God's Choice

Hallmark Debuts Series Of LGBT eCards For Fathers’ Day. According to a Tumblr blog called Trans Girl Next Door, a person named Kylie Wu created the eCards, and takes special pride in the two gay dads animation. “I’m so proud to be the artist involved in making the first ever same-sex Hallmark eCard featuring two gay dads,” Wu wrote. “And I’m proud of Hallmark for celebrating people’s differences! It doesn’t matter who’s in it, LOVE makes a family.”

Love makes a family. It sounds nice. It is like one of those tweets on Christmas, "I am with people who I choose to be my family". Sounds nice, too. I do have close friends who I consider my second family. Then, there are those who say, "I choose to be a man or a woman." Not bad, it sounds convicted.

Everything had become a choice and choice is power. There are many choices that clash with other people's choices. CHOICE is, indeed, the BATTLEFIELD of GOOD and EVIL.

There is one thing missing. God has a choice, too. God chose the family and race we are brought into. God chose a gender for us. He created them male and female. The tragedy of our generation so obsessed with rights is we clash with God's choice. God's choice is always a gift and a goodwill we have to unlock. In His gifts, there is always a gift within a gift. It is an inexhaustible possibility while our wrong choices often leave us running empty.

Lucas Cranach, 1530

Next in Line: Divorce?

From the proponents of RH bill comes their next move: Divorce
With a very Obamanatic president, Noynoy Aquino, they would surely try to push as much as they can to change the Philippine Culture into an Obama nation (abomi nation).
For sure the loud voices who will be rallying for this bill are those in the Mass Media who are already into their second marriages.

HB 4408 "AN ACT INTRODUCING DIVORCE IN THE PHILIPPINES, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE ARTICLES 26, 55 TO 66 AND REPEALING ARTICLE 36 UNDER TITLE II OF EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 209, AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE FAMILY CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES."

Status: Pending with the Committee on POPULATION AND FAMILY RELATIONS since 2014-05-20.//

H/T Youth4life

It's difficult to stomach the corruption in the Philippines from one administration to another, but there is still something in the Philippines which makes it a home. Albeit, the reason why Filipinos are still among the happiest people.

No matter how common a broken family is in our generation, it doesn't lessen the pain and the woundedness it brings to the children. Even sexual abuse of children is higher on those with second, third fathers.

We love. We care... but still that self-centeredness/ self-absorption keeps us from truly loving deeply.

Kasper Storm

Magister features two addresses of Pope Paul VI in Vatican Diary / What remains of Paul VI, soon to be beatified.
Excerpt from Paul VI addresses:
...meant to recognize publicly the authoritativeness of your pastoral notification and at the same time is meant to propose again with trustful respect for those who have at heart the unconditional fullness of love between the spouses, the firmness of the institution of the family, the dutiful protection and loving education of the offspring on the part of the parents, a subject more serious than ever.
We will make a paternal appeal to the ecclesiastics and religious, to the men of culture and action, and to the many dear faithful and secular of Catholic upbringing who have not taken into account, on this occasion, the fidelity due to an explicit evangelical commandment, to a clear principle of natural law, to a respectful reminder of ecclesial discipline and communion, so wisely enunciated by this episcopal conference and validated by ourselves: we will exhort all of them to bear witness to their declared love for the Church and to their return to full ecclesial communion...

The Kasper Agenda is a betrayal of past popes and saints. More so, it is against Christ's teachings. Pastoral care should be helping the sheepfold go back to the pasture and hear the voice of the good Shepherd.

Communion for Remarried?

THE COMMUNION OF DESIRE

by Carlo Buzzi


Among those who have reacted to my letter have been some who have told me that it was a waste of time, because it is certain by now that the motion to give communion to the remarried will pass with flying colors.

At the synod, in fact - it has been explained to me - the majority of bishops of the two Americas, northern Europe, and Australia will vote in favor. And therefore they will certainly exceed the votes of the bishops of Africa and Asia, many of whom are opposed.

