September 17 Reading & Meditation

Daily Reading & Meditation

Thursday (9/17): "Which of them will love him more?"

Scripture: Luke 7:36-50

36 One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee's house, and took his place at table. 37 And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, 38 and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner." 40 And Jesus answering said to him, "Simon, I have something to say to you." And he answered, "What is it, Teacher?" 41 "A certain creditor had two debtors; one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 When they could not pay, he forgave them both. Now which of them will love him more?" 43 Simon answered, "The one, I suppose, to whom he forgave more." And he said to him, "You have judged rightly." 44 Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered your house, you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little." 48 And he said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." 49 Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, "Who is this, who even forgives sins?" 50 And he said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."

Meditation:

What fuels extravagant love? Unbounding gratitude for sure! No one who met Jesus could do so with indifference. They were either attracted to him or repeled by him. Why did a rabbi invite him to a nice dinner and then treat him discourteously by neglecting to give him the customary signs of respect and honor? Simon was very likely a collector of celebrities. He patronized Jesus because of his popularity with the crowds. Why did he criticize Jesus' compassionate treatment of a bad woman – most likely a prostitute? The Pharisees shunned the company of public sinners and in so doing they neglected to give them the help they needed to find healing and wholeness.

Why did a woman with a bad reputation approach Jesus and anoint him at the risk of ridicule and abuse by others? The woman's action was motivated by one thing, and one thing only, namely, her love for Jesus and her gratitude for forgiveness. She did something, however, a Jewish woman would never do in public. She loosed her hair and anointed Jesus with her tears. It was customary for a woman on her wedding day to bound her hair. For a married woman to loosen her hair in public was a sign of grave immodesty. This woman was oblivious to all around her, except for Jesus. She also did something which only love can do. She took the most precious thing she had and spent it all on Jesus. Her love was not calculated but extravagant. In a spirit of humility and heart-felt repentance, she lavishly served the one who showed her the mercy and kindness of God. Jesus, in his customary fashion, never lost the opportunity to draw a lesson from such an incident.

Why did Jesus put the parable of the two debtors before his learned host, a rabbi and teacher of the people? This parable is similar to the parable of the unforgiving official (see Matthew 18:23-35) in which the man who was forgiven much showed himself merciless and unforgiving. Jesus makes clear that great love springs from a heart forgiven and cleansed. "Love covers a multitude of sins" (1 Peter 4:8), "for love is of God" (1 John 4:7). The woman's lavish expression of love was proof that she had found favor with God. The stark contrast of attitudes between Simon and the woman of ill-repute, demonstrate how we can either accept or reject God's mercy. Simon, who regarded himself as an upright Pharisee, felt no need for love or mercy. His self-sufficiency kept him for acknowledging his need for God's grace. Are you grateful for God's mercy and grace?

"Lord Jesus, your grace is sufficient for me. Fill my heart with love and gratitude for the mercy you have shown to me and give me freedom and joy to love and serve others as you have taught."

Psalm 111:7-10

7 The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy,
8 they are established for ever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
9 He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant for ever. Holy and terrible is his name!
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who practice it. His praise endures for ever!

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(c) 2009 Don Schwager

2009 Updates on PAX Activities by: Atty. Pais Ricky Ribo

1) On April 25 and 26, 2009 PAX had its first Convention at the Chirst the King Seminary, E. Rodiguez Avenue , Quezon City .

The General Assembly, through the different groups, came up with the following Vision Statements, to wit:

Grp 1 Brotherhood of men, rooted in Christ, serving life towards a just, humane and dignified society.

Grp 2 PAX: Strategic and critical partner in the Philippine renewal process.

Grp 3 An organization of exseminarians mutually helping each other, economically and spiritually while being conscious and attendant to its social responsibility.

Grp 4 PAX is a strong cohesive and action oriented brotherhood of former seminarians sharing common faith & values and living as agents of moral transformation.

