​In the film “Braveheart,” William Wallace, a late-13th century Scottish warrior, portrayed by Mel Gibson, spoke courageously before the distraught Scottish Army. He said, “I am William Wallace, and I see a whole army of my countrymen, here, in defiance of Tyranny. You’ve come to fight as free men, and free men you are. What will you do without freedom? Will you fight?… Fight and you may die. Run, and you’ll live...at least a while. And dying in your beds, many years from now, would you be willing to trade all the days, from this day to that, for one chance – just one chance – to come back here and tell our enemies that they may take our lives but they’ll never take our freedom!”
 
Freedom is such a precious word! It is a noteworthy aspiration that many people in subjugation desired and fought for in order to attain and experience it. It was the compelling reason our heroes - Andres Bonifacio, Sultan Kudarat, Diego Silang, just to mention a few, shed their blood. While they, including the unsung ones, lost their lives, it was worthwhile because it paved the way for the Philippines to gain the independence we now enjoy in this modern times.
 
Jesus said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free”. This passage of the Scripture is being quoted by some politicians and members of the judicial body as pertains to the surfacing of a fact or of what really lies behind a case or circumstance. However, in this verse, Jesus is offering Himself for people to attain and experience genuine and lasting freedom. He is the Truth He’s pertaining to. The Truth who would set people free from the power of satan, sin, and self. He is the truth who would set free those who are living in the bondage of shame, fear, and guilt. Jesus knew that though people may be living in freedom outwardly they are not inwardly.
 
Many people, regardless of age, life status, and gender, live in such a way of being physically free but deep within - incarcerated. Consequently, let us allow the Truth - Jesus Christ, to enter our lives and take control of it. Surrender to Him our fears and failures. Entrust to Him our dreams and future. And live a life that pleases and glories Him. Freedom is not only living a life free from tyranny or conquistadors but a life that is free from the power and bondage of satan, sin, self, and shame. Dwight L. Moody, an American publisher, said “If you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ you are free.” Rightfully, you will know the Truth and He will set you Free. That, ladies and gentlemen, is freedom. 

Born free in a free country then suddenly becoming a slave by foreigners is such a great misfortune or difficulty. Our independence along with our beliefs were suddenly suppressed until that great day where our conviction can no longer be subdued and our desire to break free from slavery in body and mind was birth out. With great courage and conviction, our ancestors fought with all their might to the point of death and on June 12, 1898, they took back our freedom and raised our own flag. The joy of being free from oppression is overwhelming that the nation celebrated and is still commemorating our day of independence to this day.  However, our nation couldn't have reached freedom if not for the strong determination and resolve of our heroes.

Fulfilling a great mission and assignment does not only entail emotion but it demands that we take action. It necessitates great courage to go against the norm. In this present age, the world is bound to carnal ideologies and acts.  We ought to have great conviction to stay firm to our beliefs.

We have become passive believers of righteousness where we knowingly allow misconducts in the name of false peace. We compromise our convictions, allowing it to be trampled on just to avoid offending the majority and we become silent accomplice of such malicious acts. In doing so, we suppress our voices and watch the majority fall into deeper slavery of wickedness. We have abandoned our mission to become the light of the world - tolerating and enduring the darkness around us. We have fallen into the sin of omission. The gospel of Matthew says that we should correct a brother who commits a mistake.  We have compromised, conformed, and tried to stretch whatever  there is to stretch and in doing so, our relationship with our Lord has suffered.
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The early saints stood by their conviction to the point of death and championed many fights of faith. With great passion, they fought against the ideologies and the powers of the world. In doing so, they have brought a great number of people at the foot of the cross. Many miracles were performed and those beyond reach and philosophers stood in awe at the greatness of the Creator. They acted strongly on their convictions that historically brought change and moved the world.  
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It is high time that we become firm on our faith. Let us take our stand and not allow the sacrifices of our forerunners of faith come to waste. Now is the time to hold firmly and act with passion as the rest of the world is sinking into an uncertain depth of darkness. As children of the Living God, let us act on our convictions and be clear of our mandate. Let us hold firmly to what is right and abstain from every form of evil. In this unstable world, let our convictions stay immovable.    
  

