Ascension

Someone said that some people bring happiness wherever they go, while some, whenever they go.

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Today is Ascension Sunday. In today’s gospel (Mk. 16, 15-20), the Risen Lord, before He was taken up to heaven, told His disciples to “go into the whole world to proclaim the Gospel to every creature.” They are to bring the Good News, that is, to bring happiness, hope, and love wherever they go.

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Especially this time of the pandemic, a lot of people are tired, bored, impatient. Many people are becoming hopeless and depressed. Let us all try our best to bring the Good News to them. Gifted with our faith, we go to share our faith. Each one of us could and should become bearers of God’s light and be instruments of peace, hope, and joy. Be a joy maker, not a joy breaker.

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“Do what you can, with what you’ve got, where you are” (Theodore Roosevelt). Each one of us must carry out Christ’s ascension mandate in our own way, in whatever situation we are in. This mandate is not only for missionaries who are “out there.” It is also for us who are “in here.” All of us are missionaries, wherever we are.

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After 15 months of waiting, Fr. Jun Perez, SVD, finally “ascended” to Thailand for his mission assignment to work with refugees there. His zeal for the mission is very edifying and inspiring. Prior to Thailand, he worked in Siberia, Liberia, Korea, and Malawi. In him, I have seen the meaning of what “gifted to give” is, all these years.

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We have at the moment six newly ordained Filipino SVD missionaries waiting to be sent to foreign missions. The pandemic may have delayed their departure, but the mission goes on, and their enthusiasm is strong, to leave whatever is dearest, for Him, the reason for who we are and for whatever we are doing.

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You who have been blessed, congratulations! But please don’t forget that you have been blessed to be a blessing for others, too. Your blessings are yours… to give! Please don’t forget: “When God raises your standard of living, you too must raise your standard of giving.”

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Blessings undeclared or misdeclared, and blessings not shared, could be a big problem at the “Bureau of Customs” at the gates of heaven. Better make a good inventory and share now whatever you have so that your entry to eternity will be light, fast, and easy.

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Philippine Star columnist Ricky Lo has “ascended” to the Father’s home. He didn’t look like he was 75. Here was a person who was in entertainment and show business, rubbing elbows with the rich and famous, yet managed to be humble, unspoiled, and focused. May we not be corrupted by our blessings. More than successful lives, may we live meaningful lives.

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Another friend who “ascended” to heaven recently was retired PNP Gen. Francisco “Kit” Carreon. Mission accomplished. He was a dedicated family man and public servant. He was very Marian and Eucharistic. So inspiring to have walked with people who carry out the Ascension mandate with diligence and humility.

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How do you overcome “overthinking”? Just learn to trust God more. Are you “overhurting” in your heart? Just learn to be forgiving. Are you “overfighting”? Just learn to be more humble. Trust more, forgive more, and humility pa more, and you will have a more peaceful life.

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Ascension moments happen when we rise above our pride, selfishness, and problems. Rising above happens when we learn to let go of our attachments and baggage and let God lift us up. May we have more Ascension moments as we journey on.

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A moment with the Lord:Lord, may we not forget nor belittle our Ascension mandate to share our goodness and our faith. Amen.

momentswithfrjerry@gmail.com