Poor bishops of Africa and Asia! We are reducing the Church to an organization like the UN or some parliament where the majority wins. Precisely those institutions that legally and democratically approve everything: even crimes like abortion, marriage between homosexuals including the adoption of children, experimentation on embryos (which are human beings), euthanasia, and so forth.

It is the first time that democracy is penetrating the Catholic Church with its methods. Will the Holy Spirit have the right to at least one vote, like every bishop, since he comes as a representative of the Most Holy Trinity?

The Catholic Church has stayed on its feet until now because it is based on the holiness of its members and martyrs, not on democracy.

Thousands of Catholics die every year, persecuted for their faith, and we who are well off stubbornly fret about communion for the remarried. How many martyrs have there been in England to keep faith with the integrity of the sacrament of marriage!

What a disaster if the Catholic Church sets off on the path of the Anglican Church, where they decide on the things of God, of faith and human moral behavior, by a democratic system. Poor God, at the mercy of the votes of a few churchmen! Are they sure that God wants women priests and bishops? Are they sure that God approves of marriages between homosexuals?

*

But let's get to the point. My intention here is to make a positive contribution to the discussion on communion for the remarried.

I will do so point by point.

1. This diatribe, in my view, has taken on an exaggerated importance and is not worthy of all this tension.

2. Already in very serious and painful cases the priest judges whether or not to give communion. For example, in second marriages imposed by force or with a spouse who has the sincere desire to separate but is prevented from doing so by the violence of the other or by a serious illness on account of which the other cmay not be abandoned.

3. My contribution to this diatribe is an intuition that I believe can be of help in reaching a compromise.

4. THE COMMUNION OF DESIRE

5. Why could not the communion of desire be considered a true sacramental communion, like the baptism of desire and the confession of desire at the point of death?

6. It is the communion that seems perfectly suited for those who are not in the state of grace and would like to correct this but for various reasons are unable to do so.

7. This is not the first time that there has been the need to find a way out of a diatribe. We know that the definition of the Immaculate Conception was in deadlock for several centuries. Even the Blessed Mother could not be redeemed except through the cross of Jesus. But Jesus died later, so how could she be without original sin from her birth? It was Duns Scotus who came up with the solution: the Blessed Mother made use of the cross of Jesus in advance, like taking out a loan. Problem solved!

8. It is a mistake to give communion to the remarried as a rule.

9. It is not the Church that must consider whether or not to give communion, but remarried persons who must consider whether or not they are worthy to receive communion.

10. There are two remarried persons who humbly think that it is not right for them to receive communion because they are in an irregular situation. And then there are two other remarried persons who presume to receive communion without seriously considering that they are in an irregular situation with the Church. Tell me, now: which couple has more faith and more respect for the sacrament and for the Church?

11. In the liturgy we say: "O LORD, I AM NOT WORTHY THAT YOU SHOULD ENTER INTO MY HOUSE (ut intres sub tectum meum), BUT ONLY SAY A WORD AND I SHALL BE SAVED."

12. Is not this a communion of desire?

13. If we give communion to the remarried, it also means that they no longer need to confess, because this is not a sin anymore. So the ninth commandment falls apart. But the sixth commandment falls apart too.

14. If this is tolerated, then with other grave sins as well communion can be received without confession. And the other commandments also fall apart.

15. In this way everything is blown sky-high. New and Old Testament. Time to remake the whole of morality, of patristics. To figure out from scratch what is sin and what is not. Goodbye to the notion of crime and sin.

16. There is no proportion between this granting of communion to the remarried and the great and grave consequences of disorientation and reaction that would take place in the Church and in the world. For many it would be too painful to accept. I think that there is nothing to be lost in leaving things the way they are. But introducing this concession could bring consequences, and serious ones. There have been schisms among the Anglicans when the majority has decided things that have gone against the conscience of many.

17. There is enough peace in the Catholic Church at the present.

18. So then, one does not give rise to schisms for the sake of such a secondary thing.

19. It is not right to give a direction that is dangerous for the whole Church simply because I have read a book that I like by a theologian or moralist who supports these theories.

