Journeying in the Spirit

Some years ago I trained Bruno, my golden retriever, to take up the collection during our mission Sunday Mass, to emphasize that all of us are sent to do our mission in this world. Everything was going well, and the whole congregation was clapping as Bruno went around the church with the handle of the collection basket in his mouth. But halfway through, for whatever reason, he headed toward the church door with the collection basket and left, never to come back. That was the end of his career as a Mass collector.

Today is Pentecost Sunday. In today’s Gospel (John 20: 19-23), Jesus tells His disciples: “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” At the Incarnation, the Father sent His only begotten Son to the world for our salvation. At Pentecost, the Father and the Son sent the Holy Spirit upon us to renew the face of the earth.

My dog Bruno was not able to accomplish his mission. Why? Maybe he got scared, or he could not handle his fame and popularity. Or maybe he had his own agenda. Such is the fate of those who are sent but do not have the Holy Spirit in them. Such is the fate of those who rely on their own powers and resources, and forget to rely on the Master who called and empowered them.

“Come, Holy Spirit, I need you.” Let this be our constant prayer in every decision we make, in every word we say, in every work we undertake. Without the Holy Spirit, we become blinded by the lures of this world and, worse, we become deaf to God’s guidance and directions.

People in public service need the Holy Spirit. Otherwise, they end up doing self-service; worse, they become, not public servants, but dictators and plunderers.

Sharing with you my prayer for enlightenment: When I start focusing on what is dark and negative, come, Holy Spirit and enlighten me; when I am burdened and weighed down by problems and hurts, come, Holy Spirit and enlighten me; when I become blinded by the glitter of money, worldly power and pleasures, come, Holy Spirit, and enlighten me.

“Mandasal ka labat, anako” (Just pray, my child). This was a constant reminder from Mama since we were young, and all throughout her life. She knew, and she lived, the power of prayer. I thank Mama and Papa who taught us by word and by their very examples that we should just continue to pray, pray more, and pray on.

My checkup at the Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital last April 27 showed that I had a 1.7-centimeter nodule on the apex of my left lung. After my initial shock and fear, and after praying much, I told my doctor that we should just let things be for now because I am scheduled to lead a pilgrimage on May 20-June 2 to the shrines of Fatima, Lourdes, and Padre Pio where, I said, I will ask for a miracle. My doctor, a man of science and a man of faith, agreed.

“You must know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit … So glorify God in your body” (Cor. 6: 19-20). Initially, I wanted to do this journey of prayer for a miracle privately, but I am going public, not for publicity, or for sympathy, but for God’s glory! Whatever be the outcome, yes, let it be for God’s glory. So, dear reader, please pray with me, and pray for me. Thank you.

Think about this: “When we encounter crossroads, we think that it’s already the end; but to God, it is just a bend. The journey goes on. Pause and rest if we must, and get our bearings again; let go, let God, the mission continues. Yes, the journey goes on.”

Bantay Matanda invites you to a lay forum on osteoporosis at Tuklong ni San Jose at Christ the King Seminary, E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue, Quezon City, on May 26, 9 a.m. to 12 noon. For inquiries, please call 373-2262; 998-2548 or 0917-4167849.

A moment with the Lord:

Lord, send forth Your Holy Spirit, to be with us in our journey. Come, Holy Spirit, we need you! Amen.