A fruitful life

A priest was asked by a parishioner: “Father, could you please give me directions on how to go to heaven?” The priest’s answer was: “Turn right, and go straight.”

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In today’s Gospel (Luke 13: 1-9), Jesus tells us to take the path of righteousness, and keep going straight. In other words, we are reminded to repent of our wicked ways and persevere in righteousness so that we will live fruitful lives and go to Heaven at the end of our lives.

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Going to heaven is not a contest. Let us not waste our time judging or comparing ourselves with others as to who is more righteous, or more worthy to go to heaven. “If you do not repent, you will all perish as they did.” We are all sinners in need of repentance. Period!

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The test of holiness is that of bearing fruits. We ask ourselves today: Does my prayer life lead me to become a better person?; does my prayer life lead me to become a more giving person?

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A week ago, I was asked to give a talk by Zoom about St. Joseph as the model for peace in our homes and in our communities. I was ready by 7 p.m. as agreed upon, but the organizers were delayed. I was hungry but instead of getting angry, I prayed for patience and humility. Finally, at 7:45 p.m., I started my talk peacefully. What did I share? I shared precisely, the importance of prayer, patience, and humility if we want to have peace.

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On the Feast of St. Joseph, the Patron of departing souls, our dear co-worker in Christ the King Seminary, Letty dela Merced, was fetched and brought by St. Joseph to our Heavenly Father. She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last Feb. 15. She went fast. But she left behind a meaningful and fruitful life. Mission accomplished at 62!

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Letty was diligent and passionate in her work. She was a light in our seminary compound during the pandemic, urging and encouraging us to set up the Sanctuary of the Divine Word, a prayer place at the back of our seminary. She also helped set up our online Masses and recollections that somehow gave hope and joy to people worldwide. She herself was light and full of joy, this humble, smiling, self-effacing co-worker!

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There are people who are gifted with the ability to make people come, blend, and work with each other. Letty was that. She also had a way of softening the hearts of difficult people in a most delightful way.

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Did I live a fruitful life? This is a question that will confront each one of us at the end of our lives, a question which we should ask ourselves now. A follow-up question is: “Did I share the fruits of my life with others?” if you have been so blessed in life, be a blessing to others, too.

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One of the things I don’t like seeing are fruits or food that are spoiled or rotting, which could have been shared or given away. What a waste! Sayang. Praying that we listen more to the Lord who wants us to share and keep on sharing more with others. May we all continue to love, and give while we still live.

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With the war in Ukraine, and the upcoming elections in our country, let us pray this prayer: “Holy Trinity God Almighty, Blood of Christ, destroy the devil, disable and paralyze the traps of those who are manipulating the whole world.” Amen!

A moment with the Lord: Lord, help us to live fruitful and meaningful lives. Amen.

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