Staying in love

The story is told about a dying wife who told her husband: “When I die, don’t write ‘RIP’ (rest in peace) on my tombstone. Instead, write ‘SUS’ (see you soon!).”

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In today’s Gospel (Jn. 14, 15-21), Jesus tells his disciples that He will see them again “in a little while.” He is saying goodbye, but with the promise that they will see each other again. With the resurrection, we Christians do not say “goodbye,” but “till we meet again.” Yes, God has blessed all our “hellos” and “goodbyes.”

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Life is a journey, a constant moving on till we reach our final destination. Someone beautifully described our journey as a series of steps and stops. It is very assuring to know that the Lord is with us in every step and every stop we make along the way. How consoling to know that the Lord is with us wherever we are, and whatever we do.

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One of the best inventions in our day and age is the cellular phone which enables us to keep in touch and connect with people anywhere in the world. The Lord made sure that He will be with us, and that He will be within our reach through prayer. Yes, He is always present. He is just a prayer away.

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What is also amazing is the invention of the GPS (global positioning system) which helps us know our location and direction. We have to know from time to time where we are and where we are headed as we journey on in life. Remember, to be able to reach our final destination, we have to be constantly in touch with God through prayer.

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Saint Padre Pio was one person who remained in touch with God till the end. Neither pain, nor persecution, nor worldly fame made this saint remove his focus from his God. He remained in touch with God not only in prayer, but also with the sick and the needy around him. In compliance with his wish, a hospital for the poor has been erected in his shrine at San Giovanni Rotondo, and a retirement house for sick and elderly priests is now under construction as well.

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Saint Padre Pio is now buried in the new, beautiful, and even opulent church beside the old and austere convent where he lived for many years and welcomed pilgrims from all over the world. Would this poor and simple Franciscan Capuchin friar have liked the upgrade? Our guide explained that this was to show that those who lived poor, chaste and simple lives in this world will inherit their heavenly reward.

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In our Mass with Mercy Tuazon, Philippine ambassador to the Vatican, we heard the sharing of Costa Rican Ambassador Fernando F. Sanchez Campos whose son and wife were healed through the relic of Saint Padre Pio. Here was an ambassador who proclaimed unashamedly the presence of God in this our day and time, and the reality of miracles in our lives. It was very inspiring and edifying to hear him. Shouldn’t we all be busy proclaiming God’s presence and love wherever we are, and whatever we do?

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“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” The proof of our love for God is our obedience to His will that flows into concrete loving of his people. In other words, loving God is not lip service, but simply, service. To remain in God’s love, we must love sincerely and concretely.

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It is interesting to note that there are people who easily lose their peace. The Lord told us to hold on to that peace “which the world cannot give nor take away.” If we easily get irritated, discouraged, or be affected by problems, temptations or trials, that means that our staying power with the Lord is still, so to say, weak and fragile. How deep is your love for God, and how wide is your love for people?

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Next to losing one’s travel documents, the worst thing that can happen to a traveler is losing one’s wallet or losing one’s luggage. Two of our fellow pilgrims experienced these in our recent pilgrimage. Yes, anything can happen to anyone anytime. No matter how much we prepare, we can never be fully prepared for any eventuality beyond our control. In such situations we must learn to be still, and just remain in God’s embrace and love.

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To remain in love with God every day, we must remind ourselves that our most important appointment for the day is our appointment with God, and that our most important agenda is to love.

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Saint Padre Pio’s prayer for Jesus’ presence: “Stay with me, Lord, for it is necessary to have you present so that I do not forget you. You know how easily I abandon you. Stay with me, Lord, because I am weak, and I need your strength that I may not fall so often. Stay with me, Lord, for you are my life, and without you, I am without fervor. Stay with me, Lord, for you are my light and without you I am in darkness. Stay with me, Lord, to show me your will. Stay with me, Lord, so that I hear your voice and follow you…”

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A moment with the Lord:

Lord, stay with me, so that I can love you, and will stay in love with you. Amen.