FAITH and RELIGION

     Faith is the real essence of any religion... as religion is the foundation of one's faith.

     I am a devout Catholic and that is my religion. But my "faith" in HIM is above my religion and more than its boundaries because it is a deep personal relationship. Religion on the other hand is the catalyst that introduces man to his faith. But, "faith" for me is more than just a word and deeper to define that only my heart can read and not by my eyes and words alone. It's the trials, hardships, and gratitude in life that purifies one person to light up the spark on his faith in any religion where he belongs. Religion divides us as spiritual life seekers. But all of us has one common faith within us that only differs with its sincerity and clarity depending on the manner of how we hone it ourselves and allow it to change our lives on the good side. Not for ourselves alone but being good to others as well. Some people wanted to look for an explanation and be scientifically-oriented on this matter... and I can't blame them, for we are all entitled of free will for our own life choices. Most of all, FAITH is NOT FORCED... it is felt wholeheartedly without waiting something in return. With no offense meant to anyone, atheist, or any religion... as I respect religion in all forms.

     In my humble opinion, religion is the practice of one's faith. But, faith is the life... not of the religion but of the one who bears it. 

     Be blessed everyone!

Photo by: Sukito San

MERCY and COMPASSION

     MERCY is divine when freely given with a heart full of COMPASSION.

     When Pope Francis came here in the Philippines for his PAPAL VISIT within the period of January 15-19, 2015... our family and I made it a point to see the Pope and go to hear his mass at the Quirino Grandstand. His visit has a theme of "Mercy and Compassion", for the Pope wanted to visit and show his compassion towards the victim of the last typhoon and earthquake that took many lives and left grieving families empty-handed in Visayas, Philippines. 

     It turned out to be rainy that day due to a typhoon. But still, people were eager enough to see the Pope personally despite of the bad weather condition. As we head to the mass before sunrise in Rizal Park, popularly known as Luneta, a mother with his two young boys approached and begged us if they can come with us as we commute  and do the long walk in going to the said mass for the reason that she and her kids don't know how to get there. And so my mom, my siblings and I agreed for them to come with us. The closer we get to our destination, the more the crowd gets bigger. Roads are getting congested and overcrowded. Our family is firm in heading  in the front area of the grandstand because we really wanted to see Pope Francis in personal for this is once in a lifetime chance and might never happen again or might took years and decades before this moment repeats itself. But, the mother that joined us ask if we can just stay in the place where we are currently standing because her children can't go on anymore due to tiredness, hunger, and coldness as the rain continues... and we only have our plastic raincoats as protection against it.

     Aside from the fact that they were also carrying big bags and a Sto. Niño image as well. Our family and I stayed because we should prioritize the safety of the children that's with us... although we really wanted to be in front and see the Pope in person. Still, safety should come first especially for the kids.The  most awaited moment came as Pope Francis waved his hands among the crowd... and we failed to see him personally because of the overwhelming crowd.

     We felt frustrated of not seeing the Pope in person. Yet, we felt blessed because we have lived his message which is "Mercy and Compassion", by showing it to the mother and children who got along with us.

