roman Empire to its first-century grandeur. Aided by his forceful wife Theodora and a corps of competent assistants, he made lasting contributions to Western civilization and gained short-term successes in his foreign policy.
The damage caused by devastating earthquakes (a perennial problem in the area) in the 520s and 530s gave Justinian the opportunity he needed to carry out a massive project of empire-wide urban renewal.
The ruler as builder was one of the oldest ideals of a sovereign. Public buildings and other structures were, in principle, gifts to be used by the ruler's subjects, but also monuments of the greatness of the ruler. Justinian strove hard to realize this ideal. The greatest buildings he erected or rebuilt were in Constantinople, the city which was now the embodiment of the civilization of the Eastern Roman Empire. Numerous magnificent and artistically beautiful structures were constructed or rebuilt during his reign. They included statues, churches and various other monuments. His crowning achievement was the building of St. Sophia, the Church of Holy Wisdom.
the multilingual mercenary army from Constantinople fell apart even before fighting began at the battle of Manzikert. With the disintegration of the army, the only limit to the Turks' march for the next decade was the extent of their own ambition and energy.
Byzantium lost the heart of its empire, and with it the reserves of soldiers, leaders, taxes, and food that had enabled it to survive for the past four centuries. From its weakened position, the empire confronted Venice, a powerful commercial and later political rival. By the end of the eleventh century, the Venetians took undisputed trading supremacy in the Adriatic Sea and turned their attention to the eastern Mediterranean. The Byzantines also faced the challenges of the Normans, led by Robert Guiscard, who took the last Byzantine stronghold in Italy.
The end came finally in May 1453. The last emperor, Constantine XI, led his forces of 9,000, half of whom were Genoese, to hold off the 160,000 Turks for seven weeks. Finally, the Ottomans, with the help of Hungarian artillerymen, breached the walls of the beleaguered city. After 1123 years, the Christian capital fell.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Cain and Abel
The first documented murder was between brothers. They were the sons of Adam and Eve, the first Human beings on earth. They were Cain and Abel. This tale of 2 siblings has been passed on through generations and known by all members of the Christendom. Cain killed his brother because of jealousy. When God asked for the finest of their crops, Abel took the best among his herd. On the other hand, Cain only took some of his harvest. God then favoured Abel.
What is then the significance of this story in our lives? Often we are like Cain. We do things because we are asked to. We go to church just because we are obliged. We give alms to the poor because we are ought to do so. We praise God because we ask for expect something in return.
We look at things in a very shallow manner. We fail to reflect and use our hearts.
We are called to praise Him, love Him with all our hearts and our mind. With this, we are expected to give our best in everything that we do for Him. Our lives will become more meaningful if we know the purpose of each thing we do for Him.
What is then the significance of this story in our lives? Often we are like Cain. We do things because we are asked to. We go to church just because we are obliged. We give alms to the poor because we are ought to do so. We praise God because we ask for expect something in return.
We look at things in a very shallow manner. We fail to reflect and use our hearts.
We are called to praise Him, love Him with all our hearts and our mind. With this, we are expected to give our best in everything that we do for Him. Our lives will become more meaningful if we know the purpose of each thing we do for Him.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Am I called by Him?
Being born from a country of predominantly Catholics and in a devout Christian family, I was exposed to the teachings and tradition of the Catholicism. I was enrolled in a Catholic School when I was 3 years old until I earned a degree in Nursing. I was taught by my teachers’ salient points of the Catholic belief. My school educated me the fundamentals of Christianity and knowledge for life as well.
My grandmother was one of the greatest contributors in my knowledge about my faith. She tells me bible stories before I sleep and at the end teach me the morals of each story. Those where the things that I will never forget in my life, as a disciple of Christ. While my mother was the one who exposed me with the different Church traditions; attending the holy mass, participating in processions, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, saint veneration and etc.
Our life’s experience is God’s way of talking to us. Trials and obstacles are given to us to test our faith and loyalty to Him. I have experienced a lot in my existence as a person. I have faced a lot of challenges in my family, peers, and community. But with this, I have encountered Him in unanswered prayers, in times of despair and moments of solitude. I can feel His presence with people around me. One day, I awakened and felt a calling.
“Restless is my heart, ‘till it rest in thee”. These are the exact words that could define my experience. I am restless to seek for love, happiness and contentment. I tried to look for it but I never had inner peace. Happiness was just a temporary feeling. I never found contentment even I chose to have it. I never found that inner peace in my friends, loved ones and even with my family.
But when I started to discern about entering the religious life, it became so light.
I have met and knew a lot of clergy. Each of them has touched my life in one way or another. I see a priest/ nun as divine individuals sent by God to nurture and guide His people towards eternal happiness with Him. On the other hand, they act as a social conscience in this world threatened by evil. Priest’s presence makes me secured and feels that God truly is with us.
