Note from the Editor

Dear Reader,

I've often thought of my relationship with God in a very simple way - in an imagery of myself “facing the sun”. The sun, for me, represents the presence of God, and I ask myself often, am I facing it, or am I turning away? Am I open to the light or hiding in the shadows? This is my simple way of testing if I'm in right relationship with God - not so much about whether I'm "feeling spiritual" or doing things right, but whether I'm willing let to face God as He is, and as He invites us towards Himself.

This month, our theme is: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8)

In the Bible, the “heart” is not just about our feelings. It is actually the core of the person, and includes the will, the intellect, and the desires. St. Thomas Aquinas describes the heart as the internal space where our affections are ordered, either toward God or away from Him. For Aquinas, purity of heart means having our loves rightly ordered, so that God is first, and everything else flows from that love.

Purity of heart also means being undivided, and single-minded in our desire for God. A pure heart is a heart not fragmented nor scattered by distraction, selfishness, competing loves, and false idols.

That’s why I find the image of facing the sun so helpful. It’s a kind of spiritual check-in: Am I oriented toward the Light? Or am I turning my back on it? And when I realize that I’m turned away, either through sin, discouragement, or busyness, I don’t hide myself in shame: I simply say "Sorry" and turn myself slowly back to bask in His light. To “see God” requires this ongoing act of turning. This is "conversion" in the most literal sense. Not once, but again and again.

As you read this issue and reflect on purity of heart, ask yourself - not, “Am I perfect?” but “Am I willing to face the Light?” And when we do that, our prayer is that we may all "see God".

In faith and fellowship,

Dr. Esther Tan
Editor, Catholic Reflexions Magazine

Purity of Heart

Each month, we invite an original article or feature an existing article by a respected Catholic author.

by Desiree Raquel Montecillo-Narvaez

Matthew 5:8 “Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God”.

1 Timothy 1: 5: “The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere Faith”.

The essence of "Purity of Heart" lies in a soul free from sin and deceit, devoted entirely to God. It's about living a life aligned with Godliness, fostering a deep, personal relationship with the Divine. This profound connection with God then radiates outward, influencing all our relationships.

My journey of faith has been profoundly shaped by significant moments, each one deepening my understanding of a pure heart. One such experience occurred when I shared my blessings with the victims of Super Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. Witnessing the devastation, my heart cried out in despair, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken us?" Yet, amidst the pain, I felt an undeniable calling to serve, to allow God's love to flow through me, to bring solace to my beloved countrymen in their darkest hour. In those moments, I truly felt God working through me, embodying Christ's selfless love.

Growing up in the Philippine islands, surrounded by the love of family and friends, my Christian values were nurtured by my mother, a devoted teacher. My education at an exclusive girls' Catholic school, where I led a Marian organization, instilled in me the virtues of charity, humility, obedience, and purity. These Marian values became my anchor as I navigated the coed environment of State University and the demanding rigors of medical school. Even amidst the stresses of my career with the Department of Health and later the United Nations (UN) Environment Programme, I strived to maintain a pure heart, always acting with sincerity and integrity. Throughout these years, I consistently served impoverished communities and supported local religious communities.

Even within the UN, I faced challenges that tested my resolve. When colleagues criticized, harassed, or insulted me, I asked myself, "What would Christ have done?" Forgiving those who wrong us, whether co-workers, family, or friends, is indeed an act of purity of heart. It also means saying "yes" when God calls us to serve, even if it means sacrificing "me-time" to dedicate ourselves to the Parish, as I do at Holy Family St. John the Evangelist Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. Purity of heart is about giving until it hurts, extending our help to those in need, including our own siblings. It's about being ever-conscious of God's presence, through both triumphs and heart-wrenching trials including challenges with my own health. It is the delicate balance between our faith life and professional life.

My life's journey has been sustained by the practice of the "5 Ps":

• Prayer and Meditation: Since childhood, I've sought quiet moments with God, praying the Rosary with my sister at the Catholic school chapel during noon breaks. Through college and medical school, I diligently made time for God. Prayer has been my constant sustenance through the challenges of working with the Philippine Department of Health and now with the UN.  The Catholic Church has become my sanctuary, and inspired by St. Therese, I find God in every aspect of my daily life – doing dishes, cleaning, exercising, commuting, and even tending to my plants. I nurture my relationship with God through communal worship at Mass or weekly services. Participating in prayer groups is also deeply spiritually enriching. When mission travels prevent this, I seek out places of worship, including nature, to pray and reflect on whether my actions align with Christian values. Just as Christ sought solitude for prayer, I deliberately find time for prayer. I've also taught my family the importance of praying together, even virtually across continents.

