Where there is doubt, (a reason to have) faith

The structure of media – both traditional and social – make it easy for celebrities, artists, influencers, and athletes to have fans and haters. The fanaticism cultivated by these structures hinge more on emotions and impulses rather than reason and discernment.

It is important for us to be the masters of our emotions instead of being slaves. Why do we trust? Why do we have faith? Why are we troubled? Why do we doubt?

The initial experience of doubt and faith starts as tentative insights or even hypotheses. We are not required to double down on doubting or having faith if our discernment leads us to reject our initial thoughts.

If the persons we admire are the real deal, they won’t demand blind compliance or unreasonable obedience. They will provide us with evidences and questions, and we will be free to decide for ourselves how we will reasonably conclude our inquiries.

Where there is doubt, false idols will seek to manipulate our faith. On the other hand, the authentic leader would provide us opportunities, spaces, and agency for us to insightfully understand, reasonably assess, and responsibly act on our faith.

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Luke 24:35-48. “Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.”

[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 2023-103: APRIL 13, 2023]

If we clip each other’s wings, we cannot fly

“I should have clipped her wings and made her mine for all eternity.”

When I first heard this lyric from the Orange and Lemons song Heaven Knows (This Angel Has Flown), I felt that the words captured the tension between true love and selfish love.

It’s easier to control. It’s scarier to let go. But true love means having faith that the beloved has the agency to choose and to flourish. When we grip too tightly, we risk squishing trust. And when we do, we cannot thrive together.

If we clip each other’s wings, we cannot fly.

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John 20:11-18. Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father.

[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 2023-101: APRIL 11, 2023]

Insight awaits those who take courage from within and have faith that goes beyond

In today’s rapidly changing world, we often find ourselves in unfamiliar territories, surrounded by uncertainty. Fear and anxiety are natural responses to such situations, but they can also be obstacles to growth and learning. True insight and wisdom arise when we embrace our inner courage and place our faith in a Higher Power, transcending our limitations and venturing into the unknown.

Facing uncertainty can be daunting, and it’s normal to feel apprehensive in such situations. However, it’s essential to remember that fear is a natural human emotion, designed to protect us from potential dangers. By acknowledging our fear, we can begin to understand its roots and gradually transform it into a source of strength and resilience.

One of the most powerful ways to overcome fear is to tap into our inner courage. This courage comes from deep within ourselves, from the belief that we are capable of overcoming obstacles and achieving our goals. By recognizing our own strengths and abilities, we can begin to face uncertainty with confidence and determination.

Another vital element in facing uncertainty is faith. Faith in a Higher Power provides us with a sense of support and guidance, allowing us to believe that there is a greater purpose behind the challenges we face. This faith not only grants us the strength to persevere but also helps us maintain a positive outlook, even in the most trying circumstances.

By cultivating inner courage and faith, we can push beyond our fears and uncertainties to explore new horizons. This journey may not always be easy, but it’s through these experiences that we gain true insight and wisdom. By stepping out of our comfort zones and trusting in the process, we open ourselves up to new perspectives, knowledge, and opportunities that we would never encounter otherwise.

Indeed, courage is calling!

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John 20:1-9 / Matthew 28:1-10 / Mark 16:1-7 / Luke 24:13-35. The Resurrection

[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 2023-099: APRIL 9, 2023]

Closers recognize when the job is not yet finished

What struck me the most about today’s homily by Fr. Dave Concepcion is how he explained the importance of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus taking the dead body of Jesus. Fr. Dave highlighted that most of us tend to be only present during the most dramatic and climatic moments yet disappear soon after without finishing what must be done. We need to emulate Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus.

I recall Kobe Bryant’s famous quote after their Game 2 win of the best-of-7 2009 NBA Finals: “What’s there to be happy about? Job’s not finished. Job finished? No, I don’t think so.”

Real “closers” or “clutch players” recognize when the job is not yet finished. Everyone, including hypocrites and the self-righteous, can present good deeds when the spotlights are the brightest.

But maybe being clutch is not just about excelling under the limelight. It is also about recognizing what must be done when no one is looking.

What we should admire when looking at the virtuous and the virtuosos is the relentless consistency – to continue doing good deeds, developing good habits – regardless of the context and even if no one is looking.

Whether we are at the prologue, climax, epilogue, or even post-credits scene of the story, let’s make sure to follow through our good works.

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John 18:1-19:42. And after these things, Joseph of Arimathea (because he was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews) besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus. And Pilate gave leave. He came therefore and took the body of Jesus. And Nicodemus also came, (he who at the first came to Jesus by night,) bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred-pound weight.

[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 2023-097: APRIL 7, 2023]

Is betrayal the worst sin?

Betrayal, the intentional breaking of trust and loyalty, can be considered the worst sin due to its devastating consequences on relationships, families, and societies. It may be seen as the ultimate selfish act – disregarding long-term consequences for immediate personal gratification.

When researching how to define “beauty”, a definition that piqued me is how beauty is acquiring “a surplus of meaning”. If we reverse this and apply this to betrayal, it is heartbreaking to think betrayal can be a “surplus of hurt”.

When a couple falls in love with the full beauty of each other, they acquire a surplus of meaning – the couple emerges as a new entity greater than the sum of their individuality. Both individuals are better off compared to before.

But what about betrayal? We can argue that the hurt it brings not only dissolves the supposed loving relationship but also tramples on the dignity of the aggrieved. The wronged is in a worse space than when the relationship started.

The great challenge for the Christian: can we learn to forgive and love despite betrayals? It is not easy. But at least we have a model in Christ who was willing to forgive.

Judas failing to forgive himself for his own betrayal is another story. In this sense, betrayal harms not only the betrayed but also the betrayer.

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Matthew 26:14-25. What will you give me, and I will deliver him unto you? But they gave him thirty pieces of silver. And from thenceforth he sought opportunity to betray him.

[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 2023-095: APRIL 5, 2023]