Peace — not an impossible dream

Someone said that there are three words that people find hard to say, namely: “Sorry”; “Thanks”; and “Worscher… Worschire… Worcestershire!”

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Today is the second Sunday of Advent. We relight the candle of hope, and light the candle of peace. Let us not lose our hope that peace is not an impossible dream. Let’s give peace a chance. And it all starts with ourselves. Let us resolve to become instruments of peace always, and in all ways.

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In today’s Gospel (Mk. 1, 1-8), John the Baptist started preaching repentance and forgiveness of sins to prepare for the coming of the Messiah. A humble and a contrite heart is a peaceful heart. Yes, peace in our hearts happens when we humble ourselves to someone greater than ourselves, and when we humble ourselves to others greater or smaller than us.

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“One mightier than I is coming after me.” Bull’s-eye! This is the secret of true wisdom and peace. There are people who think that they are the greatest, or are better than the rest. Maybe they are (according to their own mind), but the sooner they snap out of this illusion, the better for them, and also for the people around them. Humility, humility, humility is the key to a peaceful and meaningful life.

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To prepare the way of the Lord means to level our mountains of pride, and to fill up our valleys of darkness and sin. Lord, help us to lower our pride, and to fill the darkness within with the light of your loving presence. Amen.

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Christmas is anemic this year because of the pandemic. Externally, that is. The decorations are minimal. The parties are subdued, the Christmas rush is not much. But perhaps, because of the pandemic, we finally will experience the real meaning of Christmas… in our hearts! And finally realize that Christmas without Christ is no Christmas at all. Wishing you all a vibrant and dynamic Christmas in our hearts!

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The first Christmas was Mama Mary’s Christmas. It was poor, simple, quiet, and austere, but it was full of love, joy, hope, and peace. Wishing us all these, and wishing us all to spread these. Beyond the cozy, cozy, Christmas feelings, may we reach out to people out there who are in real pain and suffering, especially this Christmas. Wishing you all a “Mary Christmas.”

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Dec. 8 is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is also the birthday of our Mama Conching, a woman who taught us by words, and by her very life, humility and simplicity. We honor our mothers. They are the ones who taught us gentleness, generosity, and kindness. A mother’s heart is closest to God’s heart.

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Dec. 12 is the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Let us hold on especially these days to her words spoken to Juan Diego: “I am here. I’m your mother. Do not fear. I am near.” We consecrate our country, the Philippines, under the special protection of Mama Mary.

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Today, let us offer something beautiful for God: Let us forgive all people who have hurt us, and pray for them; Let us pray for all people we have hurt, and promise God to stop hurting people from now on; And let us also forgive ourselves, and be at peace with our past. Remember, God so loved you and me, He sent His only begotten Son. Isn’t that, after all, what Christmas is all about? Wishing you all a truly peaceful Christmas!

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A moment with the Lord:Lord, help us to believe, and keep on believing that peace is not an impossible dream. Amen.

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