• Partaking of the Eucharist: Receiving Holy Communion profoundly reminds me that I am created in God's image and likeness. This truth is especially relevant in my multicultural work environment, where people come from diverse backgrounds. My soul truly yearns and thirsts for the living God, who offers the bread of life. I am deeply grateful for the abundance of Catholic Churches in New York, where we are continually invited to partake in the Eucharistic celebration.

• Pilgrimages and Retreats: These are sacred, privileged moments with God. Pilgrimages serve as a powerful reminder that life itself is a journey with God, and they inspire us by recalling the pious lives of those who came before us. Retreats are cherished opportunities to feel God's enveloping love and warmth, embracing us despite our imperfections. They are God's gentle call, an invitation to remember His unwavering presence in our lives, and a chance for deep reflection and spiritual advancement. I eagerly anticipate these moments, whether it's a half-day parish retreat, a week following the Ignatian way, or a pilgrimage to Lourdes, Fatima, or Compostela. I am grateful for 15 years of life in Europe where I had pilgrimages to several holy places.

• Paying Close Attention to the Bible: Reading daily Scripture and inspirational books is an immense source of strength. I've cultivated purity of heart by diligently reflecting on God's word, drawing daily insights from "The Bible Diary," and listening to "God in All Things" or "Contemplatio" podcasts. Inspirational books, particularly those by Henri Nouwen, have also been spiritually enriching.

My life, like all lives, has been marked by trials. The sudden death of my father at age 50 was a profound shock, leading me to question how my mother would care for and educate my six younger siblings. Then came the struggles of financing my medical school education, though thankfully, I persevered. I vividly remember the heartbreak of being rejected by the hospital where I dreamed of becoming a pediatrician. There were times I rebelled, cried, and felt utterly abandoned by God, sensing His silence and distance. I would pour out my complaints and needs to Him when life didn't unfold as I wished. Yet, practicing purity of heart made me realize that God was always with me, even in my deepest pain. I now understand that He allowed these events for reasons beyond my comprehension at the time, ultimately for my own good and happiness. For instance, my rejection from pediatrics led me to family medicine, then public health, then Stanford University, and ultimately to environmental health, where I am now. The loss of funds in my previous UN organization in Geneva providentially led me to UNICEF in New York. And now I am spared from the current financial turmoil as I approach a timely mandatory retirement this September.

Our God is truly loving, faithful, and compassionate. He continuously calls us to spend time with Him, and our hearts respond, "Speak, Lord, your servants are listening". Purity of heart means embracing our full humanity, being vibrantly alive, natural, joyful, and cheerfully radiating God's love in all circumstances. It permeates our entire being, elevating us to a profound love of God. This fulfills the first commandment: "Love the Lord with your mind, sentiment and will". As it is written, "Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18).

I am eternally grateful to God for my wonderful kids spread across Tokyo, Geneva and Vancouver; for my understanding and supportive husband; my fulfilling job, my thoughtful family back home; and my graceful retirement. For all that has been and all that will be, I offer a heartfelt thank you, my Lord! I trust that You, my Lord, will continue to guide me in serving You beyond my UN career. As St. Therese of the Child Jesus wisely stated, "Prayer and sacrifice are the source of my strength".

Interview with A Catholic: Marta Pedrajas

Each month, we have an intimate chat with a practicing Catholic. We discuss why they believe what they believe, the difference Christ has made in their lives, and any lessons learned from their faith journey. For this month, we feature MARTA PEDRAJAS, who served at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in New York, within both the Bureau for Strategic and Development Policies and the Regional Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean. Her work focused on supporting the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, especially in areas such as poverty eradication, social protection systems, and inclusive, sustainable development. She also collaborated on policy research and regional dialogues on how to reach the “last mile” of extreme poverty.

Can you share a bit about your upbringing and how your Catholic faith has played a role in your life?

I grew up in a Catholic family, with my parents, two brothers, and a sister. We lived our faith from a very young age, as something natural , receiving the sacraments and practicing our faith as a family. When I went to university to study philosophy, I naturally began to question many things, including my own beliefs. Intellectually, I was fortunate to be surrounded by friends and good priests who guided me through those questions. But what I realized over time was that what I truly lacked was not clarity of ideas, it was a living, personal experience of faith, a true encounter with Christ. As Pope Benedict reminded us, faith is not a theory or a philosophy; it is a personal encounter. And while I had meaningful experiences as a child, they were not enough to sustain me through the complexities of adult life.

