Pen Teves Notes

DO NOT JUDGE OTHERS

Do not judge, so as not to be judged. Do not condemn, so as not to be condemned. Forgive, so that you will be forgiven by our Father in Heaven. We, ourselves, are sinners and we'll be hypocrites when we throw stones others. (Luke 6:37; John 8:7) Remember that, when we accuse, one finger is pointing to the one we accuse but four fingers are pointing at us.

St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta said that judgment and love cannot flourish at the same time. She said, “If you judge others, you may have no time to love them,” reminding us to treat one another with love and compassion, not criticism. If we judge or focus on the faults of others, it will create a vacuum that prevents the growth of meaningful relationships.

This is especially true today where all the social media encourage us to instantly scrutiny and gratify by how many likes and dislikes one gets. This kind of judgment can foster negative reaction harmful to mental health and well-being making it harder to see humanity.

Further, St. Mother Teresa encourages us to remember that everyone has his or her struggles in life that we cannot see. So, let go of unrealistic expectations of perfection. Instead, choose kindness, understanding, and acceptance as the foundation of genuine love for God and for one another.

“O Lord, shield us from the tendency of being self-righteous.”

BE HUMBLE, CONTROL PRIDE

Our Lord Jesus’ teachings always stress that “those who humble themselves and serve others will be exalted; while those who seek status and exalt themselves will be humbled.”

Therefore, strive to discipline pride for no matter how powerful or rich we are, at the end, to dust we will return. What’s important is not what we are today but what we will become in the morrow.

BELIEF IN GOD

Some people agree that “absolute nothingness” cannot produce anything. But since things do exist, they conclude that there must be a “First Cause”, an “Eternal Reality”, that explains why anything exists at all. However, not everyone identifies this “Eternal Reality” as an intelligent being. Some maintain that there may be a fundamental reality beyond human’s current understanding of physics—something that exists eternally but is neither personal nor intelligent. In their view, the ultimate explanation for existence may simply be an unknown aspect of reality that science has not yet discovered.

When comparing these two perspectives, one may argue that belief in an intelligent being or “first cause” is more advantageous for humans than belief in an impersonal and unknown reality. The reason is not necessarily that the first view has been logically proven, but that it provides hope, meaning, and purpose. It offers the possibility that life has an ultimate significance and that human existence does not end with physical death. By contrast, the second view provides no such assurance and leaves open the possibility that consciousness and personal existence simply cease when life on earth ends.

This is primarily a pragmatic argument rather than a strictly logical one. A belief in “Intelligent Being” may not be demonstrably true and yet still have practical value. Human beings naturally seek “peace-of-mind”, meaning of life, wonders, and hope for the future. We desire not only explanations of the world but also reasons to endure suffering, pursue goodness, and face death with courage. When people lose all hope, despair can become overwhelming. Some may even contemplate ending their lives in an attempt to escape their suffering.

Yet no one can know with certainty what, if anything, lies beyond death. If there is indeed a form of accountability after this life, then one's choices here may carry consequences that extend beyond earthly existence. From this perspective, the stakes are extraordinarily high. If there is no life beyond death, the believer may have lost little by living according to that belief. But if there is God and a future accountability, the consequences of rejecting that possibility could be immense.

This line of reasoning resembles what Blaise Pascal famously proposed in his “Pascal's Wager”. He argued that if belief in God could lead to infinite gain, while disbelief risks infinite loss, then belief may be the more rational choice from the standpoint of prudence. His argument was not intended as a proof of God's existence but as a reflection on the practical consequences of belief and unbelief.

Whether one ultimately accepts Pascal's conclusion or not, his challenge remains thought-provoking: if the possibility of God is real and the consequences are eternal, then the question deserves serious consideration rather than casual dismissal.

BRIBERY & CORRUPTION

Corruption is a two-way street. Preventing it requires responsibility from both those providing the services and those seeking them.

Service providers should perform their duties with integrity, professionalism, and fairness, without expecting or soliciting personal favors, gifts, or payments in return. Likewise, service seekers should fulfill their obligations promptly and diligently, avoiding situations where delays, negligence, or desperation create incentives to offer bribes in order to obtain the much-needed services.

