educator – entrepreneur – writer – speaker – consultant
Mercy is the very essence of love. Though we as human beings have the power to harm others, we also have the power and the choice to be compassionate towards them - simply by not ignoring them and hearing them out. That is mercy, and by opening yourself up truly, you love.
The Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy commenced last 8 December 2015. To partake in this celebration, TDY brings you a week on mercy, beginning today with Pope Francis's jubilee prayer.
In living your higher purpose, it's always about community and sharing - everyone exchanges their ideas, resources, and talents to help others and be helped in the name of mutual achievement of the one big goal of authentic development.
"Less for self, more for others, enough for all" need not be - I believe in "more for all". It is the MINDSET of self-interest that must be lessened, and a mindset of inclusiveness that should be espoused. That philosophy is encapsulated in this week's Word, "shared value".
Individuality isn't confined just to how responsibility should start on the personal level. Growing or developing others is also on an individual basis - precisely because we are individuals. Social change should take this very seriously, as not doing so would cause more harm than good.
Living a conscious life of purpose involves high principles or standards, and adhering to them. However, we run the risk of alienating others - and even ourselves! - by too strict an adherence or enforcement of said standards. We have to remember to be kind and understanding in accommodating others - and even towards ourselves!
"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." -James 1:27, NRSV-CE
This week, we cover a word whose true meaning, for me, has been flattened out to mean just one aspect of what it truly means. As we discover ourselves and the world around us, I invite you to return to the true meaning of this word, and to live it out. This week's Word is "philanthropy".
Today, as we remember the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for us, we are reminded to mimic His example of loving - the greatest love of laying down one's life for his friends.
This Maundy Thursday, we remember how Christ, the King of Kings, humbled Himself to wash His apostles' feet. This is the true meaning of leadership - a servant first and foremost, and a leader next.
Today is Holy or Spy Wednesday, commemorating Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus but, more importantly, the actions of the woman with the expensive perfume. She knew her priorities and acted on them; I invite you to do the same.
To weep is to show true compassion, to sympathize with the plight of the less fortunate, to devote ourselves not just financially but also emotionally and whole-heartedly. To act on this is to show true mercy. This is the central message behind the theme of the 2015 State and Pastoral Visit to the Philippines of His Holiness Pope Francis, "Mercy and Compassion", and perhaps his entire papacy itself.
Aloy Chua 