Psalm 132 Ecce Quam Bonum -- United in Love

This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.  No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

(John 15:12-13)

The passage above comes from today's Gospel in which the central theme of the readings is about God's Love. As Christians, we are reminded that this is the one that should characterize our actions--that we do everything out of love and our model for this love is none other than Jesus Christ.

We have many songs in Musica Sacra that pertain to God's love and one of them is Ecce Quam Bonum. This song speaks about Christian brotherhood as expressed in Psalm 132. It reminds us that this unity that we have as Christians centered on the love that Jesus has given to us through the Holy Eucharist. We united ourselves in this sacrifice of Christ in order to share in the life and be granted the grace from the Father in heaven in order to imitate his love that Christ has shown us. And this love is to "lay down one's life for one's friends"--it is not forced, but offered, not conditional, but pure giving in the spirit of generosity. Here is the Latin lyrics and it's English equivalent from Psalm 132. (source: Breviary) The rendition sang by Novo Concertante Manila is that composed by Hans Leo Hassler.

Ecce quam bonum, et quam jucúndum * habitáre fratres in unum. 2  Sicut unguéntum in cápite, * quod descéndit in barbam, barbam Aaron. 3  Quod descéndit in oram vestiménti ejus: * sicut ros Hermon, qui descéndit in montem Sion. 4  Quóniam illic mandávit Dóminus benedictiónem, * et vitam usque in sæculum.

Behold, how good and joyful a thing it is, * for brethren to dwell together in unity. 2  It is like the precious oil upon the head, * that ran down upon the beard, even upon the beard of Aaron. 3  That went down to the skirts of his clothing : * like as the dew of Hermon, which fell upon mount Sion. 4  For there the Lord hath commanded blessing, * and life for evermore.

It's truly difficult to love one's neighbor let alone to the point of laying down your life for another. But it is a challenge to all of us if we really want to love. Sometimes I hesitate to share how I feel if it means I'll end up hurting the other person. And because it is also something that hurts me, I tend to keep it. What's dangerous about it is that whatever it is that you're hiding, might eat you up or make you isolated from people who could show love to you. Hence, in cases like these, it is also good to resort to prayer. If there's anybody who'd always be willing to listen  to our cares and sufferings, that would be Jesus Christ. Because he is the one who loved us first before he even tried to save us.

Our Duty To Help and Stay on Course

This is the happiest day of my life. Today is my birthday. And normally, I'd simply have dinner or lunch with my family and of course, I get to treat them. At least once a year, I'd do this for my family. However, this day turned out to be more than just a normal birthday celebration.

First, I went to Ayala Triangle Park to join a get together with friends. I wasn't bent on going at first because I wanted to take a rest and stay at home. Going to Ayala on a Sunday meant that I had to trek the long way from Antipolo to Makati--i.e. commuting through various public transports. But I went anyway because we only have this get together once a month. The last month I've been with them was October 2011. Besides, being with friends is also a good way to spend one's birthday. The peculiar thing about it was that, not one of them greeted me today. Deep inside, I didn't feel bad about it. It was a monthly get together and I was thinking that that get together wasn't about me. It was simply having a good time with friends where everyone is treated as special and whose stories are a joy and delight to listen to. So I didn't mind that no one greeted me--the world doesn't just revolve around me.

It should have been a surprise, but during the last few days I began to saw hints of what's going on. Last Thursday night, I met some of them and I saw them passing birthday cards to be signed. There were two of them, but I only signed one. Hmm...

While I was at MRT station today, I received a text from Gina (not her real name) saying that she's already at the Park--it was around 2:45pm and our scheduled meet up was at 3:00pm. Gina is one of those people who's normally late when it comes to these gatherings. So I was teasing her about it. When I finally came, after rounds of kisses, I saw what seemed to be gifts underneath the table. Still, I pretended as though it was nothing--the day is for friends and not for me, even if today is my birthday.

After rounds of laughter and storytelling, I noticed Alex (not his real name) come up behind Leslie (not her real name) with a guitar. Hmm...is he singing for someone? Someone's birthday perhaps? Well, there were two of us who had a birthday there--the other one was Leslie. After her sharing, bouquets of flowers arrived and two slices of cakes with small candles on them. They were given and set before Leslie and me. But wait! There's more! The gifts were distributed and I was the first one who received it--it happened to be a small statue of St. Joseph. Tears ran down my eyes for I've been praying and hoping that one day, preferably on my birthday, I'd get a glimpse of my future partner in life. It was my constant prayer in 2011...and receiving this small statue reminded me that St. Joseph's intercession is a great help regarding my prayer for my life partner.

