Saw this uplifting reminder to senior citizens: “Let’s take care of ourselves and avoid injuries. Most of us were made in the ’40s, ’50s, and ’60s, and spare parts are no longer available. Warranty period is long over, and expiry date is forthcoming. We are a ‘very limited edition.’”
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In today’s gospel (John 6, 24-35), Jesus tells the crowd not to seek the food that perishes, but that which endures for eternal life. Everything is limited in this world. There is an expiry date for everything and for every one of us. We all are very limited editions.
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We believe in the resurrection of the dead, and everlasting life. For us Christians, life does not end in death. “Indeed, for your faithful, Lord, life is changed, not ended, and when this earthly dwelling turns to dust, an eternal dwelling is made ready for them in heaven” (Preface for the Dead). Very uplifting to know that life does not end in death.
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For those who work so hard for worldly wealth, for those who steal so much from the poor: “What does it profit you if you gain the whole world and suffer the loss of your soul?” (Mark 8:36). Think about it… Is it worth it all?
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During this pandemic, people need most the hard work and sacrifice of us all, especially those in government. Now is not the time to make money or to make a name. Now is the time to make a difference.
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As I watched our first Olympic gold medalist, Hidilyn Diaz, do her winning lift, it was as if she was lifting up our country and our people, laden with so many heavy problems because of natural, financial, and political catastrophes. She did it. She lifted us all up. What have we done to uplift our country, and our people?
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Notice how Hidilyn kept pointing up her forefinger during the awarding ceremonies, silently saying, “To God be the glory!” Notice, too, how she kept pointing to the Philippine flag on her shirt, silently saying “For love of country!” Let us do whatever we can, while we still can, to glorify God, and serve others.
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Someone once said: “Ang mga pabigat sa ating bayan ay ’yong mga bigatin sa ating bayan.” It is the rich, the powerful, the authorities who amass wealth and steal without conscience, who make the lives of others heavy and difficult, especially the “little ones” of our society.
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Aside from the hard-earned gold medal, Hidilyn also had around her neck the Miraculous Medal of our Mama Mary at the awarding ceremonies of the Tokyo Olympics last July 26, eve of the canonization anniversary of St. Catherine Labouré, visionary of Our Lady of Graces of the Miraculous Medal. Indeed, “He has cast down the mighty from their thrones and has lifted up the lowly” (The Magnificat).
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For those who are burdened with any cross, trials, or sufferings, let the Lord speak to us again: “Come to me all you who are tired and heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28)
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“We rise by lifting others.” A good reminder for all of us in a society that shouts “Me first!” It’s time for us to learn to say: “God first! Country first! Others first!” Unless and until we learn this, we will not really move up nor move on.
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Sharing with you this uplifting message from the Lord: “It’s time for you to forget the past, forget the mistakes, and focus on what I am doing in your life today. I am doing a new thing. I am placing the right people in your life and removing the wrong ones. I am closing old rooms and preparing you for new opportunities. The pruning process may be uncomfortable and painful, but I know it is for your good” (Spiritual Inspiration quote).
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A moment with the Lord:Lord, thank You for lifting us up, constantly. Amen.