The story is told about a doctor who told his patient to lose weight. Wanting to reason out, the patient said: “That’s because obesity runs in our family, Doc.” Upon which the doctor said: “Or, maybe it is because nobody runs in the family?”
Today is the Feast of the Holy Family. What runs in your family? Are you a praying family, a laughing family, an eating family, a partying family, or a bullying family? How the parents bring up the children has a lasting mark on the family that is passed on from generation to generation.
In today’s Gospel (Lk. 2:41-52), we hear about the 12-year-old boy, Jesus, who was lost at the temple, and the three-day agony of Joseph and Mary, looking for him, and going back to Jerusalem, finally finding him among teachers who were astounded with his questions and answers. We remember today our parents, their love and sacrifices—especially the many times they went out of their way to seek us out, and to reach out to us. God bless and reward parents.
Parents, please remember that you don’t own your children. They belong to God, more than to you, and they have a mission in this world which you should not hinder or stifle. May you become partners of God in rearing and forming every child according to His will and plan.
Gone too soon. Dr. Roberto Montellano went home to the Father last Dec. 21 at the age of 66. He was “Mr. Sunshine,” bringing life, joy, and smiles. I never heard him say anything negative about anyone when we were in the seminary, and all throughout the years I have known him. I once pointed out why he was not a “nega” person, and all he told me was: “That’s because our parents taught us never to think nor talk negative about other people.”
Dr. Roby was a generous and kind person. He was intelligent and quite well-to-do, but what I remember most about him is his kind and generous heart. Remember, people forget how rich, or how intelligent, or how good-looking you are, but they will never forget how kind or generous you are. Specialize in kindness. Remember, no matter what your beginnings have been, and what your circumstances are, you have a choice to rise above, and make it better. It’s your choice!
Also gone at 68: Victor Consunji, a very religious, and a very generous person. A rich person who chose to reach out to people and to His God.
“This life will go fast.” This is how Pope Francis put it simply and clearly, and he challenges us to live well, love much, and laugh often: He exhorts us: “Take this challenge that is life, and do it now… Love more, forgive more, embrace more, love more intensely, and leave the rest in God’s hands.”
“We have two lives, and the second life begins when you realize that you only have one.” (Mario Andrade, Sau Paulo, 1893-1945). Life is short, and this poet reminds us to choose quality time, and not to waste our time on endless meetings, or being with absurd people “who, despite their chronological age have not grown up,” and choose to be with “very realistic people who know how to laugh at their mistakes, who are not inflated by their own triumphs and who take responsibility for their actions.” He ends saying that his goal is “to reach the end satisfied and at peace with my loved ones and my conscience.” Amen! Yes! Choose life. Choose love. Choose peace.
This coming year will go fast, so let us choose to be healthy, to be happy, and to be holy. Wishing you all a better year ahead, in all aspects, in Jesus’ name. Amen! One with you in hope and in prayer.
A moment with the Lord:
Lord, help us to choose to be good, rather than to be bad, to be happy rather than be sad. Amen.
jorbos@inquirer.com.ph