Grp 5 A potent vehicle of transformation towards a just humane and dignified society. PAX changing people, changing society, changing a nation.

Grp 6 An active partner in the socio-apostolic aspect of nation building. PAX tibi.

After some deliberations, the body approved the following Vision Statement:

Rooted in Christ, PAX envisions to be an influential and effective force for the renewal of the family, the community & the nation, the earth and the Church towards the attainment of justice, peace & integrity of creation

For lack material time, the body agreed on the following Mission Statement (subject to further refinement), to wit:

PAX is committed to the Philippine renewal process through its national and global network and capacities in a strategic and critical partnering with all the other stakeholders.

2) On July 12, 2009 PAX launched a nationwide signature campaign for a people’s initiative to increase the penalty of vote-buying to reclusion perpetua (life imprisonment) to deter vote buying activities and to instill awareness of the importance of a free, clean and honest elections.

3) Interested members of PAX aligned with KILOS NA!, a movement for good governance and ethical leadership which supports Gov. Among Ed Panlilio.

4) On August 7, 2009 PAX filed its Articles and By-laws for registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a non-stock non profit organization with the following Board of Trustees

Atty. Tyrone R. Cimafranca

President, XVD Alumni Association

Mr. Landrito M. Diokno

Vice-president, St. Augustine Seminary Alumni Association ( Mindoro )

Mr. Allan P. Credo

President, MCHS- KABALENZ Inc, (Pangasinan)

Mr. Richard Burgos

Head, Former Seminarians of the Order of

Augustinian Recollects (FORSOAR)

Mr. Edwin Solano

President, CEAFI-CICM

Mr. Godofredo Seneris III

Nat’l President, Alumni of Salesian Houses

Mr. Romeo B. Almonte

Secretary General, OLAS Alumni Association

(Franciscans)

Mr. Derek C. Madrunio

Representative, Former seminarians of the Order of St. Benedict

and of Alagad ni Maria

Mr. Marlon Exmundo

Former Chapter President and National Auditor

St. Pius X Seminary Alumni Association

Mr. Noel Bacoto

Secretary General, Ut Unum Simus Inc.

( Northern Mindanao )

Mr. Jose D. Tidon

Convenor, Bicol Alliance of Xseminarians

Representative, Former seminarians of UST Central Seminary

Atty. Edilburgo Silva

Coordinator, Community of Former Seminarians

Cebu

Mr. Osmund Orlanes

Representative, Blanos of Samar

Mr. Michael Eugenio Plana

President, SFDPI

(Former seminarians of the Order of Preachers)

Atty. Ricardo M. Ribo

Past President, Palo Leyte Alumni of the Seminary Foundation

We limited our Board to 15 members in order to expedite the registration of the Articles of Incorporation. We will be filing an amendment to the Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of Board Members to include other officers and representatives of other seminary alumni associations. At present, PAX is composed of Forty (40) seminary alumni associations.

5) Our Malunggay Project is presently undergoing some changes in the processing stage as a result of the laboratory analysis of our malunggay powder. Meanwhile, Mr. Plana has offered to PAX the use of his processing plant located at Bulacan.

Pax member and former Secretary of Health Aberin has also offered to help PAX on its technical and marketing side. Bishop Teodoro Bacani likewise offered his 10-hectare land in Bataan as our production site.

If you have available idle agricultural lands, kindly contact our Malunggay Project Chairman, Sam Yap (xvd) 09175050503 or call PAX Office at (02) 3924184 or text 09193274512 (ricky).

6) We are appealing to the general membership and the seminary alumni associations to contribute their time, money or effort to the advocacies of PAX. Monetary Contributions may be deposited to Philippine Alliance of Xseminarians Inc., BDO Savings Account No. 1570280116. Please inform us of your deposits for proper accounting.

PAX office is located at Rm. 204 Reza Building, 1318 Quezon Avenue , Quezon City (Beside Maalikaya)

“Ut unum simus!”

