The key

The story is told about a father who told his son: “Look at that guy pulling a rope while walking. He must be crazy!” After some thought, the little boy said: “Really, Dad? OK, show him how to push a rope.”

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Today is the Feast of the Santo Niño, the Holy Child. In today’s Gospel (Mt. 18, 1-5.10), Jesus tells His disciples: “Unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” Jesus goes on to laud the basic characteristic of a child: “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.”

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Humility is the key to the Kingdom of Heaven. Children have the key. Many of us adults lose it or have lost it along the way. So engrossed in our personal worldly agenda, we often forget that life, more than an achievement, is a gift. Proud of your worldly achievements? Look again and see how much more you have received than you have achieved.

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Jesus called the child over, and the child obeyed. The child must have been scared or shy, but he/she overcame all these at the Lord’s call. When God calls us, are we ready to leave everything or everyone to answer His call? Are we listening to Him at all?

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In our cenacle prayer last week, Pacita and Gus Uykim shared with us their experience of letting go of their material possessions when Supertyphoon “Yolanda” struck and devastated Tacloban. Pacita spoke about the ultimate worthlessness of material possessions when death or tragedy approaches one’s doorsteps. What made her letting go light and easy was her deep faith and trust in God and Mama Mary. In the eyes of the world, deprivation, sickness, humiliation, death and tragedy are considered the fate of the unwise and the lazy. However, in the eyes of faith, these unexplainable moments are tremendous moments of grace and mercy.

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Speaking of obedience, 2nd Lt. Hiroo Onoda, the Japanese soldier who held out long after World War II ended, died at the age of 91 in Tokyo last Thursday. He refused to surrender until his former commander ordered him to do so in 1974. His sense of duty and his commitment to country are something we all must reflect on and emulate in our time and day.

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Like children, we as a nation must pray again. President Aquino will lead “Isang Bansa, Isang Panalangin” (One Nation, One Prayer), an interfaith rally, in Malacañang at 5 p.m. tomorrow. The rally is a means to remember the victims of the recent catastrophes, to celebrate the Filipino spirit of resiliency, and to thank God for His graces and blessings upon us. May it also be an occasion for renewal for all of us to turn from our sins, and humble ourselves to one another and to God so that the Lord will bless and protect our land. Amen!

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Perhaps prayer or faith will not solve our problems, but a person of prayer and faith can see and understand problems clearer, and will even accept problems better. Ah, but don’t forget that prayer and faith have solved problems. Miracles do happen. The impossible can become possible! If you cannot relate with this thought, maybe it is because you have become a cynical, proud, and cold adult, and have lost the simplicity, humility, and warmth of a child.

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Speaking of children, did you get to see the beautiful moon last Jan. 13? What a sight it was, with a rainbow-colored ring around it! For us who saw it, maybe we did not make money or experience physical pleasure in looking up to heaven, but it surely brought a smile to our faces and warmth in our hearts, and reminded us of God’s presence and love.

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Our 92-year-old Mama has been confined in hospital for three days now because of abdominal pain and fever. Even in her pain and sickness, she exudes so much love and patient suffering. Like a child, she obeys, and she just prays. Please say a prayer for this loving, prayerful, humble, and wonderful woman.

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“See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.” Take that as a reminder for us to treat others, especially the children and the “little ones” in our midst, with respect, understanding and love. Take that, too, as a warning for us not to hurt, use, manipulate or abuse the innocent, the helpless, the last, the least, and the lost.

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Jan. 20-26 is National Bible Week, with the theme “Engaging Every Family in Proclaiming and Living the Word.” It’s a special time for reading, studying and living the Word of God.

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Computer services for the blind are now offered by ATRIEV (Adaptive Technology for Rehabilitation, Integration and Empowerment of the Visually Impaired). Computer training and services for the blind and low-vision persons are ongoing. For details, call 7254191/5149531; e-mail [email protected]; or visit ATRIEV, 2nd floor, 1680 E. Rodriguez Sr. Blvd., Cubao, Quezon City.

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A moment with the Lord:

Lord, help me not to lose humility, the key to a meaningful life and to eternity. Amen.