What are some significant moments or experiences that have deepened your faith journey?

It was during a period of living a comfortable faith, with no commitments, when I moved to New York to work at the United Nations.  It was then, by pure grace, that I found myself in a small, very poor parish in the South Bronx, Saint Rita’s Church, where I started simply to volunteer with the Missionaries of Charity and a Spanish priest who served the community. That was the beginning of an incredible journey of faith. I thought I was going there to give, to help, but in reality, I was the one being evangelized.

It was the immigrants, the poor, the homeless, the children, the invisible ones and the forgotten who evangelized me. It was there that I encountered Christ in a way I had never experienced before. I learned what it truly means to belong to a Church that prays and serves. There, I learned to pray again. I discovered the beauty and power of Eucharistic adoration, the faith lived in a poor and vibrant community, and how prayer and adoration lead naturally to serving others. I realized that faith is about relationship, with God and with those who suffer. Since then, my faith became the heart of my personal and professional life.

How do you think your Catholic values have impacted your work and interactions with colleagues?

At the same time as this experience of faith and service in Santa Rita in the Bronx, my life was gradually being transformed, gently, slowly, and naturally, without any big drama, almost without realizing it. Then, I shared with a priest from the Mission of the Holy See to the UN that we should form a group of Catholic staff members at the UN, people who could pray together, support each other in the challenges we often face as Catholics in this work environment, and share our faith, friendship, and service with others. It turned out that someone else had the same idea, and this priest connected us. That person was Dr. Esther Tan. We met, began praying together, asking the Lord to inspire us on how to start this initiative… and a few months later, the two of us launched the UNCC.

This association of Catholics at the UN has become a true "submarine" of the Holy Spirit within the Organization. We pray together, receive both spiritual and professional formation, volunteer in service activities, and often share lunch and community life. Today, five years later, the group includes hundred members from across UN departments, agencies, programmes, and Missions. It has truly been a blessing.

Can you share a memorable moment where you felt God’s presence or guidance in your life?

One of the most powerful experiences of God's presence in my life took place during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a time of deep fear and uncertainty. I remained in New York, working online as everyone else, while staying involved with this Parish of Saint Rita in the Bronx, where most people had lost their jobs and were confined in overcrowded homes, scared and with very limited resources.

And yet, in the midst of that darkness, I witnessed a memorable moment in the entire community. No one went hungry. No one was left alone. Week after week, donations poured in, from everywhere: UN colleagues, the Spanish community in the City, friends, and many anonymous people, people from Manhattan, New Jersey, Connecticut… who had heard about this community and felt moved to help.

It was extraordinary. Just when we thought help would slow down, even more arrived. Every week, we received exactly what was needed, and more. Like the miracle of the loaves and fishes, we could have filled twelve baskets with what was left over.

But this was not an NGO service. The Parish of Saint Rita never closed during the pandemic. The Blessed Sacrament remained exposed every single day for personal prayer. And God did not forget His poor. He did not forget the immigrants, the vulnerable, those abandoned by official institutions. We experienced God's providence in the most tangible way. His presence was not abstract, it was alive, active, and deeply consoling.

That time reaffirmed for me that when we remain close to those who suffer, God reveals Himself in ways we cannot imagine. It was a moment of grace that will stay with us forever.

What advice would you give to fellow Catholics striving to integrate their faith into their professional lives?

What I’ve learned over the years is to let go of fear, and to stop being ashamed or hesitant about sharing your faith. For a long time, I struggled with what we call “human respect”, that fear of being judged or misunderstood for expressing my beliefs publicly, especially in professional settings. But the truth is quite the opposite.

I am no one to give advice, it is just my experience. I see there is a deep thirst for God, a longing for meaning in life, all around us. And when we live our faith naturally, without forcing it, but with integrity and joy, probably it shines through. Faith becomes visible in how we work, how we relate to others, how we face challenges with honesty and consistency, or at least we try to. It seems it’s not only what we do, but how we do it: how we listen, how we remain present, and also how we carry our own crosses -with hope, with peace, even in the midst of struggle.  That quiet but firm witness can make a difference, and I think people notice.

What does being a peacemaker mean to you, and how do you strive to foster peace in your daily life?

Being a peacemaker is not just a meaningful job,  it’s a vocation. It is the response to a deep and personal calling to build a society rooted in human dignity, justice and the common good. This calling becomes concrete through institutions, initiatives, and programs. For me, working in the field of human and sustainable development has always been a way of living out this vocation. As Pope Paul VI said, “Development is the new name for peace” , to work for peace is to work for development.

