Bottom line

THE STORY is told about a congressman's wife who was awakened in the middle of the night by noises. "Dad, there are thieves in the house," she told her husband. "I know, but there are thieves in the Senate, too" was the half-asleep congressman's reply.

* * *

In today's Gospel (Mt. 16, 21-27) Jesus lays down the bottom line for all thieves, cheats and liars: "What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?" There is a sure backlash whenever we choose worldly riches, power and pleasures over goodness and the divine will. The fact is that we lose a lot -- as in "a lot" -- whenever we choose evil over good. Yes, we lose our name, our peace of mind, our values, our character, and even our souls. Is it really worth it all? What for?

* * *

We all will die. We all will face our Creator someday. Many of the worldly things that matter to us now will not matter when that moment comes. The bottom line then will be "Whatever you did to the least of my brethren you did it unto me." May we not lose sight of the final reckoning, when the good will be rewarded and the evil ones will be punished. We carry nothing with us when we die except the love we had shared when we were still alive.

* * *

For those who have amassed so much wealth illegally, why not leave some of your money to the poorest of the poor? Don't leave all your riches to your children and grandchildren. They have enough dirty money already. Don't contaminate them further. Purify your dirty money by putting in your will a provision for the poor. Give to the socio-civic-religious entities that could put your money into good use. Use your money for your salvation, not for your condemnation.

* * *

For Jesus, Jerusalem was the final destination. He was not afraid to face the truth and the reality of His possible impeachment and conviction once He got there. Peter rebuked Him. Peter wanted to remedy and circumvent the situation, but Jesus was not to be swayed in His decision. "Get behind me, Satan!" May we not allow our so-called advisers and sympathizers to become obstacles to our mission. Often, these noisy eager beavers have only one "good" in their minds, their own good. For them, the bottom line is money! That's all. That's it. That's the sad thing about money. It corrupts hearts, relationships, institutions, and even a whole nation.

* * *

I was in Rome recently ... Romblon! Nice to be away from the pollution, tension and confusion of Metro Manila -- to be with nature and real people. We had the chance to visit a marble factory and we marveled at how the laborers could transform a solid block of rock into beautiful furniture and handicrafts. The transformation is made possible because the marble allows itself to be cut and chiseled and polished. Maybe that's what "denying oneself" means -- allowing oneself to be formed by God. Let us all pray for more humility and obedience to God's will. We would not have so much suffering and strife in this world and in this our country if we were more humble and obedient to God's will.

* * *

Have you heard of the latest dance craze? It is called "The Politician." It's two steps forward, one step backward, and then, a side step. I can't help but be amazed at how many of our elected leaders and government officials can sidestep easily when caught in a bind, and how easily they change their rhythm as soon as the tune of money is played. Thank God, we still do have some principled people in government who follow the road of honesty, hard work and sacrifice. We hope to have more of this kind of people who take up the cross, and follow Christ all the way.

* * *

Yesterday was the Feast of St. Monica, mother of St. Augustine. She never gave up praying for her son's conversion. The road to conversion is long and often tedious, but we must continue to take it. It is sometimes so disheartening when we see so much corruption and injustice around us. When will this end? Will we ever have peace, order and progress? Will we ever be freed from people who burden, and even divide us? It is in moments such as these that we must continue to hope, pray and hold on. Let us pray as if everything depended upon Him, and work as if everything depended upon us.

* * *

Please mark Sept. 11 in your calendar for "A Day of Healing with Jesus through Mary" at the Philsports (Ultra) from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Let's come together and pray for the healing of our nation. Different healers will lead us in physical, emotional and spiritual healing. Among them is the visionary from Korea, Julia Kim. Admission is free. Let us turn to the Lord in humility and follow Him, wherever He leads us.

* * *

A moment with the Lord:

Lord, remind me that the bottom line is that I, too, will be at the bottom of the coffin someday. Amen.