Talkers and takers

The story is told about a little boy who asked his father: “Dad, why did you put on two jackets when you were painting our house a while ago?” The father said: “Just following instructions, son: ‘For best results, use two coats.’”

In today’s Gospel (Mt. 21, 28-32), we hear the story of two sons who had two “coats.” One said “no” to the father but went to work anyway. The other said “yes” to the father but did not go to work at all. Which one did the father’s will? Clearly, the first son. Let us remember that what matters more in the end is not so much what we said as what we did. Actions do speak louder than words.

There are too many turncoats these days. There is an overflow of lip service, and very little actual service. Let us learn from our Lord. He was a good teacher, and a consistent doer. He walked His talk, so to speak.

By the way, how did the Japanese whisky, Suntory, get its name? I heard that the owner had three sons, so he named his company “Son three”!

Perhaps there is a third son in today’s Gospel story: the one who said nothing, and did nothing.  There are so many people these days who have the “I-do-not-know” and “I-do-not-care” attitude toward God and His commandments. Ignorance and indifference are two biggest blocks toward an authentic and meaningful life.

Someone said that many of our politicians are good talkers. Not only that: They are good takers, too. We pray for more good, able, and humble leaders in our land! We need good doers and generous givers!

The killing goes on. Let us pray for those who have been killed, for their grieving families and friends. Let us pray for those who kill, and for those who order the killings. May they find God in their conscience, and desist from further wrongdoing. The killing must end.

Oct. 2 is the Feast of guardian angels. Someone said that the angels in heaven are so close to God that if you want your prayers to be answered, try seeking their intercession. Yes, our guardian angels guard, protect and intercede for us. “Angel of God…”

Oct. 4 is the Feast of Francis of Assisi, the humble, poor and simple saint whose only prayer was to become an instrument of God’s peace. Saint Francis is still remembered, revered and loved by so many, not because of his intelligence, power, wealth, or influence, but because of his humility, poverty, simplicity and obedience to God’s will.

Inviting you to our “Walk with God” to Manaoag on Oct. 7, Saturday, starting at 5 a.m. at the Cathedral of Urdaneta City in Pangasinan, ending with a 9 a.m. thanksgiving Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of Manaoag. Let us offer this 13-kilometer, three-hour walk of sacrifice and continuous praying of the Holy Rosary in thanksgiving to pray for peace in our lives, in our country, and in the whole world.

Fr. Jun Perez, SVD, has returned from his renewal course in Nemi, Italy, with the good news that he is taking as his next mission assignment chaplaincy in a refugee camp in Malawi in South Eastern Africa. Earlier, he worked in Korea as chaplain of overseas Filipino workers for 10 years. He has also worked in challenging missions in Liberia and Siberia. Father Jun is a true missionary who goes wherever he is needed most. Here is one guy who walks his talk, and goes the extra mile.

Fr. Felipe Flores, SVD, has gone home to our heavenly Father at the age of 87. He always told us that he’d live to be a hundred! In fact, all these years, he kept track of how many years, months, and days before his 100th birthday. Well, he did not make it to his target, but he lived a full life as a simple, hardworking and ascetic missionary, who did a lot of legwork for the Lord, especially in the mountain parishes of Abra. Dios ti agngina, Apo Ipe!

Think about this: No one is going to make your dreams come true. It is your job to get up every day and work toward things that matter deeply in your heart. Enjoy every step of your journey, and don’t be discouraged by setbacks and imaginings. Rather, just keep going, keep believing, one day at a time.

A moment with the Lord:

Lord, help us to be not just talkers but

also doers, and not takers but givers. Amen.