Photos by: Sukito San  

MY FOUR WIVES written by: Sukito

All of us has our own priorities in life. Sometimes our whole lives revolves around these things... these people. In my case, my whole world only revolves around my four wives every time and everyday. But not really on my fourth wife...
I wouldn't tell my name as well as my wives because I think that it wasn't that of much importance. All I want to share and for you to think about is my story and to all those who will read this. Maybe we are the same. Maybe we are in the same situation right now. Maybe you are currently doing what I'm doing. Maybe you are already committing the same mistake that I have done... or you are just unaware of it. Just a simple tip for you before it's not yet too late. Usually, regret always comes in the end. I just don't want you to end up on what I have been through.
I am a simple guy who have four wives. I cannot live without the four of them because I need them in my life. All of them plays an important role for me... for my whole being. Only that, I should say and admit that I am not giving equal attention to each of them. Different levels per se'. I have my personal favorites and the not so minded.
My first wife is my favorite. I am giving her all my luxuries. She's quite materialistic. From dresses, shoes, accessories, jewelries, and all the extravagance from head to foot... I'm giving it all! Even the food that's not healthy to eat as long as she wants it... I'm making her taste it!
I value my second wife. I love her coz I need her. I do admit that I really couldn't live without her and I will starve to death for she provides me anything I need. Sometimes even the needs of my first and third wife will surely be coming out from her pocket. It's really hard to survive nowadays without any allowance. That is why I cannot leave my second wife.
I love my third wife. She is my source of inspiration and moral support. She's my usual company and the one that stands with me in all my troubles in life and whenever I have a problem. When I need someone to talk to in times of sorrow and happiness. Because of her that is why I am earning hard for a living. I can't really leave her side unless the situation will force me to do so.
I also need my fourth wife. It's fine with me that she stays because I know that she wouldn't leave me. Eventhough I do not pay that much importance on her. From the time I wake up until I fall to sleep, she's always there and never keeps me off her sight. Whenever I'm alone and have problems, she's just there... listening. And you wouldn't hear a word from her. She's a good listener and maybe that's why I need her in my life. Still, I don't mind her that much despite her loyalty on me. Most of the time, I am not providing her needs... like food maybe.
Until one day, I was diagnosed with a malignant disease. My doctor said that I will only live for three months and it will be all over. There's no cure for my illness. My world shattered and I can't accept that fact especially if I will deal it all by myself. Because of what happened to me I felt that I needed some company who will stand by me all the way through. So, I asked my each of my four wives this only one question, "If something really worst will happen to me and I will be gone... would you stay with me all the way until the very end?".
My first wife answered, "I can't be with you 'til the end because I will be useless without you and I will be nothing.
My second wife answered, "I can't be with you until the end because I'd rather be in the hands of another and let them use me and benefit me than to go down with you in your destination.
My third wife answered, I just can't be with you to the very end... though how much I would have wanted to. I can support you, cry for you, or even grieve for you. But I can't go along with you to wherever you are heading.
I am already losing hope to ask my fourth wife. Yet, she knows my suffering... so I earned enough strength to ask her. My fourth wife answered me right away and without any hesitation, "I will be with you on your journey all the way until the very end".
My first wife is my "human body". It will be lifeless when I'm gone and it can't bring down to the grave all the luxuries and extravagances it got when I'm still alive.
My second wife is my "money". It will be left behind to my loved ones and will have no more use on me when I'm gone.
My third wife are my "family and friends". They can be with me when I'm still around and take care of me in times of sickness. However, they can do nothing but mourn for me when 'm dead.
My fourth wife is my "soul"... who will be with me to the very end even on the other side.
How about you? When was the last time you've been to church, had your communion, or even prayed? When was the last time you put an importance on your fourth wife... on your soul?


(This story was inspired by Fr. Larry Paz of Holy Family Parish of Marikina from his homily last June 26, 2011 on the "The Feast Of Corpus Christi". Translated into writing by yours truly, Sukito, on a manner of "first-person point of view" based on my own version of understanding on the story. I am hoping that you've reflected on this story in connection to your life and that you've learned something from it. I will be more glad if you will share this in credit to this blog and to the persons responsible for giving a body to this story. Thank you for reading.)

You can also read this on its Filipino version that I have translated on the link below...
http://definitelyfilipino.com/blog/2011/07/11/ang-apat-kong-asawa/.

ASH WEDNESDAY written by: Sukito

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lenten Season. In the olden times, ash in the forehead signifies that the one who has it is a sinner. A Catholic practice which symbolizes that from the ashes, we will turn back into ashes in the end.

Whenever this event comes, it only reminds us of one thing... and that is to be humble. Being down to earth in the eyes of God and towards our fellowmen. No matter how far we've been or experienced in this lifetime or even how successful we are in every aspect of life. That riches, wealth, recognition, accomplishments and power will be nothing when we reach the end of our journey in this world. We should remember that all of us started from nothing and from being a nobody. We may be an expert or good in everything we do right now but we should reminisce those times when we know nothing of what we presently do... we begun as the ordinary and the ignorant person beforehand. We shouldn't boast for our accomplishments. Instead, we should share our knowledge... those things that we've learned... and our blessings to others.

Confucius says, "life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated". There were those times that it feels good to get back to basics. Those simple lessons in life. Days free from stressful situations and from complicated events and from the drowning sins... existing and waiting to be committed. It feels great to live a new life with humble beginnings with our feet that stays on the ground as we evolve for good each day. To grow hope in our hearts and nurture it to benefit us during downtimes.

I think that when we meet God, He wouldn't ask us how much wealth we gain or how successful we've been. We shouldn't feel proud of ourselves that we've helped a lot and have done good things because this is not the measurement of living the good life. It might be somehow and in some way but what really counts is how we humbly deal with the trials and the triumphs we've had and learning from it and sharing it to those in need. This season is not only for penance and fasting. It's also for reflecting and making our hearts and minds in peace with God and with ourselves as well. To keep on living good as much as we can and be a blessing not only to the people we love but to all those people around us. God bless...

