Never alone

The story is told about a politician who was delivering a campaign speech before a crowd in a town plaza, boasting about his achievements and his plans. Before long the crowd dissipated, except for three men who stayed until the end. It turned out that the first man was his driver, and the second was his bodyguard. And the third man? He was the light and sound system man who told the politician: “Sir, if you are done, let’s call it a night and go home.”

Today is Trinity Sunday. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit were there when our lives began; they are staying throughout our earthly journey, and when we come to life’s end. All too often, we forget or even negate their presence in our lives because we are so engrossed with our own achievements and plans.

In today’s Gospel (Matthew 28, 16-20), Jesus tells His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. We have a mission. Our life is not about pleasure and vanity. Our life is a mission for something and Someone greater than ourselves. Let God be God. Let man be man.

What have you done, and what are you doing the rest of your life for the Trinity? Let us give due honor and respect to the Trinity. Let us put ourselves at the service of the Trinity, to be of help to humanity.

I am writing this column from the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in France. The Blessed Mother was obedient and humble to the Trinity. Subservience and obedience to God will bring out the best in us, and bring about true peace in our lives. The selfish and the proud as well as those who make themselves gods will sooner or later discover the futility of their vanity and the folly of their ways.

In Fatima, Portugal, one of our fellow pilgrims fell ill, and had to be confined in hospital. It was a clear and loud reminder for all of us that life is short and uncertain. Death can come anytime and anywhere. Let us make sure that the life we are living is not empty, shallow, vain, and uncaring. What good is life if we don’t live it right? What good are our achievements and plans if they are all for ourselves, and not to help others, and give glory to God?

Nineteen-year-old JM Alipio made us all listen when it was his time to share, telling us of his hopes and plans, and what millennials like him are all about. There is so much to learn from the young. They have issues, yes, but didn’t we have issues, too, when we were growing up? JM warmed our hearts, and assured us in more ways than one that life goes on, and that things are not that bad. Very inspiring, this JM.

The morning drive on our way to Salamanca in Spain was foggy and scary. What to do in such a situation? Slow down, and pray. When we encounter fog of any sort in our journey throughout life, let us learn to slow down, and not take risks, and be extra careful and pray.

God is a God of surprises. Often, in a long and tiresome journey, a beautiful rainbow appears! Or a breathtaking scenery comes to view. Or we are given a reminder of the Trinity—such as the three doves we saw perched on a church door when we had our group picture taken. Yes, we are not alone as we journey on.

“And behold, I am with you always until the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). It is the presence of God that makes our life meaningful, and our journey worthwhile. Let us not negate or neglect God’s presence in the life that we are living, and in the world that we are living in.

Think about this: “Understanding is deeper than knowing. That is because understanding is more of the heart than of the mind. More than a mind that knows, strive for a heart that understands.”

A moment with the Lord:

We are not, and we are never, alone because You are always with us, O Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.