Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Gospel of Poverty

Sometimes it would cross my mind - Galit ba si Jesus sa mayayaman? (Is Jesus angry at wealthy people?) or at another point, now that I live quite comfortably, am I doomed?

But then again, he never really says anything to that effect, unlike the way he calls out Pharisees and Scribes as hypocrites. In direct reference to wealth, "It is harder for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God than for a camel to pass the eye of the needle." He didn't say impossible. He didn't say that rich men cannot enter the Kingdom of God. He just says that is very difficult.

When I read the Gospels, I see a very real and deep concern and compassion for the poor, the powerless. They live at the fringes of society, at the fringes of the consciousness of those who are comfortable. We get reminded of them in the news, maybe in cinema and TV, too. My nephew, who grew up in New Zealand, was surprised at the 'poverty' he saw on the streets, so real and so.. Near and proximate. That is something he never saw in Auckland.

But Jesus never forgets the poor and underprivileged. Because hunger and thirst, or material poverty, is the surest was to 'break a man's spirit'. When one's circumstances cannot be changed, when no amount of hard work can make one eat a little better the next day, when hope is disappearing that one will have 'better life someday', that is the most depressing state for a human being. At that moment, his will to live, his 'spirit' is crushed. How could one go on living?

Jesus sees that brokenness, and he is so moved by it. And in response, He declares "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." There is hope. The Kingdom of Heaven, not of Earth, is already theirs. It is not so dire after all. One may be hungry at the present time, but just keep on persevering, justice will be served eventually.

That brokenness is not exclusive to those who are materially poor. We have all experienced being broken in spirit at one time or another. A career failure, a heartache, a death of a loved one. These circumstances just crush us. And we feel the hopelessness. In that brokenness, Jesus also speaks to us. We, who may be comfortable "and filled", are also included in that 'blessing'. We realize that all our material wealth does nothing to lift our spirits. Only when put our Hope in Him and his promise of the Kingdom of Heaven will we ever find solace.

However, we rarely experience that brokenness. We delude ourselves into thinking that with enough money, with enough wealth, we can be comfortable and never be 'broken in spirit.' That is the reason why it becomes so much harder for the rich man to enter the Kingdom of God. We put our hope in the things of this world, not in Him.

The challenge then is to realize that at a certain level, we are 'broken in spirit'. That is the challenge that can be met only by humbling ourselves willfully, that despite the comforts of life we can enjoy, we are still 'poor in spirit', we are nothing. Those who are materially in poverty are way ahead of us because their brokenness is with them everyday. So they turn to Him everyday, not like us. We forget often.

The difficulties I face at work has led me to feel that brokenness. I am broken in spirit. I acknowledge that I failed in so many respects. I have been humbled and crushed. I say this now, acknowledging my weakness, my poverty in spirit.

But in this broken state of spirit, I have turned to Jesus, everyday. I finally saw how prayer is helping me turn my spirit around. I have started to pray a bit more, acknowledging to Him that I cannot do this on my own. That I need Him to show me how to re-build this company.

Slowly, surely, He has started to! Dahan-dahan may nangyayari. Dahan-dahan nagkakaroon ng liwanag. Napaparating niya sa akin ang mga dapat kong asikasuhin. Binibigyan niya ako ng mga pagkakataon, opportunities that I can only describe as 'miraculous' to start to turn things around. Hindi lang mabilisan. Sa tamang panahon.

That is my learning for this Christmas - not be distracted by the material wealth, the pleasures that I will enjoy this season. I need to be reminded of the poverty in spirit that I share with those who are truly less fortunate than me. I wish to always acknowledge that brokenness because only then will I realize that there is really hope in Jesus, Jesus who's birthday the world will be celebrating this Friday.


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Sunday, November 29, 2015

My Shemitah

It started with family discussions over dinner regarding end-of-days predictions on September, specifically September 23. Again, people online have been sharing news from different sources. Asteroid crash, stock market crash, another 911, etc. etc. We've all heard it before. And it was on the news again. One of those struck my fancy - those related to Shemitah.

I won't go into the details. Just click the link to get to the long video where this techpreneur explains it. Shemitah Exposed

Of course, none of the predictions came to pass. But somehow, the concept made an impact on me, on gullible me. LOL (I actually pulled out some of my dollars and changed this to local currency, right as the rate started going south.)

