Loaded

The story is told about a group of priests who were engrossed in a “weighty” subject matter. One of them said, “My doctor told me I am obese.” Another said, “I am obese 1.” And the next said, “I am obese 2!” Just then, the bishop walked in and they asked him if he was obese. And his response was: “Yes I am Obispo!”

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In today’s Gospel (Mt. 11, 25-30), Jesus invites us who are weighed down by work and problems to come to Him. “Come to me, all of you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves.” How consoling to know that we are not alone, and that we have someone to run to when our tears and fears overwhelm and burden us.

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“Let go, and let God.” We have to learn this basic lesson in life! Some of us take a lifetime to realize that we cannot go it alone, that our achievements are little compared to the graces and blessings we have received, and that our plans are subject to God’s master plan. Foolish pride can blind us and make us believe we are gods or greater gods than the rest, which we definitely are not.

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I remember the story of a priest newly arrived in our SVD Seminary in Tagaytay. Taking a cold shower in the morning was torture for him, especially in the “ber” months of the year. After some months he confessed his predicament to his next room confrere, who showed him, with a turn of the knob, that a hot shower is available all the time! “How come you never told me?” he barked. “Because you never asked” was the reply.

Yes, if you need help, maybe it’s time to really, really ask.

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“Have mercy on me, a sinner.” In the end, it is mercy, divine mercy, that will save us. Our “good deeds” will not save us. The path of penance and humility will lead us to God’s heart. This journey does not start when we die. It is something that starts, and is going on now. Please check your bearings, your GPS, and find out if the journey to God’s heart is a part of your flight plan. Please don’t miss it. It is the most important journey of your life. Remember, even if your journey is to prison, to hospital, or to the grave, it is and can still be a journey to God’s heart.

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There’s good football going on now as we come to the finals of the Fifa World Cup in Brazil. Football teaches us that we should focus on the goal. Life, like football, involves a lot of running, stamina, hard work, and teamwork. There are good players, but they are good insofar as they play with the team, and listen to the coach. Forget the superstar mentality. There is only one superstar.

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There’s good tennis going on now in Wimbledon, England. Let me share with you my reflections on the game of tennis, and life: It takes two to tennis, and life, like tennis, is never a one-man game. Find yourself a PARTNER and don’t hurdle life’s battles alone. Remember, life is not about winning, but how you play the game. Score not your life by the years but by the fellowship and friends you have won. Specialize in good SERVICE, and never DOUBLE-FAULT in life. Take no HURRIED SHOTS. At the right time, give your best drives with lots of FOLLOW-THROUGH and go for a winner! But remember, the best shots need not be POWER SHOTS. Conserve your strength. Vary your shots. Learn, discover, experiment, and risk. For life, like tennis, is an art… The more you go into it, the more you discover you know little about it. You will never quite come to perfect it. So PRACTICE, practice, practice.

When the going gets tough, don’t give up. Always go for a DEUCE and make every shot count. Do not blame the RACKET or the wind, but take responsibility for every point lost or gained. Break your racket if you have to, but never break your heart. Be gentle to yourself and don’t take things too hard, for you are still your own best friend in this life.

Should you find yourself in a real SLUMP, don’t tighten up. Relax, smile, look at the sky. Go back to the basics—love, friendship, happiness, beauty, peace, God and fellowmen. When you find yourself up against the wall, always go to your unfailing CENTER. There will always be misfortunes, and balls of life’s troubles may sometimes press you, so be ready with those solid FOREHANDS and meet life’s problems ON THE RISE… EYES ON THE BALL… FIRM ON THE GRIP. Should you find yourself on the losing end, cheer up. WIN or LOSE, what matters is that you played your best. After all, that is all that the GREAT UMPIRE did request—your best! In LIFE as in TENNIS, let LOVE be your game and your aim!

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Singles who have negative transgenerational patterns and having difficulty finding “Mr. Right” and couples with repetitive conflict issues are invited to attend the Psychogenetics-Gestalt seminar-retreat on July 19-20 at St. John the Baptist Retreat House, Tagaytay City. To register, contact Ed at 09178360305 or Harry at 09178410398, or log on to www.gabaysapaghilom.org for more details.

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A Moment With The Lord:

Lord, teach me to pass my load to you, and share the load of my brothers and sisters. Amen.