PEACE-MAKER In October 2010, we travelled to San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador, following our trip to Buenos Aires two years earlier, where we explored ways and means of cooperation between our Asia-wide organization, ICAPP, the International Conference of Asian Political Parties, and...
THROUGH UNTRUE We live in a world that idolizes the person with an overcrowded schedule, who works long hours and juggles multiple jobs. In contrast, one who is not working or busy is often viewed as lazy, sick, or a bum. However, being perpetually busy and preoccupied with work can have...
THROUGH UNTRUE As election time approaches, political rivals get busy throwing mud at each other. They dig through each other’s pasts, hoping to uncover hidden dirt. Since they do not remember everything they’ve said or done, there will always be something their opponents can twist to damage...
THROUGH UNTRUE Love is nourished by a sense of mystery and wonder. When two people fall in love, they are eager to discover new facets of each other’s personalities. They want to learn more about their life stories, abilities, and aspirations so they can offer support and encouragement. As their...
THROUGH UNTRUE Kind words and compassionate actions invariably touch us. “Touch” is a term derived from the Latin “to ccare,” meaning “to come in contact with.” It expresses human connection and our capacity to be deeply affected by the words and deeds of others. When we say, “I am...
THROUGH UNTRUE During the past few days, there has been a relentless flow of news about the hostile confrontation between Chinese and Philippine personnel in the South China Sea. Mainstream media and social networking sites describe China as "committing brazen acts of aggression, employing physical...
THROUGH UNTRUE In today’s Gospel reading, the relatives of Jesus see Him as someone who is “beside himself” (Mark 3:20-22). The phrase typically refers to a person who is acting crazy due to anger, fear, or any strong emotion that overwhelms him. For sure, St. Mark is not telling us that...
THROUGH UNTRUE Before his conversion to the Catholic faith, the famous writer C.S. Lewis imagined God as someone with a limitless appetite to be loved, served, and worshipped. The Bible seems to validate this idea, like the text: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul...
THROUGH UNTRUE A few days ago, the House of Representatives approved, on the third and final reading, a bill legalizing absolute divorce in the country. Its proponent jubilantly declared that this “is a clear and resounding victory, signaling the imminent liberation of Filipino wives entombed in...
THROUGH UNTRUE Today’s gospel reading narrates: “On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you’” (John 20:19-20). Even as they heard...
THROUGH UNTRUE An integral part of the cosmic narrative of creation, fall, and redemption is the Ascension of Jesus, often regarded as the concluding chapter of His earthly ministry. However, rather than marking a closure, this event unveils fresh avenues for our involvement in Jesus's ongoing...
THROUGH UNTRUE A few years ago, a fellow Dominican suffered a stroke in our summer house in Baguio City. His two pet dogs, named Sasha and Vera, stood quietly near the doorway as he was taken to the hospital, where he eventually passed away. For many days, the two dogs stood by the door as if...