Among Ed's by: Pais Nathan Almiendo

The way I understand our political landscape is through its history, rich and shallow, exemplary and ugly.

The entry into political arena of a catholic priest come 2010 presidential election makes even more our political exercise to be exciting. The recent award to fused Smartmatic and TIM as system provider for an automated election looks brighter to our sublime right of suffrage. At least, for this election, politicians will still grope in the dark to manipulate those machines unlike the antiquated system where most of them got doctoral degrees in Election Manipulation. Shun your ears to those making noises that there will be no election. They are a breed of political carcass that stinks. They fear for their eventual fall. Like butterfly, they are ephemeral. In a year or so, their names will be blown by the east wind.

Among Ed’s intention to vie for the highest office gains a cold reception. Malacañang even considered the priest from Pampanga ‘a dreamer.’ In the church where he had served for 29 years, he receives the bitter pill from some members of the hierarchy. Although suspended, Gov. Ed, is still a priest. That indelible mark imposed on him 29 years ago remains in him. Tu es sacerdos in aeternum as ascribed to Melchizedek of old.

Of the questions for his intent, some quarters pose these presumptions: 1). that by throwing his hat to the presidency, he is diluting the immense efficacy of the church’s sacrament especially that of the sacrament of penance, for how can he hear confession from his civil and political constituents? 2) that he will become the symbol of division within and among the presbyterium.

Shortly, the first question is premature and it remains to be seen until Among Ed is given again his faculties or celebret to hear confession. If the faithful still flock to him for the sacrament, it is not diluted. And we have to admit, priests of shadowy character are still flocked by the faithful for this purpose. The reason could be that Among Ed’s church has faithful fully educated on sacraments or worst they don’t know the escapades of their priests. Second, the history of his church is rich on account of division. The Church first council, the council of Jerusalem , was beset by division, between Jews and Gentiles, between circumcised and those not. Eastern and Western Church finally separated in 1054. That is why we have now the Eastern Orthodox and Latin Rite. Lest we forget, the protestant’s rise in the Middle Ages sowed division. Internally, the inquisition, the crusades caused divisions. And the founder of Among Ed’s church, through the Holy Spirit guiding it, allowed these to happen…

The way I understand Among Ed’s thought for the presidency is through the history of the church where he serves. In this church, he was formed, gained education, served it the best way a zealous priest could do. For more than 2000 years of its existence from the Pentecost in that Upper Room, the Catholic Church stands as it is today, millions and millions of members. Even in its exegetical presentation of creation, the ruah, the breath, the spirit hovers over the creation and changed it.

Change is inevitable as calling is dynamic. The fisherman Simon Peter became the first bishop of Rome and established the community in the year 42/43 AD. Persecution ensued. During the reign of Emperor Constantine, the church was favored. Around 320 he founded the Church of St. Peter over the tomb of Peter on the Vatican Hill. Despite being a secular emperor, Constantine wielded religious-political power and summoned the council of Nicaea and handed to the Catholic Church the Nicene Creed. Politically, the church became powerful but with it the rise of monasticism which criticized the church’s secular-political garb. St. Anthony (not of Padua ) and St. Pachomius, two founders of Monasticism harmonized the ascetic life with the life of the early church.

The great schism of 1054 precipitated from Patriarch Michael Cerularius of Constantinople ’s prevention of Pope Leo IX extension of the latter’s political power into southern Italy . Martin Luther, Calvin and scores of reformers rocked the church. The renaissance period characterized by philosophic- theological advancement is tainted by inquisition, persecution of heretics, and witchcraft. Its founder allowed these to happen…

For 488 years ago, Catholicism found its place in this mystique archipelago. Resistance from siga Lapu-Lapu ensued. To date, so much of dissention rocked this side of the boat of Peter the fisherman. Fr. Gregorio Aglipay, wanting the Filipino secularization of all parishes, established his own church, the Iglesia Filipina Independiente. With it the introduction of protestant thinking into Filipino religious life brought by the influx of foreigners either serving as teachers such as the Thomasites, or those serving in the armies with protestant orientation, or those plain missionaries sent by the Protestant America. Some Filipinos themselves established their own churches.

