The King and I

HE STORY is told about a dying husband who called his wife and said, "My dear, after I die, I want you to marry Juan." Surprised, the wife replied, "I thought Juan was your enemy?" "Yes, he is my enemy," the husband said. "That's why I want him to suffer, too."

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In today's Gospel (Lk. 23, 35-43), as Jesus was dying, two criminals came up with their final statements. One was defiant and angry till the end, while the other was humble and repentant.

How will you die? What will be your last words when you die? That depends a lot on how you lived. No matter what kind of a life you lived, if you have a humble heart, you will end up saying like the good thief, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom."

Take the road of humility and you can't go wrong. Humility will bring you home.

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Last Tuesday evening, I heard the confession of a dying man. As I listened to the heart of this 87-year-old man who had been blessed so much materially, I also listened to the heart of a lonely lost man who filled up the vacuum in his heart with earthly pleasures. He had it all. You name it, he had it, but he did not have peace. He did not have God. In tears, all he kept saying was, "Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner." It was such a humbling moment, to be there to accompany a sincere, humble person to the doorsteps of God's heart. I thought I saw God smile, and I thought I heard the angels sing when I gave him absolution in that dimly lit room, that cool Tuesday November evening.

Whether you are in the January, May, July or November of your life, come home. The Father's loving embrace awaits you. Do not stay away too far or too long from the Father.

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Do you mock God? Do you, by the life you are living, spite and dishonor Him? We raise a closed fist to God whenever we sin and disobey Him. A closed fist is a symbol of selfishness. Selfishness is that which leads us to sin. Because of selfishness we close our fist to God and to others because we put priority to our selfish desires.

A closed fist is also that which we use to hurt others. We definitely hurt others and our very selves whenever we sin. As you go through life, do you have a closed fist or an open hand?

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I just received a letter from my cousin, Fr. Primo Garcia, who is recovering from a near-fatal stroke. I remember Father Primo in his prime (no pun intended). He had power, good looks, a good following and a busy ministry. In one instant, the Lord changed all that and made him realize that more than all human endeavor is the reality of grace, more than sacrifice, it is our obedience that God desires from us. He began his letter with the words: "The almighty and merciful God wants our total obedience and not so much our sacrifice, burnt offerings or any contribution or any human endeavor. Our endeavor to please God is an exercise in futility. All He asks is for our obedience to Him, and our obedience to love one another." Amen, insan!

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ERRATUM. My recollection in Cebu, Peace Convent (Pink Sisters) is set for today, Nov. (not Dec. ) 21, at 2:30 p.m., the Feast of Christ the King. Let us honor our King as we come to the end of the liturgical year and welcome Him with joyful and clean hearts.

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Talking about coming home, Elmer Sarmiento, president of the XVD, invites all ex-SVDs for an advent recollection at Christ the King Seminary, starting at 1 p.m. on Nov. 27. Topic: SVD spirituality. All of us need to come home, to listen, to remember and to be grateful, so that we can be renewed in our service to Christ the King.

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Bebeng Eleazar and the St. Theresa's Association of Artists have an exhibit at the Century Park Sheraton from Nov. 15 to Dec. 2 for the benefit of Asilo de San Vicente de Paul. We all should place before the King's disposal whatever talents or blessing we have. Are you serving your King, or are you just serving yourself?

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If there is something you didn't use for one year, you don't need it. Share, give, unload, especially this Christmas. There are so many people in dire need of things you don't even use or need. You may channel them through my office (7217457).

Whether you share your millions or your scrap, make sure you give with your heart, for that is all that matters in the Kingdom of God. God has been generous to you, be generous to others. In spite of the hard times we are in, remember, it is still better to give than to receive.

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Julia Kim, the visionary from Korea, will join us in a Healing Mass at Sanctuario de San Antonio on Nov. 26 at 6 p.m. and also in Christ the King Seminary on Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. Julia, a victim soul and healer, reminds us again that we can offer even our sufferings to our King. Julia also reminds us of joyful service to Christ the King.

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A moment with the Lord:

Lord Jesus, have mercy on me a sinner, my Lord, my God, and my King. Amen.

E-mail jorbos@manila-online.net