For the past three years, the Philippines has been shaken by the health and economic crisis that transpired coupled with the sudden increase of oil prices as a result of the arm conflict in the western world. Weathering against these troubles takes a strong leadership to lead this country out from this dark era. This nation is weary of leaders whose only agenda is to serve their personal interest. This country is in need of statesmen and stateswomen, more than mere politicians. As James Freeman Clarke, an American theologian and writer, said, “A politician thinks of the next election; a statesman of the next generation”.

It is a fact that some vie for promotion for fame and personal aggrandizement. This gives them a wrong perspective of leadership. They consider it as a position rather than a function. This drives them to kill their opponents in the election arena, cheat during the conduct of election, or do everything it takes, by hooks or by crooks, in order to achieve their desired positions. Only few wanted to become leaders in order to serve the public well. The moment they acquired the position, they do not function appropriately.

An ideal type of leadership is arrayed with esteemed characteristics. It appears prestigious and highly enticing but behind the colourful and admirable appearances are serious and crucial tasks. This makes leadership a value because of the responsibilities and sacrifices that go with it. Leadership is tough. Heavy loads are upon those who assume such functions. Accountability is attached in every decision that a leader makes especially in critical situations. Their decisions signal movement of operation. Without leaders who decide, the subordinates are at a loss. They are prepared to take the risks or answer for the consequences of their actions.

Moreover, any flaw, lapse, or mistake committed by a subordinate may make a leader liable under the principle of “respondeat superior” where an employer may be held responsible for the actions of his employees, when the actions are performed in the course of employment. The same is true with parents over their children’s actions or teachers over their students’ conduct under the principle of vicarious liability where the parents or teachers are held responsible of the damages caused by their children or students under their watch.

Leaders are also expected to lead by example or to model what they teach. Many eyes are looking at them and many lives are depending on them. If they fail, others may fail too; but if they succeed, others may also succeed. As a result, they cannot misbehave. They are expected to be dependable and reliable. They are obliged to perform accordingly. They cannot afford to relax or let their guards down. As they overcome one obstacle after another, their skills are honed and they grow into maturity. Leaders of this kind bring an entire generation into their destiny. As they assume their posts, they become the answer to prevailing problems of society.  
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The challenge now is – are we ready to be the leaders that this nation is looking for? The Philippines awaits us. 

In these days and age, how do we come across the word reliable or reliability? How shall we set this particular value apart from the other Filipino values? Reliability is often overlooked and is usually regarded as an angle or attribute of one with integrity as well as excellence. As a person of integrity with firm adherence to moral and ethical standards, we are considered reliable as we refuse to be swayed by every wind of difficulties that may challenge our stance on our moral convictions. In the same manner, we are also considered reliable as we pursue excellence in everything we put your hands into, leaving no allowance for mediocrity or substandard output.

Putting it this way, one effective way to approach the value of reliability is by laying down the following challenges: 

• Are we going to be that person who is considered reliable in the midst of the different quality of people or crowd we find ourselves in? 
• Are we going to be the one who is reliable as we refuse to be influenced and be taken down by the uncertainties of what is to come? 
• Will the people around us be able to let their guards down because our being reliable is tested and consistent? 
• In short, are we going to choose to become reliable? Be characterized by the value of reliability?

To be reliable is a choice. As we proclaim that we are of God and we are active advocates of His righteousness, our obvious answer is to choose to become reliable. Knowing that He will never leave us nor forsake us, we will have the courage to suppress everything that comes against what is good and true. Our confidence that the Almighty God is backing us up shall allow us to exercise the value of reliability - not only towards Him but to other people and to the work that we are led to do. 