The Church is like a great ship being pounded by the waves of life’s different stresses.  Our duty is not to abandon ship, but to keep her on course.  – St. Boniface of Mainz

This is one of my favorite quotes. We need to be reminded that the church is not just some building or structure or the clergy or its leaders and laws. The church is the people and people help each other out in times of great need. And this is done through prayers and coming together as one big happy family of God. If we abandon the church, we are abandoning people who may need us, who look for love and happiness, who needs to be shown the way to God. The Blessed Mother Mary is one such person we go to so that we may find our way back to God. She is that "star of the sea" that guides the ship to its course. But she couldn't do that alone. As St. Boniface puts it, it is our duty as part of the church to help keep her (the church) on its course too. I truly felt what family means today when I celebrated my birthday with my family and with friends--people who would never abandon me and would help me "stay" on course. Here is my song for you--Ave Maris Stella.

 

Ave maris stella, Dei Mater alma, Atque semper Virgo, Felix cœli porta.	Hail, star of the sea, bountiful mother of God and ever Virgin, happy gate of heaven.
Sumens illud Ave Gabrielis ore, Funda nos in pace, Mutans Evæ nomen.	Taking that Ave from the mouth of Gabriel, preserve us in peace, giving Eve a new name.
Solve vincla reis, Profer lumen cæcis, Mala nostra pelle, Bona cuncta posce.	Loose the chains of the bound, bring light to the blind, drive out our ills, invoke all things good.
Monstra te esse matrem, Sumat per te preces, Qui pro nobis natus, Tulit esse tuus.	Show thyself to be a mother, may he who was born for us receive our prayers through thee.
Virgo singularis, Inter omnes mitis, Nos culpis solutos, Mites fac et castos.	Singular virgin, more gentle than all, absolve us from sin and make us gentle and pure.
Vitam præsta puram, Iter para tutum, Ut videntes Jesum Semper collætemur.	Grant us a pure life, prepare a safe way, that in seeing Jesus we may rejoice for ever.
Sit laus Deo Patri, Summo Christo decus, Spiritui Sancto, Tribus honor unus.  Amen.	Praise be to God the Father, glory to Christ on high, and with the Holy Spirit honour to the three in one.  Amen.

Being Thankful for Life's Challenges

We all go through life with its highs and lows. Many would tend to be thankful for the highs--who wouldn't? But how many thank the lows? When our business is running slow or not doing well, are we thankful? When we get robbed of our gadgets like cellphones, laptops and others like it, are we thankful? When our friend cheats as of thousands of bucks worth of merchandise, are we thankful? When we got broke by mid-year because our business has gone downhill, are we thankful? When our families have problems with relationships--with others or with each other within the family--are we thankful? I'm sure I'd hear a resounding "no" to all of this and perhaps you'd stop at the first question and forget the rest, depending on which circumstance you belong to.

I don't claim to know anyone's circumstance for that matter. But I met an extraordinary guy who despite all the problems he has encountered manages to face the world with a smile and strength of a lion who will never give up. Manuel (not his real name) has gone through all the things I've mentioned above. Despite which, this friend of mine often greets me in the morning and asks me how my day has gone. We'd exchange a word or two throughout the day about what we're up to during the day. He also gives me inspiring messages on hope, strength of character, and encouragement to face a new day of challenges. And if I asked these questions to him, his answer would be a resounding YES!

Why be thankful for our trials and problems? Well, we wouldn't grow in character without problems. Without testing our resolve, how can we be strong to face the world everyday? Problems are there not to hinder our progress, but to challenge us; they're there not to discourage us, but to see new opportunities that we might have missed. I admire my friend Manuel for his courage to stand up to face his trials in life and still looking forward to a brighter future ahead.

This song "Circle of Life" is Elton John's composition for the movie "The Lion King." The arrangement follows the version sung in the movie itself, but of course with changes that would showcase the singing prowess of the choir. To you Manuel and all the "Manuels" in the world, I offer this song to you.

 Circle of Life (Elton John)

Nants ingonyama bagithi Baba
Sithi uhm ingonyama

Nants ingonyama bagithi baba
Sithi uhhmm ingonyama
Ingonyama

Siyo Nqoba
Ingonyama
Ingonyama nengw' enamabala

[Chant repeats]

From the day we arrive on the planet
And blinking, step into the sun
There's more to see than can ever be seen
More to do than can ever be done
There's far too much to take in here
More to find than can ever be found
But the sun rolling high
Through the sapphire sky
Keeps great and small on the endless round

It's the Circle of Life
And it moves us all
Through despair and hope
Through faith and love
Till we find our place
On the path unwinding
In the Circle
The Circle of Life

It's the Circle of Life
And it moves us all
Through despair and hope
Through faith and love
Till we find our place
On the path unwinding
In the Circle
The Circle of Life

A Prayer to a Beloved Friend

A friend's birthday is coming up. We haven't seen each other for quite a while. We were friends in college, but my graduation got delayed due to certain problems. I missed classes in the first semester of my senior year and for the shame of it, I never told anyone why--except Naomi.