20. Do we want to reduce the whole universal Church to the extent to which the Churches of Holland and Belgium have been reduced?

21. I do not think that with a provision of this kind the churches will again be filled as they once were. On the contrary, many of those who go now might desert.

22. In mission territories Catholics are roughly identified as those who have only one marriage forever, obey the pope, and their priests and sisters are not married. And I cannot tell you what advantage this gives us in the work of evangelization, compared to the Protestants.

23. For this reason, when there are mixed marriages with followers of other Christian denominations, the young women in particular want the marriage to be a Catholic ceremony, because they know that here there is only one marriage that cannot be broken.

24. I want to remain Catholic. I do not want to become Anglican or Baptist.

25. We see that states and large organizations are all subject to a mysterious force that inclines them to evil. The only institution that does not bend and stands its ground, firm on the true values of man, is the Catholic Church. Let's stay tough, and not sully our fountain. One day, when they are tired and thirsty, many men will know where to find a bit of fresh water.

Sirajganj, May 17, 2014

Marriage Woes

Many entertainment personalities are into their second marriages and often, it would be officiated by a protestant pastor. It always make me wonder whether the pastor had any qualms about it at all. The first marriages were usually officiated in a Catholic Church, have they rationalized it as invalid? Any Bible-faithful pastor would surely be uneasy to go against "what God had put together, no man can put asunder". Martin Luther had succumbed to such, too, when a powerful Duke was involved. He rationalized it with the Old Testament, Moses had allowed it.



Debates in the Catholic Church had been centered on giving Holy Communion to couples in a second marriage. Two Sacraments of the Church are put into a quandary for pastoral (?) reason. Cardinal Kasper had been in the forefront addressing the Bishops for the Synod on family. The talks had intensified with the news of Pope Francis calling an Argentine woman married to a divorcee.

Sexual sins are private; Thus, there is always an element of presumption. Abortion and artificial contraception are widely accepted and propagated because they hide sexual sins. Why is God so strict about it?

Again, we go back to the Truth that God is our Creator and it is in the sexual act where God manifests Himself as the Creator of human life. It is also in the marital relationship that also reflects our eternal union with God.

What is happening, then, with this "pastoral" compromises is an UNDERMINING of MAN's BEGINNING and END.

As Created

In the construction industry, one would be exposed to nuts and bolts, tongue and groove, and so on. Plumbing or even a door knob would have male and female parts.

These simple things make one aware of the complimentariness of things... necessary, in order to build. It is just the way they are. A unique way of working things together naturally. So much of what humanity had developed sprang forth from this. It is basic to what life is.

So when I think of marriage, it is about a man and woman. Marriage is the public avowal of sexual relations; While sexual relations is the private avowal of marriage. Marriage is equal to the sexual act between a man and a woman. Sex is equal to marriage. Sexual relations is not equal to love. Sexual act is equal to life.

Marriage is a betrothal - to be true. The sexual union between a man and a woman is for building up of the biological family, though not limited to that. It is meant for the propagation of Truth through the biological family. Marriage between a man and a woman is the smallest unit of communion between two unique but complimentary individuals. Such is the significance that would affect the larger society in its relations with one another and growing in and from each other's uniqueness. It is a building block of civilization and determinant of its culture.

Like all things beautiful, marriage requires effort, commitment, and virtues for it to transcend the constantly changing things through the seasons of life. The constantly changing things like wealth, health, physique, talent, preferences. As they journey through it together, they are able to assist and bring each other to the knowledge of truth and love; Thus, towards God and heaven.

God's gift to us of marriage and family life enables us to experience something of the infinite love that unites the three divine persons -- Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Benedict XVI, 2010

"Only God's love can fully satisfy our deepest needs, and yet through the love of husband and wife, the love of parents and children, the love of siblings for one another, we are offered a FORETASTE of the boundless love that awaits us in the life to come."Benedict XVI, 2010

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Freedom for All

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Man and woman I free you from each other. I give you DIVORCE.