Am I really called by God to serve Him and His people?
My grandmother was one of the greatest contributors in my knowledge about my faith. She tells me bible stories before I sleep and at the end teach me the morals of each story. Those where the things that I will never forget in my life, as a disciple of Christ. While my mother was the one who exposed me with the different Church traditions; attending the holy mass, participating in processions, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, saint veneration and etc.
Our life’s experience is God’s way of talking to us. Trials and obstacles are given to us to test our faith and loyalty to Him. I have experienced a lot in my existence as a person. I have faced a lot of challenges in my family, peers, and community. But with this, I have encountered Him in unanswered prayers, in times of despair and moments of solitude. I can feel His presence with people around me. One day, I awakened and felt a calling.
“Restless is my heart, ‘till it rest in thee”. These are the exact words that could define my experience. I am restless to seek for love, happiness and contentment. I tried to look for it but I never had inner peace. Happiness was just a temporary feeling. I never found contentment even I chose to have it. I never found that inner peace in my friends, loved ones and even with my family.
But when I started to discern about entering the religious life, it became so light.
I have met and knew a lot of clergy. Each of them has touched my life in one way or another. I see a priest/ nun as divine individuals sent by God to nurture and guide His people towards eternal happiness with Him. On the other hand, they act as a social conscience in this world threatened by evil. Priest’s presence makes me secured and feels that God truly is with us.
Am I really called by God to serve Him and His people?
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Creation of Man
Mystery of Creation
When God decided to create his kingdom on earth, the world was a waste land a dark empty abyss. No life and not suited for living. But why did he created us anyway? He don’t need human beings to exist. He won’t benefit anything from us. But then, he created the earth for seven days. The creation was a step-by-step process; from the light, to the stars, the land, the sea, vegetation and animals. At the top of it all, he created men. He then gave him dominion over the land, the sea, vegetation and animals.
I will go back to my question. Why did He created us anyway?
We were created out of LOVE. He created us in His image and likeness, called us son and daughters so that we may experience the things that we are enjoying right now. We existed because of Him so that we may glorify and love Him at all times. “He created us in His own image and likeness” Gn 1:27, this is the major evidence that we were created because of love. He gave us dominion over His creation. He gave us the right to use the resources He has given for us to exist.
He created us out of love, and our mission is also to love and worship Him in return. We were given dominion over His creation but we should also respect those living/non-living things because we were equally created by Him. We should give importance to each creation He has made especially our fellow human being for we are called to love Him and love one another as well as members of His wonderfull creation.
When God decided to create his kingdom on earth, the world was a waste land a dark empty abyss. No life and not suited for living. But why did he created us anyway? He don’t need human beings to exist. He won’t benefit anything from us. But then, he created the earth for seven days. The creation was a step-by-step process; from the light, to the stars, the land, the sea, vegetation and animals. At the top of it all, he created men. He then gave him dominion over the land, the sea, vegetation and animals.
I will go back to my question. Why did He created us anyway?
We were created out of LOVE. He created us in His image and likeness, called us son and daughters so that we may experience the things that we are enjoying right now. We existed because of Him so that we may glorify and love Him at all times. “He created us in His own image and likeness” Gn 1:27, this is the major evidence that we were created because of love. He gave us dominion over His creation. He gave us the right to use the resources He has given for us to exist.
He created us out of love, and our mission is also to love and worship Him in return. We were given dominion over His creation but we should also respect those living/non-living things because we were equally created by Him. We should give importance to each creation He has made especially our fellow human being for we are called to love Him and love one another as well as members of His wonderfull creation.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Heaven will Never be a Place on Earth
In this modern world, we are confronted with a lot of threats to our existence as men of God. We lose our identity due to different products of our material desires. We turn away from God, question His existence and be slaves of sin because we think that He had abandon us. These days, do we long for heaven? Do we still aim for everlasting happiness?
We go against God because of frustration. Just like a teenager who wanted something from His father and if his parent won’t provide that want, he would go against Him and rage will come in. Some of us fail to see the whole picture.
Our Lord will not give us everything that we want, so that we will long for heaven. Try to think of it, if he make our life in earth a little heaven will we still long to be with Him? Struggles, trials, and difficulties will trigger us to search for Him and to long for His paradise.
We go against God because of frustration. Just like a teenager who wanted something from His father and if his parent won’t provide that want, he would go against Him and rage will come in. Some of us fail to see the whole picture.
Our Lord will not give us everything that we want, so that we will long for heaven. Try to think of it, if he make our life in earth a little heaven will we still long to be with Him? Struggles, trials, and difficulties will trigger us to search for Him and to long for His paradise.
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