Keep looking!

The story is told about a mother who jokingly bragged to her mother: “So, Mom, what is it like to have an awesome daughter?” The mother smiled and said: “I don’t know. Why don’t you ask your grandmother?”

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Happy Mother’s Day! In today’s Gospel (Jn. 14, 1-12), Jesus tells His disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in me.” Wonderful words of life for all of us in these troubled times brought about by COVID-19. We remember, too, how our mothers gave us such words of comfort, assurance, and hope which we have held dear in our hearts all these years.

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The Italians say: “Andra tutto bene (All will be well).” We are an Easter people that believe, and keep on believing in happy endings. Maybe it’s naive, presumptuous, or even foolish of us, but that’s our belief and mission—to keep on believing, and keep on working for a better world.

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We thank our mothers, and all those who have brought us to our Lord Jesus Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. To them we say: Thank you for the love; thank you for the faith; thank you for the life lessons which have shown us the right path to take, the solid truths to believe in, and the meaningful life to live.

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Our Mama taught us to look good, to look clean, to look confident, etc. But beyond appearance, she also taught us very important and meaningful “looks” we need in life, especially in difficult times like now.

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LOOK OUT. Be careful. Be vigilant. Take the necessary precautions. Do not take unnecessary risks. Better to be safe than sorry. Ingat.

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LOOK AROUND. There are people around you. Be aware and be sensitive to their presence, their stories, and their needs.

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LOOK AFTER. Be kind. Be your brother’s keeper. Reach out, get involved, and be of help to anyone in any way you can.

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LOOK BEYOND. Don’t give up on difficult situations, and on difficult people, including yourself. Look beyond pain, hurts, failures, sickness, COVID-19, and beyond death itself.

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LOOK INSIDE. Look into your heart and listen, and be silent, and strive to have peace within. You are your own best friend.

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LOOK UP. Be humble to Someone greater than yourself. Consult Him. Ask for help, meaning, directions. Let the sunshine in. God is your constant and unfailing Center.

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There. I’m sure you can add some more. Our mothers have taught us by word and example a lot of precious and worthy lessons in life.

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May 13 is the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima. She promised to banish war and fear. May this war against COVID-19 be over soon. A Rosary a day keeps our fears away.

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May 14 is World Day of Prayer, Fasting, and Charity. Let us heed Pope Francis’ invitation to join him in offering it all for the death of COVID-19, worldwide.

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Think about it: While you may be getting bored and impatient during quarantine, there are many people out there who are trying just to stay alive for another day.

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I say Mass every Sunday at 10 a.m., on live-stream via Facebook (link: Divine Word Media or PassWordTV). One with you in prayer.

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A moment with the Lord:Lord, help us to keep on looking for You, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Amen.

jorbos@inquirer.com.ph