Being reliable will result in us being trusted with more as we have proven ourselves faithful to the first few things that were entrusted to us. We are qualified to take things further with less to no supervision. We become identified as trustworthy and will be favored by God and the people around us. We will not intentionally fail those who depend on us. We shall also receive encouragement to press on and move forward.

To this end, in our practical and day-to-day life, let us simply choose to stick to doing what is right at all times. Let us wake up every morning with a resolve to get up, go out, and influence the world and other people demonstrating and manifesting the value of reliability. Let us always choose to be the dependable man or woman in every circumstance - by ourselves, by others, and by God. 

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“The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body... and God has put each part just where he wants it.”

Proclamations of winning candidates on the recently concluded national and local elections were made. Except for the presidency, vice presidency and partylists, the nation had already identified who will lead and administer for her in the next 3 or 6 years. Different emotions and opinions swirl around as expectations were either met or unfulfilled depending on whose side the person is - either on the winning or losing side of the candidates. Plans and contingency measures are in place for execution. However, inclusivity must be taken into consideration as we need every person and every resource to build the nation. In order to move on and carry the nation, restoration and assurances must take place. National healing must ensue as we establish the principle that we need to cooperate and work together. This is interdependence.

As new elected administration or a fresh mandate for most of them while this pandemic lingers around, the best way to understand and cope with the new season of our nation is to develop this ‘better new-normality’ together. It is by sharing our experiences and perspectives to learn from each other. We have to continuously pursue our shared values, vision and mission. We become collaborators in how we’re going to navigate new frontiers in this chapter of our history. The presence of a significant degree of involvement, clear rules of engagement and delineation of responsibilities as commitments among the citizenry are also important. This will allow us to work better, individually and collectively, to achieve our goals. We pro-actively respond to change and we build the nation. We implement strategies by acknowledging each other’s’ gifts, strengths and weaknesses. We complement, support and complete one another. Altogether, we evolve with progress as it requires encompassing societal growth and maturity. We all have a mindset and a plan agreeing not just being accountable, but in loving care in how we labor together as we honorably connect with each other.

As an analogy of Saint Paul, he mentioned that the human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. Though there are many body systems with different organs, tissues and functions, it is still one single human body. The body has many different parts, not just one part. Thus, for an emphasis, the foot cannot say that it is not a part of the body because it’s not a hand. It does not make it any less a part of the body.  And if the ear says it is not part of the body because it’s not an eye, same thing, it would not make it any less a part of the body. “If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything?” But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where He wants and purposed it to be. “Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.” In essence, we are all Filipinos and we only have one Nation - the Philippines to build and care for. We may have come from different regions with different tribes, dialects, customs, traditions and religions; we are one and the same- a Filipino, borne and planted in this blessed land. We should be one and connected to allow healing in all aspects of our society to flow and manifest. We need to stick together and never destroy each other. We need to build together and not divide. We need to be inclusive and not exclusive. As the prayer song goes (in tagalog): “Walang sinuman ang nabubuhay para sa sarili lamang.” No human being is like an island that can stand alone, we cannot exist to be like a hermit; independent we may be but we still depend on each other. We need each other.

As God put the body together to grow and function as one, we are designed to harmoniously grow, function and work together. We must care, honor, protect and labor for each other. This is interdependence made concretized and manifested as we see our nation transformed, healed and rebuilt for many generations to come.

​Last May 1, we, together with more than eighty (80) countries, have celebrated the International Workers’ Day also known as Labor Day. Annually we celebrate this to honor and recognize the economic and social significance of our workforce, regardless of the type of employment or type of employees. But why do we need to celebrate and value work? For six days in a row, God continually worked on creation, and it was good. Imagine the intricacies of His creation and we, too, are wowed by what we can see in nature. It was excellently done and carefully considered. From its beauty, complexity, and accuracy, we can see that God values work, and as men and women created in His image and likeness, we too, ought to value work and workmanship.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. left us a wonderful quote that will make us embrace and honor work, no matter what the job is. He said, “If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets as a Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, ‘Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well. No work is insignificant. All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.” It is indeed true that no work is insignificant as long as it uplifts humanity. Whether we are in blue-collar jobs or white-collar jobs, we must put love in our craft in order to excellently achieve every day’s targets and goals. Regardless if it’s physical or mental work, it must reflect the excellent spirit given to us.

