Mindfulness pa more

The story is told about a wife who asked her husband while she was massaging his head: “Tell me, was there someone else before we got married who would give you a massage whenever you have a headache?” The husband said; “No one dear… I never had a headache, until I married you.” With that, he has a bigger headache now!

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In today’s gospel (Luke 1:39-56) we hear how Mary was mindful of the presence of “someone else” in her life. She took time to visit her cousin Elizabeth, and stayed with her for three months to be of help to her. She had her own needs, but she knew how to go out of her way, to go the extra mile, to give the extra smile.

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For many of us, life is all about I, me, and myself. We make ourselves the center of our lives, and everyone else, including God, are just on the side. We, so to say, magnify (make big) ourselves. May we learn from Mama Mary to magnify the Lord first and foremost, and others, too.

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Today, on the Solemnity of the Assumption of our Lady, let us allow the Lord to lift us up from our heavy concerns and burdens and allow him to do great things for us. All throughout this night of COVID-19, let us believe, trust and surrender (BTS) everything and everyone to the Almighty who has mercy on those who fear Him, who shows strength with His arm, scatters the pound, lifts up the lowly, and fills the hungry with God things.

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Mindfulness is one thing we all should have learned by now in this pandemic situation; mindfulness of God’s power and presence; mindfulness of people around us who are helpless and suffering.

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Let us not leave our God from the picture. In fact, everything that is happening in our world these days is chaotic and senseless if we remove God. Remember, it was He who put order in chaos, and who loved the world so much that he sent his only begotten Son (John 3,16). More and more we must learn to turn to Him and trust Him.

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A lot of people are dying these days. I have deleted some names in my phone directory and every time I do, I pray with confidence that their names are already written in the logbook at the gates of heaven.

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Milania Ferrer was only 16 years old, but this joyful, talented, and life-giving person lived a full and a beautiful life. In the end, it is not the quantity, but the quality of the life we lived that matters.

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Elena Jao promised to help build a healing chapel in our compound at Christ the King Seminary. She is gone from this world at 69, but her promise and mission goes on through her family and friends. Let us live in such a way that the goodness in our heart does not die with us. Let us scatter good seeds that will grow up to bear good fruits long after we are gone.

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Be on Assumption Mode — a constant orientation toward going up, and being lifted up by faith, instead of being dragged down with worldly treasures and cares. The Assumption Mode also means that we continue to lift up others with our uplifting thoughts, uplifting words and uplifting actions.

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We honor all our health workers, frontliners and essential workers for helping us stay healthy during this pandemic, risking their lives and even the welfare of their families and friends. Maraming salamat po sa inyo. Kung wala kayo, wala na po tayong lahat dito.

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Do know that even if you are not well reciprocated, and often not appreciated, many of us are grateful to you, and are praying for you. Mabuhay po kayo!

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A moment with the Lord:Lord, help us to be more mindful of the presence of others, especially your powerful and loving presence in our midst. Amen.

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