Tweet

Life sometimes brings us to a situation that really tests our ability to prove our self-worth and knowledge on some issues.  And failure to do so means unfair judgment and scrutiny from those who hold themselves in high regard.  We should keep in mind the fact that no two people have the same capacity to do certain things, especially if they require a certain level of excellence.

Learn to value an individual’s self worth and strength by giving your utmost respect to them. We may never know it, but their uniqueness may develop in them strength of character while becoming a weakness to others, and vice versa.

I, myself, am a nobody. I only exist in this world not to compete  with anybody but to work on my purpose in life. And that is to serve without asking for any favors and recognitions in return. I’m just doing my job. I always remind myself not to deal to anyone’s business unless the situation demands for my support. I still believe in Lao-Tzu’s principle “When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everybody will respect you.”

All Saints Day and All Souls Day

Tweet

Days now passed by too fast! Without you knowing it, important holidays on the -Ber months are coming. One of the events that really get into me is the celebration of all Souls’ Day in the month of November. The common activity being held for this event alone in our city is the Trick- or-Treat, where a parade of costumes highlighted the event for the kids, and  horror booth exhibits and Halloween concert for the teens.  Filipinos now adopt the western culture of other countries in celebrating this event. 

While the Feast of All Saints is a day to remember the glories of Heaven and those there, the Feast of All Souls reminds us of our obligations to live holy lives and that there will be purification of souls destined for Heaven. However, most of the time, the real essence of this occasion is often ignored. People merely focus on the commercial side, like the beautification of their loved one’s tombs or mausoleums or buying expensive flowers, lighting of scented candles, bringing lots of food and drinks and other commercially-adopted practices which I think defeat the real purpose of this occasion.

I am not against those practices because I myself want to give my departed loved one a decent place where they will be remembered. What I’m trying to point out here is that the true value of the occasion should be given more importance. Upon death, it is believed that souls have not yet been cleansed of sin.

Praying for souls of loved ones helps to remove the stain of sin, and allow the souls to enter the pearly gates of heaven. That is the most precious gift that we can give to them on their journey to heaven. Need a handful of it when the time comes. Happy Halloween!