There are many benefits of valuing work. When we value work, there’s peace and joy within us because we know that we have done our part the best we can. It invites praise and commendation, not only because a target or goal has been met, but because its execution is way beyond expectation. It brings wealth when our clients or customers always come back to avail our services or buy the products we sell because they know it is of high quality. When we value work, we become conduits to provide for the needs of our family, our friends, and even other people. Last but never the least, putting premium to our work glorifies God and will bring eventual glory as we offer the works of our hands to our Creator and Master.
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Let us not belittle our work nor take it for granted. Let every work have a mark of thanksgiving to God, and surely it will all be done with gladness in our hearts. Our labor is not in vain as we offer our work as a pleasing aroma before Him. Whatever we do, we do it for the glory of God. For we know that as we work with all our hearts, as if we are working for God, we will receive our inheritance from Him as our reward.  

​A changing situation spurred by various circumstances, positive or negative, naturally affects a person’s firmness to stay true to a commitment or oath. It is likened to a marriage vow wherein the joyful companionship of a couple is tested by unexpected problems that arise in their relationship. In a normal manner, these distractive forces influence one’s performance in a given endeavor just as a married couple may also lose sight of their covenant with one another. In cases like these, one common factor that needs to be addressed is the issue of faithfulness.
 
Faithfulness is best developed in challenging and difficult situations, particularly when one seems to have an option or even a logical reason to back off, give up or turn away from a promise, an oath or commitment. Keeping our mind on the purpose and goal has helped many to breakthrough and come out victorious in each trying situation. And every time we try our best to hold on to our words, we grow in being reliable, trustworthy and dependable. Such is the mark of a faithful person.
 
The recently concluded CRFV-organized Statesmen’s Summit II: Gathering of Nobles with the theme “Statesmanship Makes Things Happen: Our New Normal” reminded us the call to stay faithful in contributing to the fulfillment of the Filipino aspirations, which is articulated in the AmBisyon Natin 2040. This is a timely message to reflect on as the national election draws near, that even before the nation chooses who the leaders will be in the next six (6) years, we make a decision now to remain steadfast, immovable and faithful to the collective aspiration of the Filipino for a “matatag, maginhawa, at panatag na buhay”. With this firm decision comes a commitment to stay true regardless of the outcome of the election. This goes to say that our allegiance to our oath of office and the mandate of our organization is beyond politics and beyond personality.
 
The value of faithfulness is strengthened in our lives not only in tough situations, but also in day-to-day life. This truth is beautifully captured in the words of Mother Teresa when she said, “be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.” In faithfully doing the small things, we can have a good start-up that will determine our stability and strength ahead. As it was written, he who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much.
 
Today, we can see success gradually unfolding but these are just foretastes of a glorious future. We should be found faithful with these small beginnings because these will serve as stepping stones for us to remain strong at the top. Being faithful in small things means having the ability to handle small successes because these will determine our capacity to receive immense victory in the days to come. Faithfulness is not just measured by loyalty. It includes trustworthiness, accountability, and having a sense of responsibility to what has been entrusted. We should therefore give our best in all fields of endeavor and learn to multiply our talents and skills for the good of all. 

​The Lenten Season has been just barely over. It is a commemoration of the great concern Jesus Christ has for the people He came to save from the power and penalty of sin - which is eternal separation from God. Such a great concern that the Lord, who is in very nature God, humbled himself by becoming obedient to death on the cross. It is because of such concern that man has now the opportunity to be forgiven for his sin and be bestowed with an everlasting life with God in heaven if he repents and embraced Jesus as Savior and Lord.  
 
