Divine aid

According to the latest survey, senior citizens are prone to, and are, in fact, the leading carriers of AIDS—hearing aids, medical aids, monetary aids and retirement aids!

In today’s Gospel (Mk. 4, 26-34), Jesus reminds us that without the aid of God, we are nothing, and we can do nothing. This is a good reminder for people who become blinded by human power and knowledge, and become proud and arrogant, even to God.

The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed, the smallest of seed that grows to become a large plant. Let us not belittle the power of God. Let us not be so proud as to neglect or negate God’s presence, refuse to listen to Him, and even disobey Him.

Where are they now, those leaders and personalities who wallowed in the world’s power and pleasures? Where are they now, those who persecuted people and made life difficult for others? They are now in their graves, soon forgotten and forever gone! They missed their chance. They blew it.

When I hear an arrogant person talking proudly and selfishly, I can’t help but be amused. I shake my head in disbelief and disgust, but more so in pity, because he or she simply needs much attention and/or recognition.

Divine aid! Yes, we need divine aid, especially now in our country. They shoot horses, don’t they? But in our country, they even shoot priests now! Let us ask the Lord to send His mercy and truth to rescue us from the snares of the devil. By the way, the devil in the Scriptures is the one who is called “the great accuser of our brethren.”

“Every one of us will have to give an account of himself before God.” (Romans 14, 12). Let us not forget that there will be a day of final reckoning and final accounting. Let us not belittle or refuse divine aid while we live.

It is interesting to note that the lauds (morning prayers) and the vespers (evening prayers) in the Divine Office (breviary) always end with the prayer: “May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.”

Let us keep this in mind as we journey on: It is the Lord who continues to shower us with His blessings, who protects us from all bodily and spiritual harm, and who will lead us to true and eternal life.

Think about this: “To trust in God means we are empty, but happy; humbled, but inspired; poor, but contented; wounded, but strong; persecuted, but not scared; crucified, but glorious and victorious.”

A good friend and family elder, Godo Olores, sent me this inspiring message: “When you run alone, it is called race; when God runs with you, it is called grace.”

Let this remind us that we need the help of God in our journey, especially in difficult times. Yes, let us invoke divine aid, and not be disheartened by temporary setbacks and delays, or be intimidated by powers-that-be who are here now but soon, surely, will be gone. Remember, the small mustard seed will grow, and grow on.

Eternal rest grant unto the soul of Fr. Richmond Nilo. O, Lord, may his soul and the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. And may we, the living, live in peace. Amen.

Of all the world religions, it is only Christianity that calls God “Father.” May all fathers become more loving fathers, like God. Happy Father’s Day!

A moment with the Lord:

Lord, continue to send forth Your divine aid upon us as we journey in this valley of tears. Amen.