Serve your King

The story is told about an employee who arrived late with one eye closed, his left arm in a sling and his clothes in tatters. The employer said: “It’s 9:30. You were due at 8:30.” The employee said: “I fell out of a 10th story window.” The president snorted, “It took you a whole hour?”

Today is the Solemnity of Christ the King. In today’s Gospel (Lk. 23, 35-43), we hear how Jesus, up to the very end of His life, was misunderstood, misjudged, insulted and rejected by the very people whom He came to serve and to save. They did not recognize goodness and they did not recognize their King and God.

Being misunderstood or misjudged is a part of our lives. We have to live with people who continue to think and speak ill, and who, out of envy or insecurity, will pull and put down anyone whom they perceive as a threat or an obstacle to their personal agenda and ambitions. Such is life. Don’t mind them, just ignore them and pray for them. Stay focused on your King, and just continue serving Him.

But there are people who understand and who are one with us in our vision and mission, and who give us courage and assurance. We do not need followers or fans. All we need are a few sincere and good friends who know and understand.

“Jesus, remember me when You come  into Your kingdom.” Together with the good thief, we humbly pray that the Lord will remember us as loving Him when we were still alive. And may the Lord remember the goodness we have done to our brothers and sisters, especially to the less fortunate ones.

We join the American people who will celebrate Thanksgiving Day on  Nov. 28. Actually, every day is Thanksgiving Day for all of us. Let us continue to be grateful and hopeful through it all. Gratitude is the best attitude.

I personally thank God for having healed me of my cancer. This time last year, I was on my third of  four  cycles of chemotherapy. It was a difficult time, but I held on to the Lord and just prayed on. Yes, prayer works. We pray on!

At the forum of the San Pedro Cancer Support Group in Davao last Nov. 17, I was deeply touched when young children with cancer sang: “There can be miracles when you believe; though hope is frail, it is hard to kill” (from the song “When We Believe”). It is heartbreaking to see innocent and young children suffering because of the “Big C.” But it is  also so heartwarming to meet people like Dr. Cyrus Estera, MD, and his cancer support group who take care of the material and spiritual needs of cancer patients, at the service of Christ the King.

At the last minute, our pilot aborted our landing at the Davao Airport last  Nov. 17. The reason? According to him, his approach was high. The incident shook me up, but also woke me up: may it not be said of us that we could not land in God’s heart because our approach to Him was too high. Yes, the key to a meaningful life is humble service to Christ, our King.

Think about this: “Your life can truly be meaningful and wonderful if you have a real relationship with God, and your focus is on something or Someone greater than yourself.”

“Gifted, Beloved and Empowered in the Eucharist.” Inviting you to the 32nd Eucharistic Congress on Nov. 30 (8 a.m.-5 p.m.) at the Pink Sisters Convent, Hemady St., Quezon City. Speakers are Fr. Jose Quilongquilong, SJ; Fr. Lino Nicasio, SVD; Archbishop Socrates Villegas, DD. There will be a procession and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, followed by a Mass. For inquiries, please call 0927-366-4116 or 8722-8828.

A moment with the Lord:

Lord, help me to focus on You, and serve You, my King! Amen.

[email protected]