The story is told about a boy who asked his father: “Dad, what is sex?” Thinking that the time had come for him to explain the facts and realities of life, the father said: “Son, sex is an act between two people, and it is done not before or outside marriage, and it eventually will result in new life, and creation goes on.” And the son said: “Wow. That is kinda long for the space provided in the bio-data form I am filling out for my high school application!”
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In today’s gospel (Lk. 18, 9-14), Jesus simplifies what righteousness is all about. It is not self-righteousness. And Jesus simplifies what holiness is all about. It is humility before God, and trust in His loving mercy. “Oh, God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” This is the best prayer. This is the best starting point in our journey to God’s heart. Unless and until we accept our sinfulness and rely on God’s mercy and grace, the real journey to God’s heart has not yet really begun.
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Please remember that we have received more than we have achieved in this life. Passion for human excellence should be accompanied by true compassion. A “self-made” person is laudable, but a “grace-filled” person is more laudable. Do you picture yourself as one resting on laurels, or one relying on prayers?
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Today is Prison Awareness Sunday. Let us remember, pray for, and reach out to those who are behind bars. When was the last time you visited those in prison? Remember, visiting the imprisoned is one of our corporal works of mercy.
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While we pray that prisoners will not lose hope, let us also pray that there will be real justice for those who are unjustly condemned. There is a lot to be done in improving our judicial and correctional system. Let justice, not money, reign supreme in our land.
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Today, let us ask the Lord to free us from our own prisons, and from anything or anyone that makes us unfree. May the Lord free us especially from our addictions and attachments, and from our fears and insecurities. What can set us free from our anxieties about the past, restlessness about the present, and worries about the future? Sincere prayer and trust in God can set us free. There are many things we cannot understand, explain, or control in this life. This we need to learn: Let go and let God.
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One of the most touching moments of sharing by pilgrims in our recent pilgrimage to Medjugorje was that of Nanay Ining from Consolacion, Cebu. This 78-year-old woman lives alone in her house. Listening to her story, we all felt sad about her lonely situation. But she taught us courage. Instead of pitying her, we were inspired by how she manages and copes with loneliness—by doing household chores happily, singing aloud, playing scrabble all by herself, and praying constantly. Here is one person who is not a prisoner of her situation because of her simple faith in God, and the belief that she is not alone.
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The hour-long climb up the Apparition Hill in Medjugorje is a test of physical strength. It is not an easy climb: The rocks are sharp, the path is rugged, and the way is steep. So, too, in life. Stop and rest if we must, but we must not give up. We just have to move on, and help each other until we reach our final destination, filled with peace that we have done our best and that we did not make the journey difficult for others.
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A pilgrim voiced this reflection: “The going up is difficult, but more so the going down.” He added: “It is easy to become proud, and difficult to become humble. It is easy to be unforgiving, and difficult to be forgiving. It is easy to be passionate in our work, and difficult to be compassionate to our fellow workers.” Well said. Amen!
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Let us pray for the peaceful and honest election of our barangay officials this week. May we not be imprisoned by the dishonest and the greedy. May we have a new breed of government officials and leaders.
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May we all be reminded as we celebrate All Souls Day later this week that we will carry nothing with us when we leave this world except the love, the faith, and the goodness we have shared. “May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.” And may we, the living, rest in peace!
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Thought for the journey: “Don’t compare your life to others, and don’t judge them. You have no idea what they are going through in their life journey.”
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At the end of the month I will launch a book titled “Memorable Senior Moments.” It is a collection of funny, delightful, and touching stories and reflections of those who have braved the noonday sun and are now journeying toward their sunset years. It will make a good Christmas gift, and the proceeds will help support our SVD Filipino missionaries abroad. Whether junior, or senior, be inspired on how to live a happy, meaningful and grace-filled life!
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A moment with the Lord: Lord, set us free from our prisons and fears, and insecurities. Amen.