Tellers

The story is told about a man who declared that he does not entrust his money to banks for safety and secrecy. When asked why, his simple reply was: “There are many tellers there.”

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In today’s Gospel (Mk. 16, 15-20), Jesus said to His disciples: “Go to the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.” Our ascension mandate is to go to the whole world and TELL the world of His love!

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Today is Ascension Sunday, when the Risen Lord was lifted up to heaven and took His seat at the right hand of God. Our final destination is to be reunited with Him someday. However, prior to that, we still have to accomplish our mission. And mission not yet accomplished. We still have some tasks to finish.

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Today is also World Communication Sunday. Modern technology and media have made the world a smaller place. However, loneliness is still one of the biggest plagues in our modern society. As it is, we spend more time communicating with the world outside, and have little or no time communicating with the people around us.

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Communication is not just about talk, noise, or gadgets. In fact, some of the deepest and profoundest communications happen in silence and in stillness. Ours is a fast and restless world. Let us give space for our spirit to breathe in silence, reflection and prayer through which we communicate with the Divine and with our real selves.

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Last May 16, I had Mass at the “Kamay ni Hesus” Shrine in Lukban, Quezon, a place for healing started by Fr. Joey Faller. Thousands of people go there to be in touch with the Divine. Aside from the impressive growth and development of the place, what I found interesting was the Noah’s Ark chapel, where I celebrated Mass. There is no cell phone signal inside the church but as soon as you step out, the signal is strong. The message is clear: Inside the church the only important communication is that with God.

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By the way, there is an increasing number of people getting sick with “nomophobia” (no mobile phobia). The symptom of this phobia is extreme attachment to one’s mobile phone, the absence of which could drive one to panic, become anxious, or become disoriented. In short, the absence of mobile phones could make some people feel immobilized.

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Speaking of communication, we had a case of a “lost shepherd” on our way to Quezon: One of our priests was left behind in the restaurant where we had made a toilet stop. Presumption was the culprit, with the passengers of each of our two vans thinking that he was in the other. We realized his absence in our journey when we received his frantic text message: “I have been left behind. Come back!”

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In a way, the Ascension underscores the reality that we have been “left behind” by the Risen Lord but with a promise that He would “come back” for us at the final judgment. In the meantime, we have the mission to go forth and tell the world that we have not been orphaned or abandoned by our Loving God!

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The Ascension Mountain in Jerusalem is the last place where the Risen Lord stood before He was lifted up to heaven. In fact, there is a stone there with a footprint which is said to be that of Jesus. Whether this is true or not, what matters is that the Lord has left His heartprint on His disciples. We, too, will do well to remember that what matters more are not so much the monuments, documents, or achievements that we leave behind as the moments and heartprints we leave in people’s lives.

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Sixteen-year-old Fil-Mexican Jessica Sanchez is such an inspiring and uplifting phenomenon. This fragile-looking, simple, humble girl reminds us that there is strength in gentleness, and that hard work and faith can make us rise above whatever obstacles we have in life. Mabuhay ka, Jessica! Viva!

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I like best the song “Dance with my Father” that was sung by Jessica Sanchez in the semifinals of “American Idol.” She sang it with such a great voice, and with so much heart. The song itself is a beautiful reminder for me of our earthly fathers, and of our Heavenly Father who awaits us after our earthly pilgrimage. Yes, life on earth has a reason and mission.

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The message of the Ascension is powerful.  Let it empower us to rise above and look beyond whatever obstacles or liabilities that come our way. The Ascension message should help us move on with confidence and with hope. The Ascension is all about not becoming stagnant or sliding back. What greater assurance do we have than our Lord telling us, “I am with you always until the end of the world”?

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Bantay Matanda invites you to a lay forum on May 26, 9 a.m. to 12 noon, at Janssen Hall, Christ the King Seminary, E. Rodriguez Blvd. Extension, Quezon City. The topic: Mental Health Concerns in the Elderly by Dr. Deana Santos-Ringor, geriatrician, St. Luke’s Medical Center, Quezon City. For inquiries, please call 373-2262, 998-2548, or 09174167849.

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A moment with the Lord:

Lord, thank You for telling me Your love. Use me to tell the world likewise. Amen.