The way
MANILA, Philippines—Somewhere in Spain, during a recent pilgrimage, I wanted to ask the name of a courteous sales lady. Unable to remember “name” in Spanish, I switched to Latin, and asked her: “Nomen?” I was astounded when, with a smile, she said: “I have no men, but I plan to have one in the future.” So much for my Latin way!
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In today’s Gospel (Jn 14:1-12), Jesus tells the disciples: “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.” There are many ways and truths about life, but, as Christians, we believe that fullness of life comes through, with, and in Jesus, the Christ.
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Knowing the way and knowing the truth are so important in life. How many people are lost, going round and round in circles, with no direction and purpose? And how many people are living in falsehood, worshipping false gods, and living with false hopes and vain aspirations? May we find and stay on the way that brings us to true life.
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After a Mass in the monastery of Our Lady of Montserrat, the chief sacristan motioned to me to follow him. Thinking that he was going to lead me to the statue of the La Morenata (Black Virgin) through a shortcut that would help me avoid the long line and go ahead of the rest, he opened a door that led through a corridor, toward another door. I must admit that I kind of enjoyed the clerical privilege that was being showered upon me, whereupon, he opened another door and, beaming with a smile, he showed me the toilet!
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It was an incident that I could not help but laugh about in the toilet, alone! But on reflection, it had a powerful message that struck me, i.e., instead of leading people to God’s heart, others lead them to dark alleys of confusion, feeding them with useless trash and entertainment, and leading them farther from God’s heart. Actually, all of us would do well to ask ourselves today: Where am I leading people?
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“It does not matter how long and arduous the journey, as long as I know that everything is on the right track.” We Filipinos can patiently wait, as long as we know that after the long wait, something good will come out. We ask our leaders today not to test our patience, or just take us for a joy ride filled with empty promises and hope. We need leaders with character and substance who will not mislead us, and who literally, will journey with us and lead us toward better lives.
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“Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” This is a very strong call for us priests and other religious leaders in our present day and time. The people want to see God in us, so let us show them goodness and love! Let us not show them our diplomas, our latest gadgets or cars, our arrogance or pride, our intelligence and know-hows. The people want to see the loving Father in us, nothing more, nothing less. In humility, we say, “Amen, Amen!”
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By the way, the Spanish word “Montserrat” literally means “closed mountain.” Are you such a person? Are you a person “up there”? Are you a person with so many walls and defenses? Are you a person that people have to put up with? Hello!? Welcome to the human race. The sooner you go down from your pedestal, the better for the people around you, and for yourself too!
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What are those things that make us closed mountains? Check out the four P’s that become the walls and fortifications that alienate us from God and people, namely: Pera (money), Power, Pride, Pleasures in life. For as long as we cannot let go of these, they are our prisons, and yes, could even become our tombs. May God set us free from those things that blind us and bind us.
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I don’t know how many times I’ve been to Lourdes, France, but every time I go there, I always experience peace and serenity of heart, and renewal. It is like being embraced — like by a mother’s embrace — with no questions asked, nor conditions put forth. It is simply an experience of being loved, and being trusted, no matter what.
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In Lourdes during this recent visit, there were so many soldiers from all nations. It was such a sight, seeing them not with guns but with rosaries in hand; not with tanks, but with their marching bands! It was a festive, yet prayerful, atmosphere that we experienced. Yes, let the Blessed Mother remind us all again that the way to people is “the little way”—the way of humility, simplicity and obedience.
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Let us all be reminded once more that we are pilgrims journeying through life. Travel light. This is the main rule to remember as we journey on. Let us not be burdened by useless baggage. May we learn to let go, and let God, so that we can journey in freedom, and reach our final destination.
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Bantay Matanda invites you to a lay forum, “Proper Nutrition for the Elderly,” on May 28, Saturday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Arnold Janssen Hall, Christ the King Mission Seminary, 101 E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue, Quezon City. For inquiries, please call 373-2262; 9982548 or 09174167849.
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A moment with the Lord:
Lord, remind us to take the little way—the way of humility, simplicity, and obedience. Amen.
