To realize how great and personal is God’s love for me as he calls me to the Marist Community.

Compassion

My whole family had to move to Palawan when I was 4-years old. We had to leave our house and that includes our pet, a one-eyed orange cat. I can still remember that cat. After a year, we came back. The house where we stayed was not there anymore, and also our cat. I overheard from the stories of our neighbour how the cat stayed on that place where he used to until he’s gone. Learning about the cat, I felt pity for it and eventually, missed that cat. From pity to compassion, I learned the feeling of being abandoned and how to take care of the abandoned, I learned the word compassion in that experience, not knowing the term, but I experienced it.  Continue Reading »

Since my first session with my spiritual director is to take place at the Miryam House of Prayer, I opted to walk going there, and it’s a journey, literally. I picked a stick along the way which I can use to drive away dogs, just in case. The Miryam House is about 500 to 600 meters away from the Marist Novitiate. And that’s quite a long walk for me. But again, I want to take it as a part of my journey, of looking back, contemplating and being at the moment for the rest of my retreat days…

“I want to see!” – Mk 10:46-52

Jesus asked the blind man, “What do you want me to do for you?” And just like him, I want to see! Not to see what’s in my future, but for today, I want to see myself in your presence, I want to see me in you, Lord! How lovely is your dwelling place, it’s nice to be here, it’s nice to be back, how lovely is our dwelling place! And I long for you, Lord!  Continue Reading »

I call it, “Day 1.” It’s the day I left General Santos City to begin my 15-day retreat at the Novitiate.

While we’re on our way, I decided to pass by the grave of my father to visit and ask for intercessions. I believe I was inspired to do it since I got a very good chance to visit him once more. It became part of my ritual, of my journey as I begin my retreat. For me, it was the most important and most meaningful retreat I have done.

The following paragraphs were written during the first day.  Continue Reading »

Suddenly I just became interested with the phrase, “Engaged Contemplation.” The Buddhist Joan Halifax talked about “Compassion and the true meaning of empathy” at Ted.com. Her talk caught my attention. I don’t have any plan to change my religion to Buddhism but the way how she explained compassion explains my passion in starting to practice Zen. Halifax’s talk was not all about Zen, but Compassion.

As a religious brother who is engaged into active ministry, I believe that I can still practice my chosen way of life while practicing zen. At least, I’m giving effort on how to start it. But where? When? The congregation’s life is an active-contemplative way of life. But now, I would like to re-define it, just for me, as engaged-contemplation. I stay engaged with the young least-favored while contemplating the presence of God in every experiences.

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