Just passing by

THE STORY IS TOLD ABOUT A LITTLE GIRL who observed her grandmother going to church often. When she asked the grandma about it, the latter's reply was: "My child, I am cramming now for my final exams."

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In today's Gospel (Mt. 25, 1-13) the Lord's message is clear: "Stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour." Death comes when we least expect it, "like a thief in the night," so we should always be ready. Final exams? Don't count on it. It may come as a surprise quiz!

As we know neither the time nor the hour when God will call us, let us always find time at different moments of the day to say to the Lord: "Lord, I love you, Lord, I'm sorry for my sins, Lord, help me, Lord, I trust in your mercy, and I hope to see you in heaven someday. Amen."

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These past days, there was a lot of time to reflect on the meaning of life and death. All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day should remind us that we are just tenants in this world, and that we are all just passing by. What matters most in the end is not the wealth we carry with us, or the positions we occupy, or the opinions and insights we hold on to, or the problems and hurts that burdened us. What matters most in the end is the love we carry in our hearts and share with others during our lifetime, along with our wealth and positions; the faith we hold on to, along with our opinions and insights; and the hope that lift us up when we are burdened with our problems and hurts. Faith, hope and love. Without these, everything is empty and vain. Do you have these? Do you have enough of these in your life?

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Someone once told me an anecdote about a child who asked God: "Lord, you know and understand everything. Is there anything you don't understand?"

And the Lord said: "My child, whenever I look at the world, I don't understand why people rush their childhood to become adults, and then long to be children again; I don't understand why people go for wealth and forget their health when they are old; I don't understand why people live in the past or in the future, and live half-heartedly in the present; and I don't understand why people live as if they never will die, and they die as if they never have lived."

If only we listen hard enough, we will hear God's voice to guide and enlighten us. The problem is that we do not listen at all. This attitude to ignore God's voice is so prevalent in our lives these days. Why is there a void in your life? Maybe, it is because you avoid silence, avoid solitude and avoid God. Because you are so focused on money, power, sex, status, health, and your own miseries and grievances.

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It is so easy to lose our balance and peace with all the events happening around us and with all sorts of people who pressure or annoy us. The best thing to do when such circumstances arise is to listen not so much to our thoughts and feelings inside, but to concentrate on the will of God. Try this prayer: "Lord, what is your will in what is happening right now? Help me to know your will, and may your will be done. Amen."

It is a simple prayer that opens a door and leaves a space for God at any given moment or time, and when God comes in, all the darkness goes out. Try it. In God's will is true peace. Stay with the divine will. Stay in peace.

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Come join the 18th Eucharistic Congress on Nov. 28, 2005, Monday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Adoration Convent (Pink Sisters), 71 Hemady St., Quezon City. This year's theme is "The Eucharist: A Gift To The Church Always To Be Rediscovered." Lunch and snacks will be provided, sponsored by the Eucharistic League of Adorers. This year's speakers are Fr. Poly Ty, SSS, Fr. Manoling Francisco, SJ, and Bishop Sofronio Bancud, SSS, DD.

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Inviting you all to a pre-advent recollection by Bishop Ted Bacani at the Good Shepherd Convent, Aurora Blvd., Quezon City on Nov. 12, Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year's theme is "The transforming power of the Holy Eucharist in my life." For more information, please call Ms Sonny Sison +63 2 7231516 or Ms Ching Daclan +63 2 4266245.

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Fr. Ed Guarin, SVD sent me this text message which is really worth pondering upon: "Strange how people can be so pre-occupied with a life they can't hold on to, and neglect an eternity they can't run away from." Yes, time is passing. Eternity is waiting. Who are you? What are you doing? Where are you going?

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Thank you to all who shared the road and the load in my 25 years in the priesthood. God bless you. Mama Mary loves you! Maraming salamat po!

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A moment with the Lord:

Lord, remind me, that what matters most in the end is the love I carried in my heart, and the love I have shared in my life. Amen.

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