Payments here and there

I should be enjoying the fruit of my hard labor. Yes, today I have had my check enchased. But payments are left and right - One thousand for the bu-bu, six hundred thirty for Autumn Woods Memorial Park, six hundred fifty for St. Peter Plan; not to mention my two thousand six hundred plus monthly amortization for PAG-IBIG housing loan and five thousand one hundred plus for my two-year salary loan at One Network Bank. These all sum up to almost ten thousand pesos!  

Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

Christ's great love for us is perfected in his offering of salvation. Let us then joyfully draw water from his well, filled with saving love as this psalm expresses:

During the 6 am mass, Erika sang the English version, which was accompanied by Rodel. My mother, who attended the mass said that the psalm was beautifully sang. We just had this one practiced last night. The Cebuano version was sang by the same psalmist during the 5 pm mass, of which I was the organist.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

From PIL back to IPIL

I had high expectations for my own before I went to Bukidnon to attend the Music Module 2 at Paul VI Institute of Liturgy. I thought it would be a breeze to learn in the music theory specially that I have been immersed in choirs. I expected that I could catch up with playing harmony in the organ, having known the basic piano chords. I foresaw a not-so-difficult solfeggio class, having the confidence that it would be a continuance of last module's activities. I have had great hopes that when I get back, my music in the liturgical celebrations in the Church would be a lot better.

It was a gradual realization that module 2 was indeed a lot more challenging than expected. During my stay at PIL, I have come to resolutions that I have to take extra miles in learning the basic skills and theories in music. I even told myself that it would be best if I teach music, for this is the most effective way of learning. I have to enroll in piano class to make me ready with playing organ with harmony. I should allot time for solfeggio practice. Having the high interest to learn, I opted to stay and stand through the difficulties of catching up. With the helpful classmates and mentors, I somehow finished the course, with many skills and learning that have yet to become mine. 

This morning at 11, I stepped my foot on Ipil, my beloved town. After a short rest, I accompanied the choir during the 5 pm anticipated mass of the Solemnity of Christ's Body and Blood. After 10 days, at last I played the organ in pipe music. The assembly joined the choir actively. I thought that the accompaniment was effective since the community participated in the sung parts of the celebration. After the mass, I practiced with the choir my composed antiphons for the lauds tomorrow. 

It is not an excuse that with this not-standardized playing the people can sing or participate anyway, that I would not venture on the basic skills in music. I shall pursue learning, for in so doing, God is glorified. The Almighty deserves only the best music, which is worthy in praising and glorifying him. It is my fervent prayer that God may grant me strength to make me a better servant in the music ministry.

The Lord has given me light

My skepticism has diminished. A bright light has been bestowed upon me by the Lord. I prayed, and prayed intently that today, he would be my strength that I would be able to face yet another day of challenges in my subjects here at PIL. Indeed, I have drawn strength from the people who care. My classmates, the Dominican seminarians have become Christ's unseen face and unnoticed force. With their encouragement and assistance, I somehow have coped with the day's challenges. The journey with them is one gain that I have reaped from this Music Module. My teachers have been kindest and mildest today. Their methodology and approach enabled me to get some pieces of learning I could polish and use soon. Our group (II) practice for the presentation was a lot of fun. The joys we shared with our group members during our rehearsal were relaxing and heart-warming. The day's prayers in the morning and in the evening at the chapel, along with my classmates and mentors' sharing brought joy in the heart. As Fr. Anscar said, "Bring the PIL Community" to where we would be after the Music Module, I came to realize that there is more to than just learning the theories and skills in music. It is the life that I have lived in my stay in this institute that determines the weight of benefit that I could get from this training. The gain to treasure is my doing of things everyday that glorifies God. 

Dominican Seminarians Bro. Roy and Bro. Aaron

Not worth the coming

Paul VI Institute of Liturgy (PIL)
Brgy. San Jose
Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

When I realized that I have not enough preparations for this training I am into now, I started to question about my worth of being here. Would I be gaining the benefits expected of this Music Module II, where I am enrolled?

As of the moment, I am practically ignorant with performing the 2 – part playing of organ. I just have the thought in me now that had it been made clear to us participants before enrolling, that basic piano skills are necessary to the lesson on playing the organ, I would have second thoughts about joining. I am so catching up with solfeggio activities. Most probably, 365 days of last year were chiefly spent for my classes in the school where I teach science. I should have appropriated some time for some practice in the solfeggio. The lessons on Music Theory have been difficult to catch up with. Along with all these challenges is the inevitable feeling of insecurity, having seen everyone but me, is sailing through the discussions and activities well. What is my worth being here? I should have been in a lower level class. But despite this burden, there have been times of learning. The mentors have been friendly. It can be gleaned from their actions their desire for me to learn. But then again, everything is just so difficult. There are even moments when I question about my being in the music ministry. I have seen that what I have been doing is far from standard. It is not enough that you have the desire to serve; I should also have the proper skills in the performance of such service.

When I looked at my left hand this morning, I gazed at its insufficiency in playing the organ. Right above it, was the crucifix with the Christ’s statue hanging on it. I looked at the Lord’s open hands, though wounded with nails. I realized that the same should be done. These hands have to work further. These hands have to suffer and be burdened with trainings. Only then shall these hands become worthy of serving Jesus in this ministry. Those who are adept surely did not wake up one day, and became skilled. I look forward to training myself. This Module has taught me to give service that is to its best. I might not be coming back here next year or even for years. But it wouldn’t mean that I surrender with my enhancement in music. I shall work, and work even harder. I can make it. God looks tenderly at his poor people. I know he would help me with this endeavor.