This is a tidbit of the history of Among Ed’s church. From being the bearer of the personified savior directly touched by the historical Christ it traversed into taking of political power. In between are a dualistic assumption of its mission, church and state. One may never wonder why Rome is an independent state of Italy , a city within a city, an empire within an empire so to speak. In this line the church becomes the church of the saints and the profane, totally different from the idea of the katharoi (the pure ones) of old. The savior himself declared that he did not come for those healthy but for those who are afflicted.

Locally, the same is not observed at least in its modest form. Yet scores of bishops are branded politicking without stripping off their garb. Double standard is aptly applied to those hitting two birds with one stone. And Canon Law provision itself bars its priests from this practice. The Constitution explicitly provides separation between Church and State while upholding the sanctity of civil and political right, and that is to include of running for public office in the case of Among Ed. In fine, by running for the presidency, Among Ed does not violate the fundamental law of the land yet he runs in opposition to the Code of Canon Law. Shelving his cassock may give him a fine answer to his dilemma. And that is what he intends to do as the hierarchy pressures him to forget his plans and return to the ministry.

To run or not to run. If Among Ed will not throw his hat and take his chance, I would probably choose one among the lesser evil. The candidates we have now have their personal stakes over probable winning, cunningly infusing their personal agenda yet transforming them into legitimate political issues with the objective of swaying in most ways the ordinary and non-questioning voter. As to Among Ed’s bid, he is no lesser evil. He is a good political choice. I do not see Among Ed standing on the same mountain Jesus once stood to be tempted by the devil with power, wealth, and sheer need for sustenance. But if I ever see him there, he carries with him the 29 years of fidelity as a priest and his untainted 2 years in service as a public servant. The noise surrounding his government is akin to Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem where soon he would be crucified. The same people will cast a slur on him.

The Philippine political landscape is distinctly defined by prestige, power, wealth, and worldly trappings. It is ruled by oligarchs and dynasties that have long plundered people’s strength and will unto their remaining end. Cory’s constitution which provides for an anti-dynasty provision has long been waiting for an enabling law from an unwilling congress, a bitter pill for it to swallow. Not in their term will this anti-dynasty bill come. Yet I do not underestimate Filipinos’ sensible choice. The people of Isabela elevated the paralytic Gov. Grace Padaca to topple down Dy’s regime of repression and fear. The EDSA I is known to all. The late president Aquino had shown to the world the gift of freedom truly laden in powerlessness but in the end known by its name, ‘the people power.’ St. Paul himself exhorted: “It is in being powerless that I am strong.” Gov. Ed became governor of Pampanga without the worldly-defined power. He assumed the governorship with his Toyota Revo and motor bike purchased while he was still active as a priest and will come out with the same assets. His victory is very much inspiring. Filipinos share a common experience with the downtrodden, with those who have less but nevertheless come out jubilantly victorious. I share the same. But more than that, I wish to continue to rally the goodness of the Filipinos in their search for an edifying leader. In Among Ed’s church, the Holy Spirit continues to play a key role in its upstream and downstream and tapped insignificant personalities to rule a nation. Without waiting for an answer and just as others have witnessed the life of this simple priest from Pampanga, I will support him in his bid to be my president. I will claim to myself Philippine’s nationhood if only to deservedly give it a worthy leader. I know he has no machinery, he has no money, his two years in office as governor will likely pull him down being neophyte for a higher office. But I will not falter. Even with all these his purity of heart to serve will transcend. If Paraguay can have Fr. Fernando Lugo, SVD as president, the Philippines which is more discerning and culturally parochial should consider Among Ed as the next president. Among Ed has no business interest to protect. He has no overly demanding family to maintain. He has nothing to gain but so much to lose, and that includes his beloved priesthood he kept faithfully for 29 years.