Every seven years, there is a period of cleansing, when life as one knows it, needs to be re-ordered, re-balanced. It is so biblical. The seventh batch of seven years, the change is even more profound. That's 49 years total. That is exactly my age right now. So I am particularly reflective on this personal Shemitah.

Before I turn 5 decades early next year, I have started to do some re-ordering. I decided to end my service at the parish. I will stop my teaching sideline, something I have been doing for... yes, you guessed it, 7 years. The biggest change will happen with work. That is something beyond my control, and yet it will happen this year, too. So neatly woven, don't you think?

But I have also resolved to maintain certain things in my life, like working out and trying to be fit and healthy. That is here to stay, even if I will never achieve the hotbod... ever. The pursuit of the ideal is enough for me to keep it going, on and on.

My practice of the Catholic Faith is another one. Even as I left parish service, I feel that I would be end up still being 'of service' through a different ministry.

My service to my family, my parents is both a responsibility and a privilege. I am honored to be the only one among the siblings left here in 'Pinas to take care of them. Funny that recently, I got invited to be ninong at not just one but two weddings of young men whose moms I just know casually or professionally. They approached me, requesting to be a ninong to their sons because they loved that I take care of my folks (as I post on my FB). Hahaha

It will not be 'business as usual' when I turn gold next year. I still don't know what form my life would take after 2016. But oddly, I am excited and at peace with it.


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Friday, October 30, 2015

Throwback: Post fr 2007, preparing for NYC

I was so excited as I planned for my first time in NYC. I was so concerned about what outfits to wear. LOL.

Almost 8 years ago to the day when that post when up. Expect more reminiscing...


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American Massage story

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Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Autumn Break

Back in the East Coast after hmm.. 7 years! I planned this trip in February. I knew I wanted to see autumn colors again and visit my sister, based in NJ.

The foliage did not disappoint as I arrived last week. Over the weekend, we (my Ate, nephew and I) drove to Boston, Massachusetts. The vistas were stunning driving over there. From afar, the hills looked filled with color cotton balls in the most gorgeous palette. I drove halfway going there and back (4 1/2 hours leisurely with stops). I enjoyed driving at the speeds required here. Somehow, it doesn't tire you as much.










On the way to Boston, we dropped by Yale in Connecticut. I bought Yale shirts as I've started to collect shirts from the 'famous' universities in the US. (not necessarily the Ivy League because this really started with my trip to Stanford in 2013). Of course in Boston, I had to get shirts from MIT and Harvard.

Ahhh. MIT. I once dreamt of taking my masters there. This was when I was still teaching in UP. I wanted to get into the Brain and Neuroscience program. But sadly, I didn't make the cut. I love that a huge part of the campus is along the river.

Harvard is so touristy. Poor students. Haha It is a bit more dense, with the beautiful old buildings sitting close to each other.

On the last night in Boston, I checked out the top gay club (according to the site gayboston), Club Cafe. It was easy to get to, using the "T" (that's the nickname for their subway system). I liked the place, with a section for dining and a bar for drinking. Then, a part opens up to be an open area, a dance floor, if you must. Very mixed crowd of LGBT including straights. Best part was that they were playing diva music that Saturday night. That was fun.



Now, it's back "home", in my sister's place in New Jersey. It's one of those small commuter towns, quaint actually. I've chosen to just relax at home, catch up on TV shows and blog. I don't want to pressure myself to do the tourist things here or up in NY. I'll just take it easy. Yes, it is my autumn break.

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Saturday, September 19, 2015

an FB on FB 2

Lucas switched the chat off and prepared for his meet-up.

He arrived at the gym early. He needed to put in some cardio before meeting up. And may be a side trip to the steam room "to open up his pores."

Still sweating from that treadmill run, Lucas stripped to his undies and wrapped the towel around him. He checked his body in the mirror. He can't get rid of those love handles, much as he tried. He lowered the towel to show a bit more of his torso. He took a short shower and stepped into the steam room. Empty. Which is fine. His pores needed cleansing anyway.

He sat on a second level and just relaxed his body. The steam temperature was just right. He closed his eyes and tried to practice some breathing technique, some mindfulness. But that was interrupted when the door opened and young twink (again!) walked in, also in a towel-wrap.

