A Reflection on the Season of Advent

Advent comes from the Latin word “adventus”, which means ‘coming’ and for the Holy Church, advent refers to the Lord’s coming or “God comes” stated in the present tense so as to emphasize its ever-continuous action – it happened, it is happening and it will happen again in whichever moment – as mentioned by Pope Benedict XVI in his homily during the celebration of First Vespers of the First Sunday of Advent on December 2, 2006. The Roman Catholic celebration of Advent covers God’s humble act of taking on our humanity when he entered our time and space and His glorious return at the end of time. And since Christmas is just around the corner, I would like to place a dominant note on the Church’s invitation to the faithful to reflect on the humble birth of our Savior, who, stripped of all material trappings and comfort, brought us the priceless gifts of life, hope and redemption – gifts that should matter to us the most.

Unfortunately, it has been observed of late that Roman Catholics experience the greatest dissonance during the Advent season … between spirituality and commercialism; between our beliefs or values and actions. There is a constant struggle between upholding what we believe is right, noble or fair, on one end, and doing what would give us the greater benefit, the greater advantage, on the other, – like a tug-of-war between giving and having; between sharing and getting; between gratitude and discontent. In effect, we have given advent a new meaning, one that is not complete without the sparkling Christmas decors, the expensive presents and the sumptuous meals – definitely, a far cry from what it originally stands for.

Let us therefore, through the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, pray for wisdom and humility to return to that simple, dilapidated manger where the true meaning of Advent took the form of our one true Life, Hope and Redemption, in the child called Emmanuel, which means, God is with us ... right here, right now.

International Diploma Course for Community Development Workers

Hi people!

I would like to invite all of you, especially those engaged in developmental works at the community level to enroll in our summer course, "International Diploma Course for Community Development Workers". This 2-month course aims to provide the participants with basic knowledge, attitudes and skills in Community Development as a strategy for social change. It also serves as a venue for the participants to examine and analyze various theoretical frameworks and strategies in working with people, in relation to their present and future involvement.

For those who are interested to enroll in the program you may download the application form by clicking on the Asian Social Institute link.

I hope all of you would accept this invitation and be part of this meaningful experience.

I guarantee you, you'll never regret being a part of it.

For the New Year

Happy New Year to all!!!

It has always been said that the birth of a new year signals another chance for all of us to change for the better - to mend broken ties; to aspire for loftier dreams; to look better, etc. The list could go on and on but what exactly is there with the opening of a new year that drives us to make 360, 180, 90 or 45 degree turns? Why do we want it in a new year when change can be done any time of the year or month or day?

My guess is that though admittedly there will always be an insatiable thirst to better ourselves we find it less exciting if such pursuit is done alone. Aristotle once said that we are all social animals - we all need to be connected, to belong. And turning into a new leaf for the New Year is not a lonely voice in the wild, but rather, an orchestra resonating in almost all parts of the world harping positive vibes in the form of resolutions, all in pursuit of a better life. Now, if that's not more exhilarating, motivating and fun, then I rest my case. Moreover, to be doing it at the start of a new year makes the count down easier and the accounting faster. However, to succeed or otherwise is another story altogether.

But heck, I would not want to discount the sheer effort of wanting to become a better person and for as long as we have never dried up our reservoir of hope for such, then this world is still a great place to be in.

So to all of you: KEEP THE FAITH!