AN IMMEASURABLE FAITH written by: Sukito

It was January 9, 2011... when I've had this jeepney ride with my mom. We were heading halfway to our destination when a middle-aged guy came riding inside the public vehicle. He's wearing an ordinary black shirt paired up with a dirty-looking maong short. He got tunnels in his both ears including some piercings in his face. Most of all, the one that caught my attention and all the passengers in the jeepney as well was that the man wasn't wearing any footwear, not even a single pair of slippers. Aside from the fact that his feet was totally dirty and muddy. I suppose that everyone who saw him that day will think that he's insane. The only thing that convinced me that he's not nuts was when he paid for his fare. He knows his destination as well as his change for his fare and he speaks simple but clear and normal too. He's going into somewhere far while he knew that he's barefooted. He's also not ashamed on his looks. And I'm surprised when I saw that he's carrying a rosary in his pocket as he pulled out his money. So the story goes...

When I got home, I kinda watched the news... and only then that I knew and recall that January 9, 2011 is the "Feast of the Black Nazarene" where its devotees used to travel barefooted and go all the way to the Quiapo Church where the said patron saint lies and being paraded within the vicinity. Walking without anything on your feet is only one way to make your sacrifice for any petition, healing, or thanksgiving you wanted to do in return. And as we all know that joining the procession of the said feast is really life-risking, tiring and dangerous at the same time for it is definitely overcrowded and stampede-like where some folks are not making it 'til the end. And in the news, 6 million devotees are expected to participate in the procession or maybe more.

I suddenly remember the man that I saw that day who's barefooted and who looks like a drug addict and got those body piercings on him. He is a devotee of the Black Nazarene! And his faith obviously doesn't reflect on his outside appearance. It made me think and smile somehow that faith in God should really start and come from within and not on the external looks.

NO NEED TO BE HOLY IN HOLY WEEK written by: Sukito

Holy macaroni! It's holy week again. Most people take advantage of this time for a vacation. May it be in their hometown provinces or in any beautiful beaches just to escape a busy city life. Personally, I don't usually go out of town whenever this time comes. I just stay at home and do church tripping. Some might think it's boring. But, maybe this is my way of unwinding myself from all the stressful events I've had and will have for the rest of the year. I do separate my vacation schedules. Out of town or swimming galore during summer vacation... and reflection during holy week. What I mean was, one is for myself, family and friends... and the other one is for my spiritual growth. I do go to hear a mass every Sunday and as long as I have a time. But, I should admit that I wasn't that active in church acivities or should I say that I am not a full blown practitioner. So, I really use my holy week vacation for meditation and reflection and to refresh myself as well. By the way, I make it point to join the long procession every Good Friday as my way of devotion or sacrifice. Anyway, walking is good for the heart. So, I am exercising my body and soul at the same time. Hitting two birds with one stone at the same as they say. Many people have their own and different versions of showing their devotion or their "panata" ( a Tagalog term used for making a sacrifice connected to a spiritual or religious manner and belief). Some folks have themselves crucified and reliving the life of Jesus Christ. This event was known and can be witnessed in San Fernando, Pampanga. Moreover, it has become a tourist spot in their place, visited by tourist and foreigners to document it or just to plainly watch it. In my part, if you're doing it for money, attracting tourist or in any other purpose excluding your personal faith... the sacrifice will be senseless and loses it's genuine intention for it shouldn't be boasted and must be humbly and sincerely done. Some people have their backs bleed to death or should I say with a fake blood while hitting it with a rod. There are also those that I've known who don't eat meat and lessen their food intake as they satisfy themselves with only bread and water for the whole day during this week. Many churchgoers do the way or the station of the cross and if they are more outgoing they do the "Visita Iglesia" or visiting seven churches while they pray. Others do contemplate on the mysteries of the rosary. Commonly, many Catholics avoid or do not commit sins during this time and just simply pray. Some don't care after all and they just enjoy their vacation... then call on God when they are sick. In any way possible, we all have our own ways of doing our sacrifices during this lent. It doesn't really matter how big or small it is. God doesn't look on it's quantity but on it's quality. If it's sincere from the heart or just a show for your image. It doesn't matter if how many novenas or rosary you've prayed or how many prayers you can memorize or even how many saints you can name. Faith is not a contest by impressing God with all fake means. Instead, faith is a commitment... a personal relationship between you and Him. It is immeasurable whether you're a religious practitioner or a non-practitioner. It is within you... if God dwells in your heart and in your mind by doing what is right and for the common good that pleases Him. Whatever religion we are into, it doesn't matter that much for we all have One God... and the faith we have in Him is exclusive for ourselves as long as the sincerity is there. We do not really need to be holy like the saints this Holy Week. All we have to do is to be good and that's it.