There is a way

The story is told about a child who asked his father: “Dad, what would happen if a bad politician drowns in the river and his body is never found?” The father answered: “Son, there would be pollution.” The son asked again: “What would happen if all bad politicians drown in the river, and their bodies are never found?” The father answered: “Son, that would be the solution.”

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In today’s Gospel (Jn. 14:1-12), Jesus reveals to us the solution to our troubled hearts: faith in God. If we have faith in God, a lot of problems can be solved, or at least can be accepted or understood. True wisdom begins when we realize and accept that there is something or someone greater than ourselves that we need to follow, trust, and serve.

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In all my pilgrimages, I always emphasize that the two most important persons in the bus are the driver and the guide, for without them, we cannot move on, and we cannot arrive at our destination. Likewise, in our journey called life, the Lord tells us today: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” The sooner we realize our need for God, the better for us and for our journey through life.

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“Not paying attention.” In a recent flight abroad I entered the plane and looked for 67B, thinking that it was my seat number. I proceeded through the aisle until I reached the rear of the plane, where I found that the last seat was No. 50. I then realized that 67B was the gate number, and I had to wait till everybody was seated to be able to go to my seat, which was at the front section of the plane. Yes, we need to pay attention and follow instructions.

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We need to listen hard and long enough to God so that we do not lose our way. It is always good to also listen to the advice of others and to not be arrogant. The “Desiderata” says it so well: “Even the dull and the ignorant have their story to tell.”

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There is a story about a confident young man who told a senior citizen how primitive the older generation was compared to his own generation, which has cell phones, computers, jet planes, etc. After a brief silence, the senior citizen responded: “You’re so right, son. We didn’t have those things when we were young… So we invented them! Now, young man, what are you doing for the next generation?”

Let us not be so proud as to forget to acknowledge the goodness that others have done before us, and to continue to find ways to serve those who will come after us.

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Our government leaders must really listen to the people, and not just to their so-called advisers who have their own political or financial agenda. In other words, if the government is to be effective, it must listen to the raw, uncensored data and information coming “from the ground,” and respond to these accordingly.

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Pope Francis is showing us the way to the Father by his words and life example. He is telling us to be a listening Church, to be a simple and joyful Church. We better listen well and follow his lead so that we can truly continue to be “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.” Amen!

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A troubled heart is an open heart. A troubled heart seeks relief or healing, which can come from palliative and temporary measures, many of which can cause more harm than good in the end. On the other hand, a troubled heart can turn to God for relief or healing, and it can find peace. It may not find solutions to the problems at hand, but it can find consolation, courage, and inspiration to go on. Some problems cannot be solved, but a problem that has brought us closer to God is a problem that has already served its purpose.

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Sharing with you God’s word for those who have troubled hearts: “Be strong for I am with you; do not fear for my Spirit remains in you; do not worry for I will fill your house with glory; I will bless you with more than what you have now or before; I will make the best of you for I have chosen you.”

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Let us do our part and pray for rain! We believe in the power of prayer. Simple as it may seem, or simplistic as it may be to some, let us all pray and believe that God listens to our prayers. May the Lord deliver us from drought, and from the sweltering heat in our land!

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Let us also pray to the Lord to deliver us from the drought of good and able political leaders and from the widespread corruption in our land. Lord, give us leaders who will show us the way, who will lead us in truth, and who will give new life to our land. Amen!

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Think about this: “In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.”

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A moment with the Lord:

Lord, help me to believe and keep on believing that there is a way. Amen!