Walking moments

Walking is good for our health, right? I have an aunt who started walking at the age of 65. Up to now, she is still walking. We do not know where she is!

In today’s Gospel (Lk. 24, 13-35), we hear the story of two of Jesus’ disciples walking to the village of Emmaus seven miles from Jerusalem. As they walked, they talked about all the things that have occurred since that first Easter morning. And as they walked, Jesus walked along with them, and talked with them. Two things are important in our journey through life: We must keep walking, and keep talking, with our Lord.

We must not be stagnant. We must keep going, and keep sharing with one another and with our Lord. We must not walk through life lonely and all alone. We are on a journey, and our earthly journey is about, not I, me and myself, but I, others and God. So let us keep going, and keep those conversations going.

Jesus asked the two disciples: “What are you discussing as you walk along?” On a personal note, Jesus asks us today: “What are you talking about as you journey on?” It’s amazing how some people just talk about politics, the latest rumor, the latest fashion, or business and other worldly preoccupations. Worse, there are people who talk about who they are, who they were in the past, or their achievements. Simply said, all they talk about is themselves. So vain, so empty, so selfish and greedy! When will we ever talk about the Lord, and all that He has done for you and me?

Before we can talk about the Lord, first we must talk with the Lord. More to the point, we must make time to listen to Him. Second, if we talk about the Lord, then we must walk our talk.

Tomorrow is the feast of St. Joseph the Worker. We honor all workers who go out and toil every day, braving many obstacles and dangers just to earn a living. There is no substitute for hard and honest work. There is nothing to be ashamed about the work we do, no matter how lowly, as long as it is done with dignity and honesty.

A lot of people tell me how overworked my brother Tim is at the MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority). I just smile and say that this work ethic is something we all learned from our honest and hardworking parents.

Fr. Jerome Alburo, SVD, celebrated his thanksgiving Mass yesterday in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. Father Jerome is heading to Madagascar for his mission work. Of the nine in their class who were ordained on Dec. 3, 2016, six were assigned to the foreign missions. The others are:  Fr. Jay de Leon, SVD, assigned to Botswana; Fr. Henry Go, assigned to Mexico; Fr. Aaron Paul Hizola, SVD, assigned to the Netherlands; Fr. Reyann Orlandez, assigned to Argentina; and Fr. Ralp Montalban, assigned to Mozambique. They will do a lot of walking for the Lord in their assigned mission. “May the darkness of sin and the night of unbelief vanish before the light of the Word and the spirit of grace, and may the heart of Jesus live in the hearts of all” (St. Arnold Janssen).

Fr. Herminio Ricafort, SVD, celebrated his 78th birthday last April 25. A lot of good things are said about him, but one thing I can add is that he is a diligent and hardworking person.  I am edified to see him do manual work, gardening, carpentry, and even cooking. And he prays as hard as he works!

“Be faithful to your vocation, serve the Church, love the SVD!” We hear you loud and clear, Father Among. Thank you for your constant reminder. And thank you for walking your talk.

In May, the beautiful month of Mama Mary, let her remind us to stay focused on her Son, to listen to and converse with Him as we journey on, in spite of the many obstacles and distractions along the way.

Inviting you to “Walk with God” to Manaoag on May 6, Saturday, starting at 5 a.m. from Urdaneta Cathedral in Urdaneta City, Pangasinan. It is a 13-kilometer walk, done with sacrifice and love, ending with a 9 a.m. Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of Manaoag. One with you in this walk. Mama Mary, help us to walk our talk, like you. Amen!

A moment with the Lord: Lord, help us to walk with You, and not forget to talk with You. Help us also to walk our talk. Amen.