In today’s complex and often turbulent world, peace requires many things — but above all, it demands that we address the root causes of conflict: poverty and hunger, inequality, injustice, climate change, forced displacement, the lack of education, health, decent work, etc. Development is the foundation of peace, the peace is the fruit of justice.

I’ve been privileged to dedicate my education and professional life to advancing development and peace as public goods.  My education was enriched by mentors like Amartya Sen, Adela Cortina and Jesús Conill, whose philosophical and ethical reflections deepened my conviction that the human person must be at the center of development.  Professionally, through my work at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Spanish Cooperation, and internationally, with the UNDP and the Vatican. In all of these spaces, my focus has been consistent: advancing human dignity and human and sustainable development as the foundations of lasting peace.

At the United Nations, I participated directly in the negotiations of the Sustainable Development Goals, helping to shape the vision around people, planet, prosperity, peace, and partnerships. Later, at UNDP, I worked to implement this agenda, focusing on reaching the “last mile” of extreme poverty, and to implement the human and sustainable development policies especially in Latin America and the Caribbean, reaching the most vulnerable.

My time at the Vatican, I served under Cardinal Turkson in the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. I led an area called “Faith and Development,” where everything came together,  the centrality of human dignity, the spirituality of integral development, the commitment to integral ecology and peace, and the response to a higher calling: to serve the most vulnerable, inspired by faith,  a response to a vocation, a response to the Gospel call to serve others, especially the poor and the excluded.

For me, being a peacemaker means walking this path every day, in my work, in my family, in the decisions I make and in the people I meet, always seeking to place the dignity of every person at the center.

A Formative Reflection: Blessed Are the Pure of Heart, They Shall See God

In this month's issue, we are honored to feature a special reflection by Susan Muto, Ph.D..

Each of the Beatitudes has a double purpose: to offer us a blessing and a promise. In this verse from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus blesses our desire to be single-hearted lovers of God; he then promises that if we let go of the many concerns that clutter our heart, we shall stand with him on the threshold of transformation and gaze upon the face of God.

Shadows of selfishness can despoil encounters with people, events, and things. They cause us to be more judgmental than loving; more prone to be in control of our past, present, and future; more likely to put our own interests before respect for God’s gifts in nature and culture.

To live instead in purity of heart is to be freed from ulterior motives that prevent us from revering others in their deepest identity as children of God and from celebrating their own and our ultimate calling to be of one mind and one heart in the Lord (Gal 3:28).

Three guidelines help us to grow in purity of heart. They are:

1.      To cultivate single-hearted love for the Beloved by seeking the companionship of others in our faith community who manifest this same longing. Their presence to the Divine Presence invites us to increase our faith, deepen our hope, and lift our love for God and others to new heights. In them, we glimpse the face of Christ behind all faces.

2.      To pray with a pure heart “with sighs too deep for words” (Rom 8:26) has to become a common occurrence in our lives. The pure heart is a listening heart. It turns our attention to the Beloved even during the busiest day, for, in truth, we long to “behold his face” (Ps 11.7).

3.      To embody this blessing in our daily lives is to become more sensitive to any impure disposition that impinges upon our heart and tempts us to choose vice over virtue. The Lord encourages us to detect modes of self-indulgence like impatience or judgmentalism that erode our capacity to “love on another deeply from the heart” (1 Pet 1:22).

To be guided in our quest for purity of heart is to put to rest the illusory loves of an unpurged heart. To do so is the work of a lifetime, but with the help of grace we can come to the realization that what best serves purity of heart is to cultivate an habitual desire to imitate Christ in all that we are and do. We need to bring our lives into conformity with his by renouncing habits like emphasizing being busy to the exclusion of simply being present to the providential unfolding of God’s will for our lives. We need to address emotional distractions like anxiety and self-indulgent ambitions like rampant competition that detract from our intention to trust the Lord and surrender to his guiding light and love.

To find God as the deepest love of our life in whom all other loves find their ground and their goal makes our heart an ever more perfect mirror of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Pure hearts, cleansed by grace from the impure residues of self-indulgence, become the locus of contemplative transformation. Accompanying the blessing Jesus bestows upon us is the promise that we will see God’s manifestations here on earth as a prelude to the Beatific Vision promised to us in eternity.

With our acceptance of this promise and our conviction in faith of its fulfillment, we can pray with the psalmist:

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me…Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit (Ps 51:10-12).

Speaker Notes: Secrets of Effective Prayer: A Talk by Bro. Charles Michael

Each month, we summarize a talk previously presented to our members.