Combating corruption demands a shared commitment to ethical conduct. When both parties uphold promptness, honesty, accountability, and respect for due process, the conditions that enable corruption are significantly reduced, if not, eliminated.

BE A PROUD CATHOLIC

Be grateful that we were born into the Catholic faith. This is not merely an accident of birth; it is part of God's providential plan. We should strive to discover the fullness of truth found in the Catholic faith and seek to become faithful Catholics not only in name but also in practice.

Many people assume they are Catholic simply because their parents were Catholic. Yet our faith is ultimately a gift of God's grace, not merely a family inheritance. For this reason, we should continually thank Him and deepen our understanding of the faith He has entrusted to us.

We often see Protestants—including pastors and other well-educated Christian leaders—who, after serious study and sincere searching, convert to Catholicism. In many cases, their commitment to learning and living the faith becomes an inspiration to lifelong Catholics. Their example reminds us of the importance of seeking truth wholeheartedly. Having found that truth in the Catholic Church, they embrace it with conviction and dedication. We can learn from their example by striving to know our faith more deeply and live it more faithfully.

The teachings and dogmas of the Catholic Church remain true yesterday, today, and forever. When some Catholics fall away from the faith, it may be because they begin to believe that truth can be reshaped according to changing human opinions or personal preferences. At times, our fallen nature tempts us to justify our sins rather than conform our lives to God's will. If left unchecked, this can lead to apostasy, which endangers our relationship with God and our salvation.

Therefore, let us reflect on what it means to become better and more faithful Catholics. Let us seek the truth that leads us closer to God and enables us to serve Him more fully. By knowing, loving, and living the truth, we will find genuine happiness in following Christ and obeying His commandments.

Hold our heads up high. Be a proud Catholic.

ARE WE READY TO FACE GOD?

75 may seem a long year to live. When we are young, life seems so endless. Yet as the years pass, we realize how brief life is leading us to one big question: Are we ready to face God anytime He calls us?

According to the Bible, humans lived for many centuries before the Flood, with some reaching nearly 900 years of age. After the Flood, humanity lifespans gradually declined. When Adam and Eve sinned and expelled from the Garden of Eden, God placed cherubim to guard the Tree of Life to prevent humanity from gaining immortality in his or her fallen state.

God limits human life to 120 years (Genesis 6:3). Later, the psalmist observed that the ordinary span of life is 70 years, or 80 for those who are strong (Psalm 90:10). Today, the average life expectancy is about 72 years. Our mortality reminds us of the consequences of sin and frailty of our condition.

Yet why does God allow us to continue living? Why did He not bring humanity to an end after sinning? The answer is because of His great mercy and love for us. God gives us the time to repent, to turn away from sin, and to seek Him. Above all, He demonstrated His love by sending His Son, Jesus, to redeem us by His sacrifice on the Cross.

Looking around the world today, there are much confusion, division, and sinfulness. Some Christians view these conditions as signs of intense spiritual warfare and the ongoing struggle between good and evil. Others associate them with biblical prophecies concerning the last days pointing up the signs of time. Whatever the case, believers are called to remain vigilant, faithful, and prayerful.

We may indeed be living in a time of growing iniquity. Hatred, division, and moral confusion are evident in many parts of society and even within the Church. Yet God has given each of us the gift of free-will. We are responsible for the choices we make and the paths we follow.

Life is short. Every day brings us closer to eternity. The question is not merely how long but how well we live. Will we choose God or reject Him? Will we seek holiness or remain attached to sin?
The choice is ours. Therefore, while there is still time, repent, deepen our faith, love one another, and prepare our hearts to meet God in His everlasting glory.

"Loving God, help us to remember Your presence in every moment, trust Your guidance in every situation, and reflect Your love in all that we do."

MY SOUL IS THIRSTING FOR YOU

O God, You are my Father whom I seek;
For You my flesh pines and my soul thirsts
Like the earth, parched, lifeless and without water.

Thus, have I gazed toward You in the sanctuary
To see Your power and Your glory,
For Your kindness is a greater good than life;
My lips shall glorify You.

Thus, will I bless You while I live;
Lifting up my hands, I will call upon Your name.
As with the riches of a banquet shall my soul be satisfied,
And with exultant lips my mouth shall praise You.