Naomi (not her real name) is the kindest, the most gentle, and the sweetest person I've ever met. Her smile could brighten up overcast skies any day. She speaks quite softly that you really need to come close in order to hear what she has to say. But it also means that this is one person who rarely gets angry, hardly loses patience, and always ready to forgive. She has taught me how to be patient--with myself and other people. She taught me how to always see the bright side of things. I feel as though I can be myself with her, be open and outright honest with her. During my college days, she's become my one and only confidant.

After college, we chose two different paths in life. For the next couple of years after my graduation (she graduated ahead of me), we manage to speak to one another occasionally. We send each other birthday cards. Until the time came and we lost touch with each other. Around four or five years had lapsed since we last spoke to each other. By an awesome twist of fate, I've managed to find out where she works. While I was working in the office, I overheard my boss' daughter talk about her teacher. Upon hearing some bits and pieces of her story, it seemed that the teacher she's describing resembles my former college friend. I asked the daughter her name--true enough, the teacher's name was Naomi. On her birthday, I asked a favor to my boss to have a birthday card sent to Naomi through her daughter. The next day, the daughter told me that she was surprised at her teacher's reaction to the card. She said that her teacher literally jumped for joy. Of course I felt great that day! I miss my friend a lot and apparently, she (Naomi) misses me too.

So our paths continue to meet every now and then, but it's unlike that time when I gave that birthday card to her (which was around five years ago). I found out that she works as a part-time instructor in our Alma Mater. Since then, I've been working in Makati and the possibility of she and I getting together for catching up seems remote at this point.

Since it's her birthday on January 12, I've decided to offer something to her--a simple prayer. I doubt if she would ever read this blog I wrote about her. Nevertheless, my theme this week has been remembering and honoring friends. She's the one friend that I'll never forget.

Happy Birthday Naomi! ;-)

THE PRAYER (as sung by the Philippine Madrigal Singers)

I pray you'll be our eyes and watch us where we go.
And help us to be wise in times when we don't know
Let this be our prayer when we lose our way
Lead us to the place guide us with your grace
To a place where we'll be safe
 

La luce che tu hai
  Nel cuore resterà
A ricordarci che
Eterna stella sei
Nella mia preghiera
Quanta fede c'è
  

Lead us to a place, guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe
 

Sogniamo un mondo senza più violenza
Un mondo di giustizia e di speranza
Ognuno lo dia la mano al suo vicino
Simbolo di pace, di fraternità
La forza che ci dà

[We ask that life be kind]
È il desiderio che
[And watch us from above]
Ognuno trovi amor
[We hope each soul will find]
Intorno e dentro sé
[Another soul to love]

Let this be our prayer
Just like every child
Need to find a place, guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe
 

È la fede che
Hai acceso in noi,
Sento che ci salverà

Women of Mind and Heart

Allow me to introduce you to my friends Jenny and Queenie. Jenny (not her real name) is smart, inquisitive, reflective, and always curious. She likes asking questions that would really make you think--questions about justice for example. She is open to new ideas and it would be a good idea to let her speak her mind. When something is troubling her and she feels the need to express it, just let her be--she usually does have a point to make. If she has the time, she could write inspiring messages and send them via cellphone or Facebook--about what went on in her mind while waiting in traffic for example. Last but not the least, she is very generous with her time and energy. Meeting friends, doing her duties, participating in outreach and other social activities--she's all for it!

Queenie (not her real name) is also just as generous with her time and energy. But whereas Jenny exemplifies keenness of mind, Queenie is a person with a pure heart. She is sensitive to other people's feelings and she never fails to make you laugh. Her sense of humor is natural, heartfelt, and downright funny--she doesn't even need to try hard. She greets you with a smile and you couldn't help but feel lifted up. Tell her in a subtle way that you have a problem, she'll surely be the one to lend a hand or even a shoulder to cry on. She will definitely take time to hear what's on your mind and your heart. She won't be afraid to advise or to guide you if you ask her to.

Yes, these are my friends whom I've met only last year. But they've been such a blessing to me that I fondly call them "Mind and Heart"--only in this blog anyway! In line with offering my fave choral pieces, I'd like to dedicate this song to my friends Jenny and Queenie. I believe this song captures some aspects of their character which I've roughly outlined here. Here's to Jenny and Queenie and I hope you like this song.

LET IT BE (by the Beatles, sang by the Philippine Madrigal Singers)

When I find myself in times of trouble, 
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
And in my hour of darkness 

She is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

And when the broken hearted people                
Living in the world agree
There will be an answer, let it be
For though they may be parted, 
There is still a chance that they will see
There will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
There will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

And when the night is cloudy 
There is still a light that shines on me
Shine until tomorrow, let it be
I wake up to the sound of music, 
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, yeah, let it be
There will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, yeah, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

This song is about Paul McCartney's mom--which happens to be named Mary and a devout Roman Catholic. I guess this is a perfect song to all women--not just mothers. After all, at one point many women have become "mothers" to a lot of people by sharing their intelligence and love for the other people's benefit. :-)