Conversion

I HEARD the story about a priest who went to Europe for the first time. He was rather short, but that was not a problem at all until he had to say his Sunday Mass. As he began the Mass, he realized that the altar was so high. All that the people could see was his face. He tried to remedy the situation by saying the sign of the cross starting from his forehead, then to his chin, then to his left cheek and ending with his right cheek.

* * *

In today's Gospel (Lk. 19,1-10), we hear about Zaccheus who also tried to remedy his situation. Literally, he could not see Jesus because he was short. Spiritually he could not see Jesus because he was focused on the profits of this world, till he encountered the Prophet. He had to climb a tree to be able to see Jesus. He had to rise above himself and his situation. He had to leave the comfort and the safety of the solid ground where he was standing on so that he could see Jesus. If you could not really see God in your life, it is because you are not focused on Him. Or maybe it is because you refuse to leave behind the worldly treasures and attachments you are standing on.

* * *

There are times, as it were, when God literally dismantles the ground we are standing on so that we cling only to Him. In one instant, God can just move all that we have built so that we hold on only unto Him. Death, sickness, separation, failures are painful moments that eventually lead us to rely more on God rather than on ourselves. When the rug is pulled under your feet, perhaps it is because God sees how proud you stand, and He wants you to kneel and hold on to Him once again. He who knows how to kneel gets well and gets healed.

* * *

What a joy to see Art Romero, an ex-seminarian, at the Mass last Sunday. You see, a month ago I saw him at the ICU after he had a heart attack while playing tennis. The near death experience has made 47-year-old Art realize so many things in life. Having been at the doorstep of death, Art has realized that everything in this world is passing. At that point, nothing is really important, he said. All worldly possessions, all worldly cares just fade away, and the most important thing at that point, he said, is the impending encounter with God. He has experienced God in a very personal and in a very real way.

Now, Art, who was burdened by unforgiveness before, has learned to forgive, and has decided to focus his life on "things that really matter" from now on. He kept repeating how important the present moment is, how beautiful life is, and how wonderful God is. Yes Art, you are still alive because your mission is not yet accomplished in this life! One thing I know about Art is his personal devotion to the Blessed Mother. Now, more than ever, he told me that he prays the rosary with so much love. He always holds the rosary which I gave him at the ICU. Life for Art has become more simple, more peaceful and more serene because he has surrendered everything to God and to the Blessed Mother.

The road to conversion is not easy. In fact, it is not only bumpy. It could even be disastrous at times, but rest assured, the grace of God is working and, if we obey, we will find ourselves in His embrace and back home.

* * *

When a person has been touched by God, he is no longer the same. He begins to see himself and the world in God's eyes. This is what we call conversion. Lately, the daily papers have been filled with stories of conversion-not of the spiritual kind but conversion for worldly profit. Let us all pray that real conversion occur in our people, especially in our leaders who continue to amass wealth as if there was no more death and resurrection. I wonder what these greedy people who have plundered the nation will say to God at the end of their lives. They can justify and get away with their misdeeds before men, but not before God. Again I ask, how much money does one need to be happy in this life? When does one say "enough"? The bottom line is what Jesus Himself has asked: "What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and in the end, lose his soul?"

* * *

May All Souls' Day remind us all that we have a soul, and that we will meet our Creator someday. May our meeting with God be a pleasant one. That all depends on how well we live our lives now.

* * *

An invitation for an Advent Recollection on Nov. 20, 2004, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Bahay Ugnayan, Good Shepherd Convent, Aurora Boulevard, Quezon City, to be conducted by Sr. Purificacion Mendoza, FMDM. Interested parties may contact these numbers: +63 2 9115834/6331965/4266245/9283494 and +63 2 7231516.

* * *

Inviting you all to join the local pilgrimage to Naga, Legazpi and Sorsogon on Nov. 24 to 26. Please contact +63 2 5238581 to 89; +63 2 5214156 or +63 2 7217457.

* * *

A moment with the Lord:

Lord, remind me that life is short, and that what matters most in the end is the love that I have shared with you and with people. Amen.