As Jesus passed by, He saw a man blind from birth. He spat on the ground and made clay with saliva, and smeared the clay on his eyes, and said to him, “Go wash in the pool of Siloam” – which means Sent. So, he went and washed, and came back able to see. (John 9.1-2).
They brought the one who was once blind to the Pharisees. Now Jesus had made clay and opened his eyes on Sabbath. (John 9:13)
Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, because he does not keep the Sabbath.” (John 9: 15)
The Pharisees emphasized the letter of the law. It therefore curtailed their eyes from looking beyond the spirit of the law. Hence, instead of rejoicing with Jesus and the healed blind man, the Pharisees judged and condemned Jesus.
Jesus’ healing on a Sabbath day is an eye-opener. Laws are crafted to emancipate humanity from slavery and sin. Jesus did not abrogate the law. He fulfilled the law. The law of Jesus is the law of love. It is a law above legalism.
The law of man can hinder life. But the law of Jesus gives life. The law of man can be twisted for personal benefit but the law of love goes beyond self. It is a law that heals.
Vocation is not magic. It starts from somewhere, something, and someone. Vocation starts from simple things and events.
The Apostolic Vicariate of Bontoc-Lagawe will conduct a seminary entrance examination on April 15 at the Pastoral Complex, Teng-ab, Bontoc Mountain Province.
Priesthood is a beautiful gift from God. It is a beautiful way to serve God and his people. We respond with joy. “Come and see.” (John 1:39)
Interested Sagada youth may contact Susan Ngagan at 0906-577-8265.
The Broken Guitar Project (BGP) started at the height of Covid-19 pandemic. The lockdowns and quarantines, the uncertainties causing so much anxiety, the boredom and depressions aggravated by the series of casualties made 2020 and 2021 years of many challenges.
In Sagada, Mountain Province, many youth took refuge in music and prayer as ways to overcome anxiety and depression.
The youth stayed at the rectory for a week or more. They lived responsibly and did household chores, enjoyed prayers as a way of life, and immersed in the holy mass as the source of strength and meaning.
They triumphed over vices, brokenness, anxiety and depression, meaninglessness, suicidal thoughts and attempted suicides through music.
The youth learned new songs and musical instruments. They eventually became teachers to their fellow youth. The project catered to the whole province. The project realized its plans and activities through the generous providence of God.
The BGP had been into series of concerts in the Cordillera, praise and worship, musical collaboration, and testimonies. The BGP members were inspired and now inspiring their fellow youth.
Kind people donated guitars, beat box, ukuleles, drums, and even food for the learners.
Happily, the BGP is reaping its fruits even in its early years. The BGP graduated 32 batches through a recital. The batches came from Sagada, Bontoc, Sadanga, Sabangan, Bauko, all in Mountain Province; and Banaue, Ifugao.
Why “Broken?” 1. The social environment was broken by Covid-19. 2. Many youth learners came with their brokenness. 3. My beautiful guitar was accidentally broken. 4. The youth with their brokenness came to be tuned and to be in harmony. 5. God healed and heals brokenness through music and prayer. Thank you for being a significant part of the BGP.
The new BGP batch learns new Lenten songs.
Playfulness can be managed. The new set of learners are kids but they can be managed well because they know the importance of listening.
Children misbehave and it is a part of growing. We need to accompany them. Let values be instilled then they will appreciate discipline. They are sources of inspiration in the church and in the apostolate.
Gratitude goes to the parents for letting their children see the value of faith and the services rendered to the church and communities.
Reach me at [email protected].
