Is it worth it all?

THE STORY is told about a policeman who arrived at the accident scene. "Who of you saw the whole incident?" he asked. Hesitatingly a farmer came forward and said he saw a black van sideswipe a man on a bicycle and speed away. "Nakuha mo ba yung plate number [Did you get the plate number]?" the policeman asked. "No sir, nakaturnilyo naman ho [No sir, it was bolted to the van]," was the farmer's reply.

* * *

In today's Gospel (Mt. 13, 44-52), Jesus likens the kingdom of heaven to that of a treasure buried in a field and to that of a pearl with a great price, for which one will give up everything just to get it. If only we all set our hearts on the kingdom of God, then we can give up anything. The problem is that many of us remain bolted and fastened to our earthly cares and pleasures. What is it that is keeping you from freely and zealously seeking the kingdom of God? What fastens you? What bolts you? What imprisons you?

* * *

All this holding on to whatever or to whoever, is it really worth it all? The secret to real peace is letting go and letting God. Why lose sleep, why lose your goodness, why lose your name, why indeed lose your soul for the sake of earthly riches, power and pleasures? Let us all pray that we be lifted up by God's love and divine will so that we will be able to let go of anything or anyone in this world that imprisons us. I dread the day when I come face to face with God and He tells me: "Why did you not treasure my love over your earthly desires and loves?"

* * *

Think about it: We spend so much time and effort, even a whole lifetime going after things that we don't really need, which will always elude us, which can even imprison us, and which we cannot bring along with us. Detachment is a lonely road, but it is the only road that leads to peace. It is not an easy road, but it is the road that leads to God's heart. If things go wrong and troublesome, it is time to consider the invitation to take the "road less traveled."

* * *

Control is the name of the game that many of us play in this world. In our pride and foolishness, we often think that we can play and win this game of control over others, over our very own lives. Control is a dirty game -- especially if accompanied by lies, manipulations, deceit and even by crime and violence. Again, the bottom line is: Is it worth it all?

* * *

Don't you sometimes wish that the biblical promise of the good being rewarded and the wicked being thrown into the fiery furnace were happening now? Don't you feel at times that divine justice, though certain, is awfully slow? Don't you feel your guts turn within when you hear on radio or see on television people who just blurt out lies and manipulate other peoples' minds? It is precisely at such times that we must not lose heart. We must believe and keep on believing that the all-knowing and the all-seeing God is at the controls, and that He has perfect timing for everything we wish or dream for. We must continue doing good even if people around us have turned their backs on righteousness again. Remember, it pays to be good. Crime does not pay.

* * *

I was at the National Orthopaedic Hospital this week to celebrate Mass with the sick and the disabled. It was a beautiful reminder that we all need help. They who need help and allow themselves to be helped are the ones who are close to the kingdom of God. They who have little or no controlling power in this world are close to God's heart. Blessed, too, are those who care and lend a helping hand to the powerless, the needy and the little ones. Woe unto those who control them, use and abuse them!

* * *

Last Tuesday, I dropped by to visit a brother priest in his lonely post in the heart of Edsa highway. Fr. Robert Reyes has lost some 10 pounds already as a result of his fasting and prayer for peace, which he admits, has done a lot of cleansing also in him. I heard a more humble, a more spiritual and a more prayerful Father Reyes. What he is doing is no longer a publicity or a gimmick to attract attention to himself or to his crusades, but to point directly to a God who has the power to heal our land, not so much by human power and wisdom, but by prayer, fasting and cleansing of hearts and minds. Prayer and fasting really work. Even Jesus said that the demons in us and among us can be driven out by humble prayer and fasting.

* * *

Inviting you to a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and Egypt this Oct. 12-22. For particulars, please call 5238581 to 88. Please mark on your calendar Sept. 11, 2005 (9-11) for "A DAY OF HEALING WITH JESUS THROUGH MARY" at the Ultra from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Let's set aside a day for the healing of our bodies, our souls, our emotions, our relationships, our country, and the whole world. Different healers have been invited, Julia Kim, from Naju, Korea will join us. Admission is free.

* * *

A moment with the Lord:

Lord, when I get too engrossed in this world, whisper to me: "My child, is it worth it all?" Amen.