Whisperings Under The Maple Tree

(December 29, 2024) Today's First Reading during the Sunday Mass emphasizes family relationships. In paricular, the reading narrates how a child should treat his/her parents (father and mother) especially when they have become old and ill. Every son and daughter must read this Bible reading and reflect on how one has treated or been treating one's parent/s. While we may find in the reading a more reference to the father (Jewish culture in the Old Testament narratives was paternalistic so the emphasis on treatment with the father), the respect and honor must be to both parents, father and mother. God sees everything. One cannot hide from God how one treats one's mother and/or father. And God LISTENS to their prayers. Treat your parents well more than anyone else. We may say that we are not obligated to do so, as the modern more materialistic generations of today would argue; still, our parents deserve all the love, attention, care, and respect that we can give. The priest du...

  Actors in Politics Probably the most famous personality in the entertainment industry who ventured to politics was Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States of America. His background tells us that even though he was an actor in the film industry, he had a solid experience in governance and politics. He started as an officer in school government and as Governor of California before getting elected to the highest government position in the USA and the most powerful one in the world. Volodymyr Zelenskyy was an actor prior to becoming Ukraine's 6th President. He has a law degree though never practiced the profession. He had a very clear and people-oriented platform of governance and clearly manifested himself as a leader right in the battlefield, figuratively and literally. Are any of the current actors/actresses and celebrities in Philippines Politics, both already in government and those running for a position, somehow have a bit of a qualification to take the tasks a...

  Coffee Musings Under the Maple Tree (Part 32) Reflections of Dharmazeus   Sometimes it only takes a cup of good freshly brewed coffee to remove toxic thoughts bothering your mind and heart, especially when you share that coffee moment with your special someone, a special friend.   I am not saying goodbye because I value you so much that I really do not want to see you go. But because I love you so dearly that I want you to be happy even if that would mean that we need to part. Thank you for everything. I wish you happiness and joy.   The day seems to be very promising. With a freshly brewed coffee, my day will only welcome all positivity and anything that will make me smile. Hopefully, I bring good vibes and smiles to others as well.   What a beautiful day. Awesome actually. Having conversations with special people surely made the day productive, heart-warming. More so, having chatted with one’s significant friend. Great indeed to have lovi...

  Coffee Musings Under the Maple Tree (Part 31) Reflections of Dharmazeus   A nightcap with our favorite coffee completed my week and assured me of your wonderful friendship. Thank you for being such an awesome friend. You are special and loved. See you again next time.   The day won’t be complete without a “GOODNIGHT” and a prayerful wish for a safe and restful sleep. God bless you.   Allow not your transformation be skin-deep. Conversion of the heart leads to an experience of transfiguration. The purity of your souls emanates and radiates to others with love.   Never regret meeting then loving someone only to lose them someday. It might be painful but know that at some point in your life that person made happy memories with you. Keep those memories and learn from those that brought tears to your heart.   The next time someone tells you something, do not believe it immediately. Verify for yourself. Truth often comes to those who kno...

  Coffee Musings Under the Maple Tree (Part 30) Reflections of Dharmazeus   My day wouldn’t commence without a GOOD MORNING to you and from you. And it will not be complete without an I LOVE YOU to you and from you. And will not be complete without a GOODNIGHT to you and from you.   While meeting people brings joy to our hearts, not all of them stays. Some have to leave for reasons we may not know.   What matters most is we met them, that our lives touched one another, and we shared awesome memories. That at some point in our lives, we have loved. We’ll keep them in our hearts and cherish their memories.   True love is never lost. It remains in one’s heart though not destined to become a reality. But, make no mistake, the feeling was real.   A new day has begun, a new beginning is at hand. Arise, my beloved, kiss the day, embrace every opportunity, hug all promises of a new hope, shower the world with your smile, captivate every hear...

  THE DIVORCE BILL: A Reflection (May 28, 2024) (DISCLAIMER. I am not an expert on family relationships, marriage, or marital problems. Nor am I an expert on any laws, canonical or civil, about any of them. This reflection is a by-product of what I heard in the news, podcasts, interviews, some personal readings about the Divorce Bill that got passed on Third and Final Reading at the Philippines Congress and waiting for the Senate’s action before sending it to the President of the country for signature to become a law. At best, this reflection is a result of my inquisitive mind that’s trying to understand things that my simple brain hardly fathoms. I do not mean any disrespect to the Catholic Church’s teachings on the subject matter and other subjects mentioned here. I do not mean to offend the sensibilities of others who might find this reflection-article offensive. My apologies. ) The DIVORCE bill when becomes a law is not for everyone. If people have a very good and hap...