We have a Father!

The story is told about a teacher who asked her students: “Class, where does sugar come from?” One student answered: “From sugar cane, ma’am!” Another said: “From the bees, with their honey, ma’am!” Finally, a little boy said: “Sugar comes from the fast-food restaurants because every time my father comes home, he brings us sugar, ma’am!”

* * *

In today’s Gospel (Lk. 11, 1-13), Jesus teaches us to call His Father our Father! Yes, we have a loving Father who knows everything and who will take care of everything and everyone in our lives. Habemus Patrem!

* * *

We have a Father. We are not orphans. We are not alone or abandoned. Let us live with this blessed assurance. God is in perfect control. Let us pray for the grace to worry less and trust Him more.

* * *

If God is our Father, then we are brothers and sisters. Let us care for, and not kill, one another. Short of that, let us respect, listen to, and reach out to one another. Why? Because God is our Father, and He wants us all to love one another.

* * *

Is our Father pleased with us, and with the lives we are living? Is the Father smiling at us when He looks at us, at our families, at our country, and at the world in which we are living? Is He happy with His creatures and with creation? Please don’t forget the “uplook”—the big picture!

* * *

We are all answerable to our Father. We will come face to face with Him someday, and what a meeting it will be! Will it be a meeting filled with joy, or with shame and regrets? The choice is ours to make.

* * *

Fr. Vic Cisneros, SVD, met an accident last July 19 at about 6.30 p.m. This humble, self-effacing and hardworking priest was on his way to the Batangas City Cathedral to hear confessions when his motorbike was hit by a car. His left leg was fractured. He is all right now, and recovering. Thank You, God, our most loving Father!

* * *

Life is short. Death is certain. Our exit from this life can happen anytime. Let us live in such a way that when we leave this world, we will have little or no regrets that we loved too little, or too late. Again, let us remember that we carry nothing when we leave this world except the faith and the love we have practiced and shared.

* * *

Let us not forget that simple prayer to our guardian angels to protect us from accidents, illnesses, violence, and bad people who have bad intentions upon us. Let us also ask our guardian angels to protect us from pride and selfishness, from depression and hopelessness. “Angel of God, my guardian dear…”

* * *

I made a sick call yesterday. I visited a friend who, years ago, always said to me, “Saka na, Father,” whenever I mentioned confession to him. Next time, Father, he always said, adding that he was not yet ready. Finally, cancer caught up with him. And he called for me, saying that now, he is ready. Let us not postpone or belittle our journey to God’s heart. It is dangerous to manipulate God and His mercy.

* * *

As we journey on, there will always be reminders of the Father’s love for us. After so many years, I again met Dr. Willie de la Cruz and Dr. Rodel Valera, who performed surgery on my throat last April 1999. That was a long time ago, but the message of God’s love and provision remains. Yes, there will always be something to remind us of the Father’s love.

* * *

I wrote last week that a “Martha” can become “martaray” (arrogant). But a so-called “Mary” can also become “maryabang” (boastful and proud). Whether you are a Martha or a Mary, don’t let pride set in your heart. True humility begins when we are humble before the Father.

* * *

Think about this: “I am not sinless, but now, I am sinning less.”

* * *

Bantay Matanda invites you to a lay forum on “Fall Prevention in the Elderly” at Tuklong ni San Jose in Christ the King Seminary, E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue, Quezon City, on July 30 from 9 a.m to 12 noon. For inquiries, please call 373-2262 or 09174167849.

* * *

A moment with the Lord:

Lord, thank You! We have You as our Father, now, always, and forever. Amen!