‘Four Gets’     

One get plus one get = two gets. Two gets plus two gets =? Four gets!

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In today’s Gospel (Matthew 20:1-16B), Jesus tells us that the Heavenly Father is a generous God who forgets limits and boundaries of giving. May we, too, learn to forget what is due us or what the world owes us, and not be so calculating and demanding.

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In a previous column, we mentioned the “Four Gives,” we need to learn in life (give God His due; give others their rights; give the world a chance; give yourself a break). Today, we suggest the “Four Gets” we, too, should learn and continue to learn as we go through life.

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GET CLOSER TO GOD. As we grow older may God become more real and more personal to us. Are we closer to God now than we were last year? Are we more obedient and more docile to His will and plan? Can we say that we value Him more than all our worldly riches and achievements? Are we more generous like Him, stronger in our suffering because of Him?

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GET REAL WITH PEOPLE. Is our presence to other people real, or just plastic, a show, or a put-on? Is our dealing with people sincere, or manipulative and transactional? Do we go out of our way for people, go the “extra mile” and give the extra smile? Do we go beyond justice, and take the road of humility, forgiveness, and love, “till it hurts”?

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GET INVOLVED WITH THE WORLD. Do we know what is going on in the world outside us? Do we care at all about people who are sick, suffering, going hungry, and going through abuse and injustice? Are we vigilant about sociopolitical-religious issues in our country? Are we so busy making money or making a name that we forget to make a difference? Have we forgotten our mission to be a “salt of the earth and a light to the world”?

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GET OUT OF YOUR SHELL. The most difficult zones to cross in life are not the time zones, but our comfort zones. Are we constantly going out of ourselves, and reaching out to God and to His people? Are we so caught up in our worldly agenda and ambitions that we do not get out of our bad habits, vices, narrow and shallow mindsets? Have we stopped broadening our horizons and have limited our sight to those that are pleasurable, comfortable, and admirable in here and now? Have we forgotten that life is a constant risk, a leap of faith, an investment for what lies beyond?

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The “Four Gives” and the “Four Gets” have always been the guiding principles in my journey through life, as far as possible, as much as I could. They were useful signposts in my journey.

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Speaking of journey, next Sunday I walk into the biblical life span of 70, by the grace of God. I am deeply grateful. I have come this far. What a journey it has been! Not much in terms of worldly career or finances, but it has been a journey to the heart—to God’s heart, to other people’s hearts, and to my very own heart. At 70, I focus more now on heart work, and less on hard work, and specialize more on kindness, not so much on rightness. This time of my life is a time for thanksgiving, reparation, intercession, and purification. Reporting to the Lord at 70, and for whatever mission He still has for me! In humility, I say to the Lord and to everyone in my journey: Thank you. I’m sorry. I love you!

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Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael defend and protect us, guide and strengthen us in our battles and struggles as individuals, as a family, as a nation, and as one global community.

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October is the month of the Holy Rosary. The family that prays together, stays together. If things are not working out in yourself, in your family, or in your community, try prayer. Give prayer a chance to open doors, and lead you from darkness to light. Prayer is our lifeline to God, without which we stop living peaceful, true, meaningful lives.

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Inviting you to our “Walk with God” this Oct. 7, 2023. Feast of our Lady of the Rosary. We start the 13-kilometer pilgrimage at 5 a.m. in Urdaneta Cathedral and end with a 9 a.m. Mass at The Shrine of the Lady of Manaoag. One with you in prayer, hope, and gratitude.

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A moment with the Lord.Lord, help us not to forget to be generous like you. Amen.

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