MYSTICS

My third son (who is my original soul-mate) surprised me with a vacation trip to and from his place allegedly for a breather. It was a very fruitful vacation as we went bookstore-hopping and I got to read quality books to the desires of my heart. I love his pad, too – modest but very comforting. Thank you, baby boy pogi!

When this same son of mine discovered in the internet what names stand for, I requested for this new name (Eunice Ji) to be inquired about. My heart was full of gladness in reading the description that came along with the name. One of those that brought me joy was that it meant a “mystic” daw. For quite a time now my sister-in-law – and BFF – has been suggesting I disclose here the reason for coming up with this particular pen name. I did not so much pay attention to complying with her suggestion because I saw no need for it.

But maybe it’s about time I tell you where exactly the pen name came from because I had to have a jump off point to this issue’s topic. My pen name came shortly after my transformation, I personally call my “rebirth”. Eunice is a modification of the biblical word “eunuch” (now you finally understand why I am pushing for you to attain androgyny – brain balance); while Ji stands for Jesus and i.

MYSTIC – I have to particularly pick this topic for this issue because my personal observation is that, whenever people sense they have something they feel inside, which they translate as special something that sets them apart from the rest, they call themselves “mystics”, and worse, they cash in on their gift of being a supposed mystic. It seems to me like people’s motive is always about money.

Last year when my youngest son and I were unable to attend a particular Sunday Mass, he opened our TV set to at least hear one. He was able to tune up to a sermon of a charismatic leader whose topic was focused on financial gains. After hearing a few words from him so I can balance both sides of my brain in order to give him justice, we usually refer to as benefit of the doubt, I instructed my son to switch channel.

A few weeks after that, when my third son called, we talked about our disheartening observation where every little bit is done for money. Damo la nga pasangil an ginhihimo just to entice people and have money. It is even more annoying and disgusting when people use their claimed leverage, spiritual or mysticism, to gain money. Nagpapakasayon san pagkamal sin salapi. These unscrupulous people should be ashamed of Major Marcelino of PDEA (PDEA VS. DOJ – Alabang Boys’ case) when he said to have always reminded his family members na “matuto’ng mamuhay ng patas palagi.”

Yes, there is so much to be proud and happy about being a mystic. But it is and will never be a reason for making money. Money and God do not combine. We can only embrace one and subordinate the other, as we are both good and evil. If someone considers him/herself a mystic, then it is all the more reason for him/her not to make/collect money out of his/her being one. To be a mystic is to forever be thankful to God for His given grace, for “many are called but few are chosen.”

Fr. Dubay said in EWTN, a mystic is somebody who is head over heels in love with God. Sugad la siton kasimple an karuyag sidngon san termino nga mystic! Pero, OO gad lugod, makuri iton abuton. Labi na gud para sadto nga mga tawo nga maiha na nga waray madisiplina an ira kalugaringon. Formed habits are indeed very, very difficult to break. And we need to be broken, and sometimes crushed, in order to be whole again.

Our bad habits disoriented us, thereby keeping us away from the Truth, so we became prodigal children of God. It takes so much effort, energy, and unceasing prayers. It takes so much will. Kon hubog ka na uraura san imo kalibutanon nga kinabuhi, makukurian ka uraura pagbag-o. Pero if you are willing to hurdle the rough course to freedom for your own sake (and the people you profess you allegedly love), you will definitely change.

To take up our cross is to be willing to sacrifice. There is death in sacrifice but the death is temporary. It will take so much courage if we are to sacrifice. And if we consider ourselves people of God, then we are a people of courage. Jesus reminded us to “take up our cross and follow Him because nobody goes to the Father without Him; and that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” This is the reason why the effecting change or transformation is very, very rewarding. I can assure you that.

Be so in love with God. He is the best. Nothing comes close. But when you are finally changed by His grace, don’t change na. I mean, never backslide to where you came from. Stay the course. Keep the Faith. Only He knows what is best for you. Don’t capitalize on what He gave you and made of you. Ug labi na gud nga ayaw intawon iton, nga grasya nga ginhatag sa imo san Ginoo, paghimua nga kapital o puhunan para ka magka-kwarta. The more that you attain Wisdom, the more that you have to be humble. Be like the bamboo. The more that it grows taller, the more that it bends (Confucius?). Humility is everything.

Love you, friends! God bless all of us. Let’s keep praying for one another. In God there is always Hope.