THERE’S a local joke about certain evangelists attacking one another over the airwaves about "Dating Daan" (Old Way) and "Bagong Daan" (New Way) …until somebody said, "Padaan" (Give Way)!
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One of the biggest stumbling blocks of Christianity is the scandal of disunity of churches.
A writer once quipped in a magazine article: "About 2,000 years ago they asked this Guy what he felt was his most important message. He said: ‘Love one another as I love you.’ Out of his message evolved some 22,000 distinct religious denominations – and they all hate each other!"
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The late Holy Father sought to remedy the scandal by extending a hand of peace and reconciliation not only to separated Christians but to non-Christians as well.
He was the first Pope to pray in a mosque, preach in a Protestant church, the first to visit and pray at the holy shrines of the Jews.
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Five years ago, the Pope created a historic move of establishing diplomatic ties between the Vatican and Israel.
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Pope John Paul II, in his apostolic letter called
"Orientale Lumen" (The Light of the East), is aggrieved by the "sin and scandal of disunity of churches." "The sin of our separation is very serious… How can we be fully credible if we stand divided?" he lamented.
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This reminds me of my good friend Bishop Roger "Bomba" Arienda whose radio program in DZMM (ABS-CBN) used to precede ours every Sunday evening.
Arienda used to have critical, if not combative, stance against the Catholic Church. But he has toned down.
He confided to me that he was inspired by the example and pronouncements of the Holy Father Pope John Paul II in his call for UNITY not only with other Christians but also with nonChristians like Buddhists, Muslims, Jews, Hindus.
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Arienda told me that the Pope was in the right direction. "Of the 6 billion population in the world today, only approximately 1.5 billion are Christians.
"If we Christians are divided and fighting each other, we cannot make an impact on the 5 billion non-Christians," he said.
Indeed, how can we witness to Christ if we Christians are fighting among ourselves?
It is hoped that the late Holy Father’s legacy on interfaith dialogue will not fall by the wayside.
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STORY TO PONDER. There was once a Catholic who believed that the only ones who entered heaven were other Catholics.
When he died, he was met at the gates of heaven by St. Peter who toured him around. Sure enough, just as he thought, everyone he saw in heaven was Catholic. By and by, the two came to a high wall. Peter, putting his finger to his lips, said: "Shhhh.. be very quiet! On the other side of the wall they are all Protestants."
The story illustrates God’s will that salvation is for everyone who has faith in Christ. No one is to be excluded from the Kingdom on account of color, race, nationality, or religion.
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GOD BLESS –
the following latest donors of "Adopt a Seminarian" scholarship program: Mr.-Mrs. Sonny MORENO, Sta. Mesa, Manila; Leni LAZARO, Pasig City; Ms. Eleanor CERVANTES, Pasig City; GLOSS MASTER, Caloocan; Carmina ORTEGA, Makati; Jesusa BAUTISTA, Santolan, QC; Charlito-Lilian GAVIOLA, Parañaque; RicoRivera Family, San Fernando, Pam’ga; Jaime CAGATAN; Claire BIBAT, Marikina; Lorelie TORRALBA.
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Others who are interested to help may make their donations payable to "Adopt a Seminarian" c/o Fr. Bel San Luis, SVD, St. Jude Parish, 1420 J.P. Laurel St., San Miguel, Manila 1005 Philippines.
For inquiries, call tel: 7359176 or 734-3706 or write to:
belsvd@skyinet.net
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From a Seminarian’s Father, Paete, Laguna
– "Fr. Bel, I really don’t know what to say, my son is now in the Seminary with very strong faith and determination. I almost cried with joy, it really eased my pain and my fear.
I don’t know how to express my gratitude, I just tell my son to do the same as you did and to be a very good priest just like you. Thank you very much Fr. Bel and your generous benefactors."
Dear readers and donors, thank you; don’t get tired sending your support.