(Psalm 63:2, 3-4, 5-6)

MOTHER ANGELICA OF EWTN

Mother Angelica's life offers many valuable lessons. She showed no matter what hardships or difficulties we face, if we devote ourselves wholeheartedly to a cause which we believe is worth pursuing and entrust it completely to God, we can accomplish remarkable things.

Born in 1923 into a poor family, Mother Angelica endured many challenges from an early age. Her parents separated when she was young, she received only a limited formal education, and she struggled with serious health problems. Yet these obstacles did not define her life. Sustained by a deep faith in God, she founded the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN), which grew from a small television studio in a converted garage into the world's largest Catholic media network today, expanding into radio, news services, publishing, and digital media.

Her strong commitment to Catholic teaching and tradition often brought her into conflict with others, including some within the Church itself. Nevertheless, she remained steadfast and faithful in her convictions. Her courage and fidelity earned her the admiration and affection of countless Catholics who valued her unwavering commitment to the traditional faith.

Mother Angelica's extraordinary achievements were rooted in a simple but profound spirituality. She often said, "God expects us to do the ridiculous so He can do the miraculous." She encouraged people to focus on the present moment rather than dwell on the past or worry about the future, to do their very best, and then to leave the rest in God's hands. Her life stands as a powerful testimony to what we can accomplished through faith, perseverance, and complete trust in divine providence.

“Lord, help us become the persons You created us to be, growing each day in faith, wisdom, love, and service to others.”

FACE-TO-FACE WITH GOD

The Jews taught no one could look upon the face of God. “You cannot see My face, for no one may see Me and live” (Exodus 33:20). They understood God's holiness to be so overwhelming and infinitely glorious that humanity, sinful as we are, could not endure His direct presence.

Yet the same Scriptures record instances where people encountered God and lived. “I have seen God face-to-face, and yet my life was spared” Jacob said (Genesis 32:30). Likewise, Moses spoke with God face-to-face, as one speaks to a friend (Exodus 33:11). These passages suggest that although God's full glory remained beyond reach, He graciously revealed Himself in ways that we can experience.

When God's face remains unseen, He can seem hidden and mysterious, and our relationship with Him may feel so distant. Then came Jesus our Lord—a moment of great joy, hope, and revelation. He said, “Whoever has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:9) that revealed God's desire not merely for us to obey, but to personally known Him.

In Christ, we are no longer mere servants who follow God's commandments with awe and trembling. We are invited to become His children, enjoying a personal relationship with Him. Through Jesus, God's is no longer concealed behind mystery. God’s love, compassion, and mercy are made visible. Through Christ, we can draw near to God and freely express our love, joy, struggles, desires, and petitions.

Indeed, not seeing God's face speaks of distance, but seeing Him face-to-face speaks of personal relationship. An unseen God may be revered, but a revealed God can be known, loved, and cherished. Through Christ, God is no longer the Almighty beyond reach, but the loving Father who draws near and walks with us. We are not only obeying God’s law, but knowing Him as our Father.

“Lord Jesus, thank You for revealing the Father to us. In seeing You, we behold the Father's love, grace, mercy, and glory. Draw us ever closer to You, that we may know and love our heavenly Father more deeply each and every day. Amen.”

STRENTHENING FAITH

How strong is our faith? Like the fig tree, we are called to bear much fruits for God and for our fellowmen. If we fail to live fruitful lives, thus faith, we risk turning away from the salvation that our Lord Jesus Christ desires for each one of us. We would be like the withered tree. (Mark 11:11-26)

No matter how difficult life can be, and no matter what trials we may face, we must never stop believing, praying, and doing good works. For if we truly believe, nothing is impossible with God. He hears every sincere prayer and grants them according to His holy will. Therefore, when we pray, let us do so with unwavering faith and without doubt, trusting that God in Heaven always sees and listens to us.

God is not a fantasy or a mere figment of human imagination! He is real beyond measure. Reflect on the mysteries of the Shroud of Turin and Our Lady of Guadalupe. Through prayerful meditation on these signs alone, our faith and belief in Him can be strengthened beyond measure.

“God, when we don’t know what to do or in doubt, give us the wisdom, peace, and courage to take the next right step.”