Hearts on fire

SOMEONE SAID that robots will play a big role in the future—they function for hours, they never seem to run down, they are low on maintenance, and they do everything without praise, acknowledgment or attention. Actually, robots are nothing new. They used to be called mothers.

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Today is Mother’s Day. We honor all mothers who love and work much, and often are not acknowledged nor “reciprocated” as much. What robots do mechanically, mothers do with the heart.

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In today’s Gospel (Lk. 24, 13-35), we hear of two disciples on their way to Emmaus. They are confused and downcast before they encounter the Risen Lord. But after they meet and recognize the Lord in the breaking of the bread, they say to each other: “Were not our hearts burning within us while He spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us?” Does your heart still burn within? Do you still have passion and compassion for anything or anyone, or is your life all about function, work or obligation?

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While the two disciples were conversing and debating, their eyes were prevented from recognizing Him. But when they stopped and listened, their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him. It is in silence that our minds and hearts can see and understand. Yes, a lot of things fall into place when we slow down, stay still, pray, and really listen.

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I do not belittle conversations and debates. In a party for Lalin Basilio recently, I had a lively conversation with Presidential Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma about the RH bill. We realized that we have many commonalities. Yes, let’s continue to talk, debate, dialogue; and yes, listen and pray to God. He is an interested party, a real presence we cannot and should not delete from the picture in the RH bill.

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From time to time, we encounter people who touch and warm our hearts. One such person was Fr. Erasio P. Flores, SVD, who died last April 28 at the age of 77. He was a gentle soul, a humble missionary who had such a healing presence. This simple, simpatico, and dignified Cebuano was the first SVD Filipino General Council member. He was a good listener. No less than our present superior general, Fr. Antonio Pernia, SVD, describes him as “a great mentor.” Father Erasio wrote two books: “Traces of Love,” a compilation of his anecdotes and reflections during his tour of duty as consultor in different mission territories; and “One Hundred Years, One Hundred Faces,” a tribute to our Filipino and foreign SVD missionaries whose stories of heroism and sacrifices edify and inspire.

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“My joy is to serve God and His people, especially the poor, the migrants who are among the poorest of the poor.” Father Erasio spent five years in Spain and eight years in Germany as chaplain to the Filipino migrants community. His warm, loving and fatherly personality was such a big help and inspiration for our OFWs there.

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On the morning of April 27, I met him as he was walking to the van that would bring him to the hospital. “Just for a check up,” he said, as we shook hands. Then he enthused, “Keep up the good work you are doing, Jerry.” (Typical of Father Eras. He was one confrere who was not afraid to say good things to his fellow confreres!) Then he waved and smiled. But I noticed that he had that distant look, as if he had to go somewhere, soon. The next day, we heard the sad news that he had died.

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During my Mass last Sunday, I saw an old lady seated on a wheelchair. She was wearing sunglasses. I acknowledged her presence before the congregation for her effort to come to church that morning, and the effort of her loved ones who accompanied her. After the Mass, I found out that she was blind and that she was 94 years old! I was so inspired and as I embraced her, she told me: “Father Jerry, I cannot see you, but I can feel you!” Isn’t that what Easter is all about? We have not seen the Risen Lord, but we can feel Him. Yes, the Lord lives. He is present. He is alive.

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“We remember how you loved us through your death, and still we celebrate for you are with us here. And we believe that we will see you when you come in your glory Lord! We remember. We celebrate. We believe.” This is one of my favorite church hymns. The more I meditate on it, the more I understand the meaning of our Eucharist and our faith. Yes, let us keep our hearts on fire as we continue to remember, celebrate and believe in God’s love.

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To all mothers, thank you for your untold sacrifices and love. May God bless and reward you.

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Let us remember also today our Blessed Mother and thank her as she continues to lead us closer to her Son, Jesus. Yes, we offer her not only the flowers of May (Flores de Mayo) but also our loving hearts every day.

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Let us also remember today our Motherland, our Mother Church, and our Mother Nature, who like many mothers are often taken for granted, abused, “unreciprocated,” or just totally ignored.

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A moment with the Lord:

Lord, keep our hearts burning with love for you and for your people. Amen.