Life is precious

The story is told about an airplane that was taxiing down the tarmac and that suddenly stopped, turned around, and returned to the terminal gate. After an hour-long wait, it finally took off. A concerned passenger asked the flight attendant: “What was the problem?” Came the reply: “The pilot was bothered by a noise he heard in the engine, and it took us a while to find a new pilot.”

In today’s Gospel (John 11, 1-45), we learn how Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. This should make us reflect: Who is the Lord of my life? Who is the pilot of my life? Is he someone who raises me up, or is he someone who brings me down?

When I was a little boy, I would always see a sign in jeepneys I rode in. It read: “God is my co-pilot.”

Good thought. Now that I am older, I have realized not only the wisdom of this thought but also the inadequacy of it. Rightly, we should be saying: “God is my pilot.” Yes, we have a choice. In this season of Lent, may we be cleansed of our idols and false gods that bring us down.

Jesus’ raising of Lazarus to life reminds us that God is a life-giving God. He has given us not only life, but also eternal life. He, the author of life, has commanded us: “Thou shall not kill.” Life is a precious gift from God for all of us

On a recent trip to Batanes with a group of pilgrims, I asked the youngest in the group to share what he would like to tell us adults. Fourteen-year-old Josh Garcia said: “You guys have been given this chance to live this long, so just be grateful. And don’t worry, even about death.” Wow. Words of wisdom, indeed. Yes, let’s be grateful.  And let’s not worry about so many things, not even death, for there is eternity that awaits us.

On our return flight from Basco to Manila, we were told that all checked-in pieces of luggage had to be offloaded because of weight considerations for the flight. Everyone complied, willy-nilly. It was a choice between being bumped off and receiving one’s luggage the next day. We all left our luggage behind, and were able to make it back to Manila. So, too, in life: We can do without a lot of luggage, and certainly, life is more important than one’s material possessions and worldly agenda.

“For you have given your children a sacred time for the renewing and purifying of their hearts, that, freed from disordered affections, they may so deal with the things of this passing world as to hold rather to the things that eternally endure” (Preface II of Lent). May this Lenten season be truly a time for renewal and purification, and a time to sort out what is just temporary and unnecessary in our lives. As the song says, “Let it go.”

Congratulations to Bishop Camilo Gregorio, STD, DD, bishop of the Prelature of Batanes, on his 30th episcopal ordination anniversary. We join him in singing his “Magnificat” for God’s love, compassion and mercy. Batanes speaks so much about the beauty of nature, serenity, the simplicity of life, and the kindheartedness of people. Find your “Batanes” in life, where you can relax, reflect and recharge

Inviting you to our annual Palm Sunday Family Recollection on April 9 at the Meralco Theater, Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City. The recollection, sponsored by the Mission Angels, will start at 8 a.m. and culminate with the blessing of the palms and Mass at 11 a.m. Admission is free

What makes the Mojica sisters special? Doctor Amor lives in Olongapo City; Sister Rhodora, DC, lives in Naga City; Rory lives in Maryland in the United States; Doctor Ruth lives in San Diego also in the United States. They pray the Rosary together every night at 9:30 by means of their gadgets and mobile phones. They band together and pray together!

Think about this: “God is the strength of my life. It does not matter what may come my way. I am holding on to Him anyway, all the way.” Amen!

A moment with the Lord:

Lord, thank You for Your precious gift of life, for the blessings in our lives, and for the promise of eternal life. Amen.