On 10 March 2021, Bro. Charles Michael shared a deeply personal and insightful talk on Secrets of Effective Prayer with the UN Catholic Club. He began by describing his journey from growing up in a Catholic family with little connection to prayer to discovering its transformative power. Bro. Charles highlighted key conditions for making prayer effective, focusing on thankfulness, praying in faith, repentance, humility, persistence, and forgiveness. He explained that these essential elements ensure that prayer is not merely words but a powerful connection with God.

Bro. Charles offered practical guidance on how to pray effectively, encouraging participants to always begin with thankfulness. He recounted his struggle to overcome an addiction to smoking, describing how a change in his prayer—from asking for deliverance to thanking God for using his weakness—brought him freedom. He also stressed the importance of aligning prayer with God’s will, asking for the Holy Spirit, wisdom, and healing, rather than focusing solely on material needs.

Repentance and regular confession were central themes in his talk. Bro. Charles explained that unconfessed sins create a barrier between God and the believer. He likened confession to a daily shower, emphasizing its necessity for spiritual cleanliness and growth. Using personal stories and biblical examples, such as the parable of the prodigal son and Abraham’s faith, he underscored how a contrite heart opens the door to God’s blessings and guidance.

Another key aspect of his message was forgiveness. He encouraged participants to cultivate forgiveness within their families, particularly between spouses, to restore relationships and bring peace. Bro. Charles warned against holding onto grievances and explained how unresolved conflicts hinder prayer. He urged listeners to prioritize God’s presence above all material desires, echoing Psalm 27:4: "One thing I ask of the Lord... to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life."

He concluded by reminding participants to be persistent in prayer, trust in God’s timing, and cultivate a heart filled with gratitude and humility. This, he said, is the key to unlocking God’s blessings and experiencing true transformation in life.

The full talk is available here.

Workplace Tips: How To Encourage More Positivity at Work

Each month, we offer advice and tips for being effective in our workplaces. Drawing from global best practices and personal experiences, we share insights for your use.

by Matthew NeSmith

Ways to Stay Positive at Work

• Start strong – Begin the day with uplifting activities.

• Practice gratitude – Keep a journal and express thanks.

• Prioritize health – Exercise, eat well, and rest.

• Keep learning – Stay engaged with new skills.

• Take breaks – Prevent burnout with regular pauses.

• Balance work & life – Spend quality time with loved ones.

• Build positive relationships – Avoid gossip and negativity.

• Personalize your space – Surround yourself with motivation.

• Manage emotions wisely – Respond thoughtfully to stress.

• Set realistic goals – Break down tasks into achievable steps.

• Focus on strengths – Use your best skills while improving others.

• Be creative – Find innovative ways to contribute.

Celebrate small wins – Acknowledge progress for motivation.

Original article is available here.

Spiritual Life Tips: Practical Ideas to Help You Surrender to Jesus

Each month, we offer practical advice and tips related to our Catholic faith and spirituality.

by Randy Hain

Surrendering to Christ leads to true strength, peace, and transformation. Relying on ourselves alone is ineffective, but placing Jesus at the center of our lives enhances our roles as spouses, parents, friends, and leaders. When we fully commit to Him, we receive His grace, guidance, and love, positively impacting our relationships and deepening our faith. Christ asks for all of us—mind, body, and soul—placing Him above everything else. Practical steps to surrender include daily prayer, following Mary’s example, studying the faith, embracing the Eucharist, and seeking joy in Christ rather than worldly success. This commitment requires sincerity and sacrifice but brings lasting fulfillment. In giving ourselves to Jesus, we receive His strength and love, shaping us into the people we are meant to be. The question remains: What do we truly lose by surrendering to Christ? And what do we lose by failing to surrender?

Practical Steps for Surrendering to Christ

1. Start & End the Day with Prayer – Seek His will daily and offer everything to Him.

2. Follow Mary’s Example – Trust in God’s plan and pray the Rosary.

3. Educate Ourselves in the Faith – Read Scripture, the Catechism, and spiritual writings.

4. Embrace the Eucharist – Attend Mass and spend time in Adoration.

5. Pursue Joy, Not Just Happiness – True joy comes from Christ, not material things.

"Receive, Lord, my entire freedom… Give me only love of You together with Your grace, and I ask for nothing more." Galatians 2:20 – “It is not I who live, but Christ who lives in me.”

Original article is available here.

For inquiries, or potential contributions to the magazine, please contact unitednationscatholicclub@outlook.com