He sat opposite Lucas and tried to look like he was concentrating on the steam. But Lucas caught casually looking his way. Then he realized that with his legs spread open, young twink could actually see his groin. The thought excited him. He decided to play coy but allowed twink to get a glimpse of his cock.

He didn't stare at twink and just continued closing his eyes or doing some stretches, seemingly unmindful that his cock and balls were so visible to twink. He could see how twink is totally absorbed in trying to get a better view. He totally liked the feeling of being watched.

He tried to will an erection. That would have been a great show for twink. But none happened. It was just getting too hot. He had to cut his show short. Twink looked disappointed as he got up and left the steam room.

He checked the time. It was 10 minutes after the appointed meeting time. He hurriedly dressed up, got his stuff and went to the members common area. He immediately saw his newest FB 'friend', Jav, sitting on a chair, checking on his phone. He looked up, saw Lucas and broke into a big smile.

He approached Jav and threw his bag on one of the vacant chairs.

At the very least, Jav is no poser. His pics on FB were totally truthful. And yes, he was quite a twink. He wondered if he had enough strength in him to give him a massage.

"Hey, Lucas. I'm Jav."

"Hello Jav."

"So are you going to get up and go somewhere?" Jav mockingly asked, smiling.

"Uhmm No. Not all." He liked what he saw. Jav was cute, had a nice smile. And he looked honest and real.

"So do we go to your place now?"

"Sure. Hang on. I'll just get my drink." He ordered a fruit shake to go.

They both have cars so Lucas had to follow him to his condo. He was putting himself in the mood by playing his 'sex' playlist.

He parked on the street across the entrance. He waited for Jav at the lobby. It was one of the better-run older condos in Makati. The kid must be from an old rich family to afford something like this.

When they got to the unit, Jav quickly showed him to his bedroom. "I'll bring in some water."

Very thoughtful, he thought sarcastically as he stepped inside the bedroom. Not too big, as one would expect from condos, but it had its own toilet and bath. No wonder this guy brings tricks home, he thought.

Soon, Jav was back with a jug of water and two glasses, which he put on his study desk.

"Do you like to take a bath first?"

"No. Not really. Got to the gym ahead of you and was able to shower up."

"Ok. Well, if you want to start..."

"Jav, I am expecting a good massage. You made me expect."

Jav laughed a bit. "Of course. And I will deliver. Wait a sec." He went inside the bathroom and grabbed a towel. He got out, already in his boxers and a white tank top. 'He even looks the part', Lucas said to himself.

"Please feel comfortable." as he handed him the towel.

Lucas got up and started to undress. He knew Jav was watching him intently but he didn't mind. He already put on a show for someone else earlier. He removed his shirt and pants, and was down to his undies.

"Do I?" he asked Jav.

"Whatever makes you feel comfortable."

Lucas first sat on the bed and waited for instruction. Jav made him lie on his belly on the bed. He proceeded by massaging his back. "Tell me if the pressure is too much or too little."

"Uhmm well you can increase it a bit. I prefer hard."

"Ok."

The strokes felt like the result of some training, Lucas thought. He seemed to be doing the right moves. Though he was certainly not conscious of the time nor the 'symmetry', forgetting to do some strokes on one side or the other. But as he massaged his back, he actually started to relax and enjoy it.

"I might doze off" he murmured.

"No problem." as Jav continued his pressure.

Soon, Jav's hands were already at his hip area, and massaging the top of his underwear.

"I'll remove this so we don't get oil on it." he whispered to Lucas.

Lucas actually dozed off and was awakened by the whisper and the weight of Jay's hips on his ass.

"Ok."

Jav sprayed some alcohol on his palms before proceeding to remove Lucas underwear. He was quite methodical about, and didn't seem to care that Lucas' nice ass was now totally bare. He applied oil again and started to massage his butt. Lucas was awake now, trying to sense if Jav was starting to 'make the moves'. At first, there seemed to be a deliberate attempt not to get too near the hole.

Then he felt a finger or two straying into the asshole, almost furtively. Lucas started to feel aroused. His cock, in an awkward position as he had his weight on it, struggled to become erect. He tried to adjust by raising his hips.

