God is calling

THE STORY is told about a Pinoy who died, and went to hell. He pleaded with Satan to allow him to make one last call. Satan gave him the rates: to the United States, 20 dollars; to the United Kingdom, 15 dollars; to the Philippines, 1 dollar only. When he asked why it was so cheap to call the Philippines, Satan responded: "It's a local call."

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The call of Bartimaeus in today's Gospel (Mk. 10, 46-52) reminds us that God can- and does-call us out of whatever hell we are in. God is constantly calling each one of us to get up from the roadside and follow Him. It is so comforting to know that we have a God who not only stops for us, but also stoops down to us, to bring us out of our hell, and to lead us, whoever we are, whatever situation we are in. To God, every person is worth stopping for.

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As we travel life's road, let us not forget those who are by the roadside. There are many helpless and needy people around us, not necessarily asking us to give them a ride, but just a bit of our time. Are you so much in a hurry that all you leave behind is your dust? What's your hurry, mate? If you never stop for people, you will literally leave behind only your dust when you finally return to dust.

Leave behind not just footprints but heart prints as you travel on. Slow down. Stop for people.

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On life's road, there are also those who travel not only on the fast lane but also on the high lane. They believe that they are higher and more privileged than the rest. Okay. Fine. Whatever.

The problem comes when they actually believe that they are "up there" and the rest are just "down there." These are the people who "cannot be reached" and are "not available." They end up being proud or condescending.

For those who take pride in traveling first class or business class in this life: Don't forget we'll all see each other on the same immigration queue in the end. As you travel life's road, learn not only to slow down but to bend down as well.

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Do you know why Bartimaeus received Jesus' call and miracle? It's because he was open and ready for it. He knew and accepted his miserable condition, but he also trusted in God's love and mercy. In other words, he was honest and humble before God.

If one is honest and humble, there is hope. If one is dishonest and proud, there can be no call, no change of heart, and no conversion. With honesty and humility, you can't go wrong.

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There are people who wait until they hit "rock bottom" or reach the "deadliest deadline" before they call on God, and follow him on the road. They wait for the "last two minutes" before they change or mend their ways.

Don't wait for a tragedy or a misfortune before you stretch out your hand to God. Those who wait on the Lord and whose hands are open in prayer won't miss the Lord's call.

Do you know why you have many missed calls? It's because your line is busy, or your unit is unattended, or you have put off your cell phone to God.

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It is interesting to note that the call of Bartimaeus was not a direct call, but "operator assisted." Jesus told the disciples to call Him.

Let us thank today all the people who have been used by God to help us hear and answer His call. Let us also be aware that all of us can become instruments of His call to others. May we not block His call, which is meant for us and for others. God is calling. Let us keep our lines open, and let us keep opening lines.

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As a nation, let us call on the Lord to have pity on us! We have become a begging nation, sitting by the roadside because our leaders are taking us nowhere. They are all there enjoying in the first-class section, while the rest of us are cramped in the economy. What is worse is that our plane isn't taking off yet because everybody is busy trying to grab the pilot's seat. And where's the crew that is supposed to serve us? All busy with self-service!

Lord, have pity on us! Maawa naman po kayo sa Pilipinas! Give us good leaders. Get us out of this hell made and perpetuated for us by a few rich and powerful families, self-serving government employees and greedy politicians.

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Please don't get me wrong. I have hopes for our country. In fact, we have the best politicians in the world that money can buy!

Kidding aside, I believe that somewhere down the road (soon I hope!) we as a people will, like Bartimaeus, will have the courage to rise up, receive our sight, and follow Him down the road. But that will come only if we, as a people, will humble ourselves and pray. Starting with our leaders!

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All roads will lead to the cemeteries again next weekend for the All Souls' Day celebrations. Let us be reminded that all roads lead to the grave and that everything is passing in this world. The message of Jesus is clear: Get out of your hell, follow Him, so that you can go beyond the grave and let not eternity pass you by.

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A moment with the Lord:

Lord, help me to be always open, attentive, and responsive, for it is You calling. Amen.

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