Awww! Don't I hear a clap, clap, clap.

Yes, really! I give you the right to make mistakes and try again. How many times, you ask! Oh, as much as you want.

You have to ask why. Isn't it obvious. It is hard work to make it work. You have more important work to do.

The children? Oh, I propose only two. You can remarry so there will be a replacement parent to provide for the family.

You are asking if it would be good for the children. Come on, no more fightings, no more putting up with an undesireable spouse. No more third parties.

What! You are confused what marriage is for! Oh, marry for whatever purpose you want, there is nothing to be afraid of anymore.

Haha, you are asking why marry. Good question. We are insecure people, we need the word "marriage". At least, we can make it profitable for those who want to.

What? You are asking about family value. I am giving you the right to have your ideal family. You are empowered to write your script and choose the characters in it. You can rewrite as you go along and erase the characters you don't want.

Don't you just love it! This is exciting, It is a tragedy to be alone and lonely in this over-populated world.

It doesn't sound realistic to you, aha! It is as real as your reality shows.

What? What happens to you when the show has ended? Of course, you start a new one. Haven't you learned enough from television.

Oh women, you are afraid your children might be abused by their stepfathers. Just waive your right and give the children to the men.

And don't you worry about the children. We are working on the child's right to be free from parental intervention.

Children must have freedom in their sex education and reproductive rights as early as possible.

Oh why aren't the children listening here. Still playing and watching cartoons ha! We will change that.

Oh men, of course, you will still be working. Oh, you would rather be single again... that is exactly what we are giving you. Tie the knot. Cut the knot. Two separate threads of life. A little bit if loose ends but there will be much for you to work on, you won't even notice.

Broken families? That is a discriminatory and hate speech, we will not allow anyone to call it as such even if it is. This is freedom.

Oh, the Catholic Church will not accept it? Oh, that kill joy of humanity. Just leave it. There are so many religions that would accept it. Choose one or start one or just no-religion religion.

Am I making you sad? Oh no, I am giving you the free pursuit of happiness.

You are uncertain? Don't be stupid, this is freedom. Don't get stuck. Just do it.

Okay, okay. Stop grumbling. I make you man free for man and you, woman free for woman. I give you freedom in "SAME-SEX MARRIAGE".

Cool! Isn't it? We are such freedom loving people.

Of course, you would have divorce as well. You do make mistakes and it's hard work to make things work. There are more important things you can do.

What, you are asking what difference it will make? Well... let me think. I see. It will make marriage free for all. We are freedom loving people. Hooray for us.

Oh, you are thinking. Stop it. Look, you will be accepted as a couple. You can have the benefits just like the rest. You don't have to be alone and lonely in this over-populated world.

Oh, you are thinking of family? Well, you were a child of parents, too, so you must be eligible to adopt children. There are many children from poor parents. You can have them.

Hey, you people should be happy. I am giving you everything you want. And if problems crop up, we will have more laws to cover it.

Fine. We free you from humanity. We give you EUTHANASIA and ASSISTED SUICIDE.

Imagine you can wipe out humanity by eliminating yourself. So easy.

Don't try to be funny. You are asking what if you changed your mind. Don't be stupid, there are no second thoughts here. Don't think about it... just focus on your freedom.

Abuse? Yeah right! Who cares, you are being freed from people anyway.

Look at it this way. It takes a lot of work to take care of the sick and the elderly. It is a great burden on your pocket. Be free from that.

And it is hard work to live and make life work. Be free from that and you will be assisted.

Oh, now you are thinking of religious belief. Leave that killjoy Catholic Church, we will give you New Age. It is a great concoction of everything you want. This will free you from religion and tradition. You make your own dogma and change it along the way. Well, that doesn't sound like a dogma but we can redefine everything. Always new.

People, you are free. No one to dictate to you. Nothing is imposed on you. I am freeing you.

You make me laugh, you are asking if I will give peace in this world. I give you freedom.

Can't you see people, this is good governance. I am giving you pain killer. We numb your pain but your RESTLESSNESS, we can do nothing for. We are freedom loving people.