Meanwhile, Jav moved to his left thigh. And as he stroked the length from the back of the knee to the butt area, Lucas felt his fingers touching his balls. At first it was his fingertips. But soon enough, fingers were gently gracing his testicles, and his cock was now in full erection.

He sensed that Jav was already concentrating on the area. He then felt Jav's hand totally slide under his thigh and grope his cock. That excited him. It seemed that Jav got really aroused to as he asked Lucas to turn-over.

He got into the position and was now lying on his back. He kept his eyes closed, wanting to just feel what Jav was going to do next.

A wet mouth was now slowly engulfing his straining dick. He could feel the tongue flicking about around his cockhead. Lucas wanted to tell him to continue the massage but the sucking was just too good. He finally opened his eyes and saw Lucas totally enjoying giving him head. He was so into it, he had his eyes closed as he blew, and sucked and licked. Soon Jav straightened up and stood by the bed. He took off his tank top and shorts to reveal a hard cock pointing almost straight up.

He grabbed rubber and lube and got back to the bed. Expertly, he placed the rubber on Lucas cock and secured. He looked at him and smiled as he also applied lube on the cock. He gave it a few strokes before getting into the position.

He guided Lucas' cock into his lubricated asshole very slowly. Lucas could see Jav's butt slowly descend on the erect dick, even as Jay looked like he was wincing from the pain. Finally he had all inside. Lucas tried to thrust his hips upward but Jav pushed it back.

"Slowly, please"

Lucas let him set the pace. He raised his butt and lowered it again. Slowly at first. Then eventually, as the hole relaxed, Lucas started to pump. Jav still had his eyes closed, but was eventually letting Lucas to pump him.

Lucas was getting really into it, getting wilder. He sat up and embraced Jav. They kissed long. Their tongues were darting inside and out of their mouths. The heat inside them was rising to the surface.Lucas bit Jay's lip as he still continued pumping from the sitting position.

He then told Jav to lie on the bed this time. This was his favorite position. He lifted Jav's left leg and guided his cock into the asshole. He pounded and pounded on the ass. He reached over and kissed Jav, who still had his eyes closed, but was now furiously jerking his own cock. He bit him on the neck as he continue the motion, getting more and more urgent.

They were both sweating now, despite the a/c on. He made Jav lie on his side, as Lucas entered him from behind, still lifting his other leg up for better access. The momentum was building up.

"ahh ahh I'm getting there." murmured Jav.

He turned him around and made him lie on his back again. This time, he raised both Jays' feet, pushed a pillow underneath then proceeded to fuck him harder.

"Oh fuck. Oh fuck. Oh shit." Jav started to shoot his load on his chest, even up to his neck the cum hit. Then Lucas just let go and drove his cock deep into that ass as he released wave after wave of jism into him. It was one amazing orgasm that took all his energy.

He slumped on top of Jav, and left his cock inside. As it softened, Jay's asshole slowly ejected it out. He felt so drained as he felt Jav's arms embrace him.

After a few moments, he pulled himself out and laid beside Jay. He was still panting.

"Do you want to take a shower?"

"Yeah.. in a while."

"Ok, rest here while I take a bath first."

Jav stood up and handed him a box of tissues. He pulled one out and wrapped it around his rubbered cock. He carefully removed the condom and used more tissues to wrap it.

When he felt more rested, he heard the shower still on as Jav took a bath. He looked around and saw that it was actually quite a nice bedroom, nicely decorated. The kid's got taste, he thought to himself.

Jav entered the bedroom still toweling his hair.

"You are so hot and horny." he said as he laughed.

"That goes for you, too."

"You can take any towel on the stand. They're all clean."

Lucas got up, still butt naked as he walked to the shower. He threw the used rubber in the trash bin inside the toilet. He showered off quite quickly and got back to the bedroom.

"That was great, Jav. You are quite a fuck. But your massage is bitin."

Jav laughed hard. "Sorry, I didn't finish it. Got too uhmm excited."

Lucas laughed, too. "I ain't sorry. It's been a while since I've had a good fuck."

"We can do it again."

"Fuck buddies?"

"Yeah, why not? Partner won't mind. FB is fuck buddy for us."

"Great. But I still demand a massage every time."

"Hahaha Ok. I'll try to do better."

"Just kidding. Anyway, I gotta go. Keep in touch. On FB."

"Sure."


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