I continue to discern that this maybe a stirring and echo of Among Ed’s god working in the history of his church and his nation and in himself as a servant, not necessarily as a priest…

May the God of our ancestors bless his intention.

PHILIPPINES Ex-seminarians to support priest’s presidential bid

July 23, 2009 | PL07627.1559 | 505 words Text size The Philippine Alliance of Xseminarians (PAX) in a group photo taken in April -- Photo: UCAN/Philippines SAN JUAN CITY, Philippines (UCAN) -- Former seminarians are planning to campaign for Father Eddie Panlilio, a priest who intends to run for the presidency in next year’s election. The Philippine Alliance of Xseminarians (PAX) in a group photo taken in April -- Photo: UCAN/Philippines “We aim to deliver 5 million votes,” said Tyrone Cimafranca, president of the association of former Society of the Divine Word (SVD) seminarians. The association, called XVDs, has about 500 members. They are part of PAX, the Philippine Alliance of Xseminarians. Cimafranca said some former seminarians now living abroad do not qualify to vote, “but we are counting on their influence on their relatives here to whom they send money.” These men have also expressed willingness to contribute financially to Father Panlilio’s campaign, Cimafranca said. “They are just waiting while the campaign organizes the logistics because money is a sensitive matter and we want to do it properly.” Cimafranca said priests in provinces he visited have also told him they support Father Panlilio's candidacy. Father Panlilio, who is governor of Pampanga, announced on July 21 that he plans to seek dispensation from his priestly duties to run for the presidency. He said he would file his certificate of candidacy in time for the Nov. 30 deadline. The priest is currently on leave from his religious ministry. Cimafranca, a lawyer, was speaking to UCA News after the weekly Fernandina Media Forum session organized in San Juan. He arrived late for the July 22 forum because of “all the emails I had to answer” about the possibility of Father Eddie Panlilio being elected Philippine president in the May 2010 election. Cimafranca said friends from around the country and abroad are discussing online what they can do to help Father Panlilio win. PAX has about 1 million members, former seminarian Bal Falcone said during the forum. These include ordained clergy as well as laymen who had studied in a Philippine seminary. “We support (Father Panlilio) 100 percent,” Falcone declared. “We will work for him in every way we can.” Fellow member Ricky Ribo, a lawyer, also addressed the forum. In Father Panlilio, “we see a ray of hope” because he embodies what PAX advocates, he said. These include transparency, good governance and public accountability, he elaborated. Father Panlilio also has no potentially “troublesome” First Lady, has been trained to serve others instead of his own interests, and is prepared to give up the priesthood, “something he loves so much,” to serve the nation, former seminarian Jules Quinabo told the forum. Journalists at the gathering, however, said Father Panlilio must live up to his ideals of honesty and truthfulness and answer questions he has dodged. One insisted the priest categorically answer questions about his alleged two children. Another journalist said the priest-governor has yet to account publicly for gubernatorial campaign funds from overseas donors and money he reportedly received during a meeting in Malacanang, the presidential office. Other participants want Father Panlilio to explain his positions on issues such as military action and population control. His campaign staff must also reveal if any serious medical condition is causing the discoloration of his skin, said another journalist. The Philippine Alliance of Xseminarians (PAX) in a group photo taken in April -- Photo: UCAN/Philippines

PANLILIO/PADACA- ANG SIGAW NG BAYAN

Ang gusto kong presidente ay yung may paninindigan sa sarili kung kapakanan ng maraming Pilipino ang nakataya. Handang bihisan ang lahat ng ahensiya ng gobyerno.Go for it, sana po makumbinsi nyo si Ms. Padaca para sa iyong vice president.Alam po namin na ang puhunan nyo ay ang magandang adhikain para ating bansa at hindi ang paglustay ng pera ng bayan sa simula pa lang ng kampanya...AL KHOBAR, KSA Submitted by JOSEPH ALTEZ on Thu, 07/23/2009 - 14:27.

