Payback time

The story is told about a child who told his teacher that his father is a magician who cuts people in half. When the teacher asked him if he was good at it, the boy answered: “Oh, yes! I have two half-brothers and two half-sisters!”

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In today’s Gospel (Mk 1, 14-20), Jesus proclaims in clear terms his message: “The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” It is a clear call that requires a clear, not a half-hearted, response. The first disciples who heard the call left everything and followed Him.

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True repentance is not just about being sorry for one’s sins. Rather, it is “metanoia,” a change or conversion of one’s ways, lifestyle, priorities and values. It is the realization and grateful acceptance of God’s unconditional forgiveness, and a decision to pay back the Lord for His goodness. Repentance is, in concrete, payback time!

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Payback time can be triggered by the experience of blessings or pain. It could be a sincere and grateful response to God’s goodness and generosity, or a desperate surrendering to God who can help ease one’s pain, loneliness and sinfulness. In whatever way it comes, it is all made possible by God’s grace.

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Payback time happens when we finally realize that we are living on borrowed time, and that we are just stewards, not owners, of our talents and possessions, and even of our very own lives. It is the acknowledgement that there is Someone greater than ourselves to whom we are accountable.

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To follow something or someone implies a leaving behind of something or someone that is valuable or comfortable. It is not easy to sacrifice, to let go and to let be. Payback time is giving back to God what we love and value, and just trusting Him to take care of everyone and everything.

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Those who are in payback time mode must constantly listen to God and be assured of His constant love because it is so easy to slide back to one’s former and familiar ways. A text message I received says we must constantly hold on to these 10 daily reminders from God: “I will be with you; I will strengthen you; I will provide; I will answer you; I will give you rest; I will bless you; I will not fail you; I have a purpose for you; I have a plan for you; I love you!”

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The Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSpS) beautifully summarized their 100 years of missionary presence in the Philippines with the words: “We remember, we are grateful … all is gift.” Only persons who have witnessed and experienced the graciousness and generosity of God can utter such words. One with you, dear sisters!

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Worth mentioning are the following SSpS Philippines centennial awardees: Teresita Nitorreda, an alumna of the College of the Holy Spirit of Manila, who has given her selfless service for more than 60 years by facilitating seminars for the formation of catechists, pastoral leaders and youth leaders; lawyer Sabino Padilla Jr., longtime adviser and mentor of the SSpS; Julia Billaco from Abra, who happily and humbly served in the Sister’s House; and Benjamin Abadiano who has significantly contributed to mission work especially for the total development of Indigenous Peoples, particularly the Mangyans of Mindoro and the Aetas of Tarlac.

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There is more that we have received than what we have worked for in life. Those who think otherwise will sooner or later realize the futility of their stand. Those who see life as a gift will end up grateful. Those who see life as an achievement could end up frustrated, or proud.

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Speaking of payback time, may we remind our government leaders of their duty and obligation to “pay back” our people whatever they have stolen from them. Here is a clear call from today’s Gospel to repent and truly serve our people. We remind them not to serve presidents, or business groups or other nations, but the people.

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January 23-29 is National Bible Week and the theme this year is “God’s word: Power for national renewal.” We must go back to God’s word so that there can be real and lasting personal and national transformation. Do you have a Bible? Do you read the Bible? Do you live the Bible?

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Inviting you for a nine-day pilgrimage to India to follow the steps of Blessed Mother Teresa on Feb. 16-24, 2012, with yours truly as chaplain. One of the highlights is a visit to the Mother House of the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta (which Mother Teresa founded in 1948) where a Mass will be celebrated. Witness the generosity of her spirit at the Nirmala Shishu Bhavan (the children’s home) and Nirmal Hriday (home for the dying).

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A word of thanks to our Filipino SVD missionary working in Austria, Fr. Ron Sandoval,  and to his group, Philippinische Gottesdienst Gemeinde, for sending some amount they raised from their Christmas novena Masses last December. Danke Schoen!

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A moment with the Lord:

Lord, remind me that payback time is not in the “last two minutes” of my lifetime. Amen.