Acceptance and Forgiveness

The media coverage on (Comedy King) Dolphy's life and death had died down and now left to the annals of history. The one thing that struck a note in the many media mileage was when Zsa Zsa Padilla thanked her daughter Karylle for her ACCEPTANCE and FORGIVENESS. Karylle (a singer, actress, and host herself) was but a young girl when Zsa Zsa left her marriage to dentist, Dr. M. Tatlonghari for Dolphy. Karylle isn't a publicity hound so I have no idea when her relationship with her mom went for the better. I don't know when she has gotten to be in good terms (if ever) with Dolphy. I don't know if her dad and her mom are in good terms.
Still, it brings into focus the wounds of broken family. Families would always be imperfect but the brokenness cause by polygamy is even more.
In spite of Christianity, it is prevalent. Erap Estrada, Ramon Revilla Sr. FPJ, Mayor Pablo Cuneta. Many are into their nth marriage with annulments becoming easier or through Protestant marriage. My own mother was a child of a father who had many wives(?). Friends and relatives had children of broken marriage.

To a certain extent, it is as old as time and legitimizing it with divorce only worsens it. Acceptance and forgiveness is a must for everyone in this battlefield of good and evil. Howver, my encounter with children of broken marriage make it seem a double struggle when acceptance and forgiveness are needed towards their parents.
Acceptance is difficult, most especially if it is a fault we see in our parents. There will always be that invisible umbilical cord that binds us to our mother and father. They are the best for us no matter what; We always want to associate with what we know of love.

Acceptance without condoning an error or a bad choice is possible. It is to separate the sin from the sinner, to separate the choice from the person. Sure, there is shared consequence for every choice. We will be affected even if it is not our choosing. But we can endeavour to look at a person as a whole and not define them by one choice. It is, then, that we can open up the possibilities of choice for ourselves and others. There are experiences in our lives that we can say are "given". When we know the given, it is easier to find the solution. There is something thar can be done, and we are not stuck in a past that can not be erased. Some bad experiences are like lumps or blockages that keep love from flowing freely. The healing of these blockages is what forgiveness is. It could be just as painful but it is a healing and purgative pain. It restores our relationship with our humanity. It restores our relationship with others. It brings back the worth of every person and a chamce to grow in wholeness.

It is heartbreaking to see the wounded child in my mother resurface when she's having dementia. It is heartbreaking to see so many people like broken vessels walking so fragile in this life. But as shown by the example of Karylle, something better and beautiful can still happen with acceptance and forgiveness.

A Man and A Woman; The Cross and the Tabernacle

A man and a woman both created in the likeness of God-

Three Persons in One God.

A man and a woman - both with body, heart and mind-

yet totally unique from each other.

A man carries the CROSS within his soul;

A woman carries a TABERNACLE within her soul.

A man has to bear the humility of the cross;

A woman has to bear the purity of the tabernacle.

A man carries his cross daily;

A woman follows the way of the cross.

Just as the cross finds solace in the hilltop;

And the tabernacle finds solace within the altar.

A man finds home from a view outside the house;

A woman finds home from a view within the house.

A man protects the family from being broken from the outside;

A woman protects the family from being broken from the inside.

A man grows in love as he learns to give up himself for the treasures of life;

A woman grows in love as she learns to keep herself for the treasures of life.

A man must die to himself to find new life;

A woman must live for others to find new life.

A man bears the imprint of the life within the cross;

A woman bears the life within the tabernacle.

Apart, they are both keepers of life-

destined for love, free to know the truth.

Together, they make a home-

a family that can be built on love from the inside and out.

Just as the Cross and the Tabernacle combined-

becomes a sacrifice and a celebration.

Both reflecting the mysteries of life, death and resurrection.

The Cross and the Tabernacle,

different they may be in appearance and material-

The Cross in its rough, common wood;

The Tabernacle in its delicate, precious metal.

The Cross and the Tabernacle

carry One Messiah in our Lord Jesus Christ.