Saturday, March 26, 2016

Holy Week 2016: The Pilgrim's Journey

National Shrine of Our Lady of the Candles, Iloilo, Philippines

A long narrow road where darkness invades is where you can see a pilgrim who has nothing to see but total darkness. Illumined by a Divine light where the darkness is expelled, struggling with emptiness for the faded goodness.

This year's Holy Week is another journey of struggles and misery for every faithful who wants to see and feel the full illumination from within. The Divine light that showers us to empower our being also empowers us to dispel the negativity of the soul trapped in sorrowful darkness. Licensed by the guiding light to strengthen the spirit to become whole is to share the illumination with others as an obligation to follow. He is "the way, the truth, and the life" no one should contradict, but accept with grace and light.

Another chapter of life in a less-known land is a pilgrim who stands up, regaining the bravery of the soul. Pulled down by its own negativity and weakness of the spirit, but guided by a little spark that ignites the soul is not limited. I am lost along the way. Should I trust the instinct that comes my way? Lord, save me from disgrace and lift me with your loving grace.

This Jubilee Year of Mercy is to acknowledge the compassionate, merciful, and ever-mighty spirit that will renew the faith of a lost Pilgrim. The Holy Door is the portal of entry for examining the faith and strengthening the weakened soul. Blessed by the Holiness who touches my spirit; forever be loved and the message of love to live forever and be it.

Along the road is a Pilgrim who ignites the fire. At times loses from darkness but is still able to recover the light. The struggle of an illumined soul to resist the temptation of the dark. Cast away the evil, and preserve the purity of the heart. Guide us, oh Lord, when we are tempted by false beliefs; you are our savior; protect us from defeat.

As the Risen Lord gives us hope, may we live with Him in our journey along the road, with footprints in the sand, leaving the negativity and cleansing the spirit. It is our ultimate glory to live an eternal life without the limit.


 © 2016 Del Cusay



Sunday, February 14, 2016

Heart's Desire: Living A Fantastic Life



There are times when life gives us a sweet taste of beautiful experiences. Often, life may also provide a bitter taste of painful memories. 

However, we reminisce about the sweetness and bitterness that haunts us, our thoughts and emotions that will either make or break us.

When a tough time comes, we challenge ourselves to overcome it. We are creating an emotional shield as a protective defense not to become broken but to shed the light of love to ourselves and others. We activate the inner light to guide us when we are lost and to be redirected toward the path of righteousness.

Our memories are beautiful experiences that uplift us when things aren't right. Our miseries can teach us to become challenging when we are halfway through... but a fading light. We are crafted by our imagination and desires that can spark a greater force of illumined self for the greater good and a better life.

Today, we are directing ourselves based on the principles we inherit. We go on confidently and without hesitation; we pause and ponder when it seems doubtful. We continue to seek validation despite fully knowing ourselves, "Are we good enough, or is it just enough?"

As we continue the journey, we are "Following Our Heart's Desire," We are molded through life's hopelessness and challenges, turning miseries into bliss. The peak of temporary happiness is when we surpass the valley of tears, a cycle of life that is never-ending, always brief but has a joyous end.

Our destiny is always unknown to us. However, a Divinely-inspired being will arise in us, sharing a light of hope with some and enlightenment with many... only then is it right to live in comfort and the precious life we deserve to be.

 © 2016 Del Cusay

Monday, February 1, 2016

Stars of the Galaxy: Reliving the Magical Moments


Sometimes, we reminisce about wonderful moments that once made us feel good about ourselves. We enjoyed those moments that captivated our imaginations and desires. 

We cherish the times when we feel ignited by our passion and aspirations. We feel great about ourselves and strive to show our best selves.

Today, we live and create our own reality, our version of life that guides our destiny. It's not just a dream, but to rekindle moments that will launch us to our destination -- our future success. We create a roadmap to guide us along the way, not to be overwhelmed by circumstances but to regain ourselves when we brave the stormy seas.

Our journey to success will always depend on how much power we unleash in ourselves. Once the untapped energy is activated, it will be ever-ready to launch us to something unimaginable. You may not believe it at first, but those dreams and desires are becoming closer to reality -- your magical journey.


We often meet uncontrollable circumstances to challenge us, make or break, test... Our unwavering faith would build a solid rock; to strengthen the core. And when the rough time comes, our best defense would be on hand, fierce and mighty, ready to knock out and bounce back to reality.

On the way to the peak are hills and valleys that often get unnoticed by many, disregarding the hidden struggles and dreaded misery. 

Others see the hollowness that breaks easily, though the barrier is still unbreakable to set you free -- you become a winner and will always be.

Our commitment to excellence is like a bow and arrow. It will uplift our standards and eventually prove our worth, not to others, but to ourselves. Whereas our goal to hit the target is like a compass. It will guide us toward the right path. We might get lost, but we can surely regain our life and follow the guiding light.


© 2016 Del Cusay


Sunday, January 17, 2016

Celebrating the Feast of Sto. Niño 2016



On this day we celebrate the feast of the Child Jesus all over the Philippines. It has been part of our culture and tradition that we venerate on the holy image since it was brought over by Spaniards in our country. Since then, Filipinos would embrace Christianity and become our way of life.

The feast of Santo Niño is one of the most celebrated event in the Philippines and millions of devotees all over the archipelago would join activities in honor of Him. From the oldest city of Cebu and the busy streets of Manila, the festivity is alive; it is vibrant, colorful and full of energy.

Today I was able to witness how we celebrate this famous religious event. Thousands of people participated on the parade as they march to the beat of the drums. The long procession was full of energy as they carry the holy image while waving it on the air. Some holy images are uniquely dressed to portray different occupations like policeman, nurse, doctor and others. This concept has been a tradition among the faithful who believes that it will bring blessings to them and guide their living.

The feast of Santo Niño de Tondo 2013 was memorable to me as I personally experienced a crowd of devotees as they celebrate the mass and have their holy image blessed with a holy water. I made a sacrifice of falling in line to reach the top of the church in Tondo, Manila where the holy image of Santo Niño is placed. To touch the holy image and say a prayer is  a symbol of faith and devotion -- faith that is unique among us and would forever be observed with our grateful heart. 

The Holy Child Jesus in his image we call as Santo Niño reminds us of innocence and vigor. When we were young, we have full of wonders and we have  genuine happiness; we are robust and truly present. We don't mind about negativity and we feel that we are being guided. Just like Santo Niño, it reflects the child within us. Our humility, graciousness and innocence leads us to live a positive life despite the struggles and challenges we are going through.

It is with our faith that we learn to be strong and keep on moving forward. The strong Divine force -- our God is there to watch over and guide us. When we are fearful, we turn to become fearless. When we are weak, we develop strength; and when we are about to quit, we suddenly hold on and keep the faith. 

© 2016 Del Cusay