Manila Bulletin
Celebrate books and reading: Be more creative!
April 27, 2024 4:10 pm
When was the last time you read a book? That’s a question that quite often these days is followed by a long pause, or a stare. The reason likely is that the last book was read too long ago to remember, or the question presents a realization that one has forgotten the habit, or the pleasure, of reading a book.
That’s sad. Reading a book – in printed form or e-book – gives so many benefits to one’s analytical, comprehension, and communication skills and it develops creativity. Reading a book “gives the brain a mental workout” whose benefits extend far into life. Scientific studies have shown that “people who regularly indulge in reading or other brain-challenging activities tend to have a slower rate of cognitive decline.”
The vine and the branches
April 27, 2024 4:09 pm
Jesus said to his disciples: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and every one that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit. You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you. Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch and wither; people will gather them and throw them into a fire and they will be burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.”
We need to protect our children from online sexual abuse and exploitation
April 26, 2024 11:16 pm
The internet, source of so much information and opportunities for growth, is showing its “dark side” through the many reports on cybercrimes. Scams that defraud people of hard-earned money; disinformation that has caused misguided decisions; and online sexual abuse and exploitation of children are among the cybercrimes that have been in the news lately.
Show us the father
April 26, 2024 11:15 pm
At the Last Supper, Jesus continues to speak of his unique relationship with the Father. He is interrupted by the interjection of Philip, “Master, show us the Father” — a remark which reflects his deep desire for God and which also shows how far he is from understanding Jesus’ words. Philip expects a divine theophany, like God’s revelation to Moses on Mt. Sinai (Ex 24:4-10). But God no longer reveals himself by means of lightning and thunder, earthquake and fire.