Panlilio hurts the Church --Pampanga bishop

Updated July 23, 2009 01:05 PM Phil Star

MANILA, Philippines -- A Pampanga bishop said Gov. Ed Panlilio is hurting the Catholic Church with the latter’s declaration to participate in the 2010 presidential race.

Pampanga Auxiliary bishop Ambo David said Panlilio also has broken his promise to go back to priesthood after finishing his term as governor.

"He broke his own word when he said (he’ll just take) one term. He doesn’t realize how he is hurting the Church with his behavior," David said today in an interview with the Church-run Radio Veritas.

He reiterated the bishops’ call for Panlilio to ask for dispensation from the Vatican before announcing his presidential bid.

David cited the case of Fr. Lugo, a Catholic priest in Paraguay, who has already been dispensed by the Pope for two years before he entered politics.

"The Holy See has made the process much simpler lately. It is easier to grant dispensation," David said.

Panlilio first ran and won in Pampanga’s 2007 gubernatorial race against Lilia Pineda, a candidate of administration party Kampi.

Ex-seminarians declare support for Panlilio

By FRANCIS T. WAKEFIELD

July 22, 2009, 4:47pm

Manila Bulletin

An alliance of ex-seminarians has thrown its full support to the presidential bid of priest-turned Pampanga Governor Ed Panlilio. In a press briefing, lawyer Ricky Ribo, convenor of the Philippine Alliance of Ex-Seminarians, said they are ready to tap their alumni associations to support Panlilio a day after the governor announced that he is ready to be dispensed from the priesthood to run as president in the 2010 national and local elections.

"We are ready to support Among Ed in the 2010 elections because we believe that he is the right person to run the country," Ribo told reporters during the Fernandina Forum at the Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan. Ribo said that although Panlilio doesn't have a strong political machinery to back up his bid unlike the other presidential aspirants, they are hopeful that he will end up victorious after the votes have been counted.

He said one way of ensuring that Panlilio will have a stronger chance of winning is by talking to other groups such as those from the military reformist group. He added that business leaders have already talked to them and are also ready to support Panlilio.

"We have enough time to talk to them (reformist) dahil sa November pa naman siya (Panlilio) magpa-file ng candidacy niya sa Commission on Elections. We would be on the losing end if we don't do this. Hopefully, the Holy Spirit will guide us on this," Ribo said.

"May mga lumapit na rin sa amin mga tao who are from the business sector. They are willing to come out in the open after Among Ed files his candidacy in November," he added.

When asked if their alliance, which he said has almost one million members, will support Isabela Governor Grace Padaca if ever she will be chosen by Panlilio as his running mate, Ribo said they will heed Panlilio’s decision.

Ribo said that should Panlilio lose in the 2010 presidential race, there is a big possibility that he can go back to priesthood. However, such decision will come from the Pope himself.

"In terms of going back to the priesthood or rescript, that would only be granted by the Apostolic See or the Holy Father," Ribo said. Panlilio, a suspended priest, ran and won Pampanga’s gubernatorial post in 2007.

Panlilio, during a press briefing last Tuesday, cited love for the country as the reason why he decided to finally run for the highest office in the land and leave the priesthood. "This priesthood that I love so much, I’m willing to give up for a greater love and that’s love for the country. For me the heart of priesthood is accepting the love of God and working for other people, especially the poor," he said. If he becomes president, Panlilio said, among the country’s problems that he will address are livelihood, malnutrition, corruption, food, and insurgency. Asked who are the people he plans to appoint to his Cabinet, he was only able to name two – former Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman and a certain lawyer from Ateneo. "We are not prepared yet. First things first," said Panlilio.

He then called on all those who believe in him and his advocacy to support his campaign.

"I call on all supporters of good governance and ethical leadership in the country to support this candidacy and campaign. I’m asking all the Kapampangans and all those who believe in me and in this campaign, let’s work together because this is for you," Panlilio said.