When we experienced how God is concerned for us through His salvation, intervention, protection, and provision we can’t keep it to ourselves. Rather, we want other people to experience it too. Just like the men in the book of Matthew did, it says, “When the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to Him and begged Him to let the sick just touch the edge of His cloak, and all who touched Him were healed.” 
 
Concern for others is a Filipino trait that is visibly seen and deeply felt especially in times of crisis. We call it damayan and bayanihan. Wherein various groups and individuals, alongside the concerned government agencies, initiates and spearhead donation drive, search and rescue operations, and livelihood programs for the victims of various catastrophes such as floods, earthquakes, landslides, fires, and Covid-19. It is to somehow alleviate the misery of the affected individuals and help them recover and continue with life with the hope of a brighter future. A religious leader says, “If we develop concern for other people’s welfare, share other people’s suffering, and help them, ultimately we will benefit. If we think only of ourselves and forget about others, ultimately we will lose. The more we care for the happiness of others, the greater our own sense of well-being becomes." 
 
Each one has his way of showing concern for others - to an office mate, friend, neighbor, classmate, and even a stranger. However, we have to be intentional in doing so. Because every person we meet - in the office, in the school, in the mall, on the road, or wherever bears some burden or wrestling with problems or in a turmoil situation one way or another. Consequently, let us be more gracious with our words and be mindful of the tone of our voice, let us be more patient and understanding of our erring colleagues, let us pray for the success of others and help them succeed, and may we have a hearing ear and a shoulder for others to count on. The Scripture says, “Be kind to one another, be compassionate to one another, and forgive each other.” Accordingly, let us exhibit some concern for others today.   

It has been a long weekend and we have commemorated the love of Jesus that is being poured out upon us on the cross and how He rose from the dead, proving that our faith in Him is not in vain. It is a season that reminded us that there is still hope in spite of all the chaos that we may experience whether in our personal lives; national and even international issues that can affect us. As we hear news about war, tragic incidents, illnesses, and natural calamities, we tend to raise the question “why?”. Our faith wavers and we lose hope thinking there is nothing we can do. We hear people give up in this so called race of life. Giving up being they can’t find the answer why things are happening. We stop believing and we eventually stop moving and doing.

An old writer says, "Faith and reason may be compared to two travelers: Faith is like a man in full health who can walk twenty or thirty miles at a time without suffering. Reason is like a child, who can only with difficulty accomplish three or four miles. On a given day Reason says to Faith, 'O good Faith, let me walk with thee.' Faith replies, 'O Reason, thou canst never walk with me!' However, to try their paces, they set out together, but they soon find it hard to keep company. When they come to a deep river, Reason says, 'I can never ford this,' but Faith wades through it singing. When they reach a lofty mountain, there is the same exclamation of despair; and in such cases, Faith, in order not to leave Reason behind, is obliged to carry him on his back; and, oh, how dependent upon Faith is Reason!" Why has God made faith the indispensable ingredient in man's approach to Him? Is it not precisely because man's reason can go only so far? Where reason comes up against an insurmountable obstacle, faith soars above it and apprehends God and heavenly mysteries by this divinely given faculty. 

When we find ourselves losing any reason to move forward, let this season remind us to keep on believing. Our faith will carry us beyond our own reasoning. Let us trust in the Lord with all our hearts; and lean not to our own understanding. In all our ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct our paths. As we believe, we are able to activate our faith that is seen in what we do and say.
An old country preacher used to say: "There are two parts to the Gospel. The first part is believing it, and the second part is behaving it." The hearer only is the one who is satisfied with just believing without behaving. That is what James describes as dead faith 

One of the question in the movie Do You Believe: Do you believe in the Almighty God; His plans and purposes, His works? If yes, then what are you doing about it? Is your faith activated? Does your faith has feet?  Does your faith in God move you higher, deeper, wider, and further in Him? If yes, go further! If no, choose to be activated now! No more excuses and alibis, no more reasons!
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What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.