Reach out

The story is told of a man who is so shy that when he steps into the elevator, he comes in quietly with his head bowed. The elevator operator asks him, “What floor, sir?” And he says, “Ah, fifth floor, please… if it’s not out of the way.”

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Today is Ascension Sunday. In today’s Gospel (Lk. 24, 46-53), the risen Lord empowers His disciples to become His witnesses. As He is taken up to heaven, He blesses them, and they are filled with joy, praise, and courage. From cowards hiding in the dark and laden with fear, they become vanguards, going out far and wide, proclaiming the Gospel and the Christ.

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Nothing and no one can destroy or hinder us if we are clothed with power from on high. Along with the mission from the Lord are the power and protection of the Holy Spirit. As we go about our mission, may we learn to rely more on God’s power and less on our own. God is faithful to His promise. He will provide.

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Who will “ascend” into the political seats up for grabs in our elections tomorrow? Sad to say, money has become the single biggest factor now in choosing political leaders in our country. Sad to say, public service has become some kind of a family business and some kind of a franchise for the rich and the moneyed.

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Let us not blame the people if they become so blatant now, demanding money in exchange for their votes. I heard that in some places, people are saying: “All your handshaking amounts to nothing if there is no money given!” Why have we come to this situation? Because some politicians have spoiled and corrupted the people just to win. We will never ascend as a nation as long as we are weighed down by corruption and greed.

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Today is also World Communications Day. Along with the Ascension is the mission to “go into the whole world and preach the Gospel to all creation.” This mission is now carried out, far and wide, through the media and social communications. The teachings of Christ are now available in print, on radio and television, and in social networks. But that which can promote justice, peace, and understanding can also be used to malign, destroy, and spread lies.

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Apart from world communication, there is a lot of communicating to be done at the personal level. A lot of problems and issues can be resolved, a lot of things can be clarified, if we are open to dialogue. All this can happen if we take the time and effort to open up and reach out to each other. By all means, let’s communicate. By every means, let’s communicate! Yes, let’s reach out!

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Did you hear the story about two long-lost classmates who met each other again after many years? When asked about work and present concerns, one of them said: “I am busy with my ‘apostolate’—taking care of my  apo  (grandchildren).” The other one said: “Media  ako.  May diabetes (I have diabetes)!” Let us not forget to communicate joy, humor, hope, and inspiration. That’s why it is called good news!

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Today is also Mother’s Day! It is said that the heart that is closest to God’s heart is that of a mother. Only God knows the untold sacrifices, pain, labor, and love of mothers! Thank you, dear mothers!

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We pray in a special way for our motherland, the Philippines. It is my fervent wish that we, especially our leaders, remember our “payback time” to our  Inang  Bayan. Some of us have used and abused her, and have been ungrateful to her. Our country has been good to us. Have we been good to her?

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Let us have more awareness and respect for Mother Nature (Inang  Kalikasan). More and more, we feel the drastic changes in our climate because of our “I don’t know” and “I don’t care” attitude. Mother Earth gives us so much blessings, and we give her our trash. Mother Earth gives us enough, and we get from her too much!

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Let us also pray for our Mother Church, that she will be continually inspired by the humility and simplicity of Pope Francis.

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The Ascension was a goodbye. It was a glorious moment, but it was also a sorrowful moment. We all have our painful and sorrowful moments. Let us take courage in what our Lord said: “Truly I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.” (Jn. 16, 20)

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Sharing with you this meaningful prayer: “Lord, teach me to be patient with my trials. Let me not settle with easy answers and quick results, but wait for the fruits that come from trusting in You.” Amen.

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Tomorrow is the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima. “Dear Lady of Fatima, we come on bended knees, to beg your intercession for peace and unity, to banish war and fear, for grace and guidance here on earth, and protection for our land.”

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A moment with the Lord:

Lord, help me to reach out to You and to others no matter what. Amen.