Give in!

SOMEONE sent me this text message: "A man who gives in when he is wrong is an honest man; a man who gives in when he is not sure is a wise man; a man who gives in even when he is right is...a married man!"

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If we look at the life of Mary, hers was a constant giving in to the will of the Father, and because of this, she became the most blessed of all women. Because of her humility and obedience, she was exalted by the most high. Realizing this, she was filled with awe and was prompted to sing from her heart the Magnificat (Lk. 1, 35-96), praising the faithfulness and greatness of God. If we look back at our lives, I am sure all of us have a reason to sing our own Magnificat, a song of praise and gratitude to God. As you go through life, what song are you singing? A grateful song, or a regretful song?

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Mary believed that the Lord's word would come true. She must have had her doubts, but she chose to believe. There were many discouraging and disheartening moments in her life, but she kept her focus. Through it all, she did not lose sight of God. When we lose sense of God, we lose hope, we lose meaning, we lose perspective, and we lose even our mission and compassion. You and I are never out of God's sight, but is He within our sight?

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It usually happens that those who have nothing become more trusting. There are times when God strips us of the things -- even of the people -- we hold on to, so that we learn to hold on to Him. When trials come, God is teaching us to let go of our securities and amenities. Trials are a sure sign of God's presence and love, a God who wants to set us free from the false and fleeting securities that imprison and trap us. Like Mary, may we learn to see every trial as God's way of setting us free. When we are afflicted with all sorts of afflictions and temptations, let us not lose sight of Mary's assumption into heaven. Set free from worldly burdens and concerns, we too, like Mary, will be victorious, someday. In the meantime, we must be open to purification, do our mission, and not lose sight of our vision.

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Thank God for wipers! Imagine driving through the rain without wipers, especially on a dark night. Trials are like wipers that help us see better. Tears too make us see better. When was the last time you cried? When was the last time you cried with your God?

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According to a story I heard, a child once asked what is the difference between dinner and supper. The father answered: "When we go out for a meal, that's dinner; when we stay home and eat what your mom prepared, that's suffer." I don't know what you make out of this anecdote, but two things come to my mind: First, our way of looking at things can make or break us; and second, the power of humor to lift us up. As we go through life, let us constantly be on the "assumption" mode, ever helpful, ever joyful, ever ready to rise above the problems and difficulties that confront us.

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We need a lot of faith to survive, and to live meaningful lives. Someone once described faith as that which lifts you up when you are down, that which supports you when you are laden and heavy, that which assures you that, through it all, there's a reason, there's a plan. Feeling down? Feeling heavy? Feeling insecure? You need a faith-lift!

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The Magnificat was prayed when two pregnant women met. It was Mary's and her cousin Elizabeth's song of praise as well. We salute mothers who allowed their children to be born and who bring up their children with much love and warmth. Likewise, we salute all people who care and form the young.

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My sister Bing has dedicated all her life to teaching. Her commitment and heart for the children is very edifying. She gave me this poem by Dr. Maria Montessori entitled "You and the Child": When you are given great joy, go to the Child and let him share it; when you suffer a great sorrow, go to the Child and let him console you; when you are in pain, let the Child heal you; when you are about to start a great enterprise, ask the Child to lead you; when you feel full of courage, devote it to the Child so that he may guide it; when you find a great treasure, place it at the feet of the Child so that he may preserve it; when you are in doubt and have little faith, go to the Child that he may enlighten and strengthen you; when you are afraid, ask the Child for courage; wherever you are, whatever you do, whatever you think, let the Child be you."

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Think about it: "Isn't life that weighs us down. It is the way we carry it. It doesn't take a lot of strength to hang on. It takes a lot more to let go."

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Inviting you to join a pilgrimage to Naju, Korea from October 4-9, 2004 and encounter the visionary Julia Kim. For more details please call +63 2 913 0388/+63 2 721 7457 or +63 921 286 6810.

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A moment with the Lord:
Lord, like Mary, teach me to give in to your divine will. Amen.