Expert’s advice

The story is told about a man who was asked why he talks to himself. His reply was: “Why do I talk to myself? That’s because sometimes I need to hear an expert’s advice.”

In today’s Gospel (Jn. 5, 51-58), Jesus gives us an expert’s advice regarding true food: “I am the Living Bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” Take that from the expert of our body and soul.

Food is important for life. But are we eating the right food? It is not only the quantity, but also the quality, of the food we eat that affects our health. By the way, “Eat well, and eat right” was said not only for the body, but also for the soul.

My journey with cancer has made me realize the importance of the three “H” in life: Health, Happiness and Holiness. Be healthy, be happy and be holy. Let us keep these in mind as we journey on. Yes, no matter what, let us choose to be healthy, to be happy and to be holy.

I have heard about the dreaded chemotherapy before, and tomorrow, I will undergo my first of four sessions, once every three weeks. It is a road I wish I didn’t have to take, but in faith, I look at it as a chance and opportunity for physical and spiritual cleansing, offering whatever pain, discomfort and inconvenience unto the Lord, in solidarity with those who are sick and suffering around us. Thank you, dear friends, for accompanying me in my journey with your prayers, and I will also do the same for you.

Sufferings make us appreciate and treasure the value of the true bread, and make us realize what true life is all about.

Bigger than the “Big C” (cancer) is Christ. Bigger than the “Big Ch” (chemotherapy) is, still, Christ. That’s it! And that’s all we need to remember.

It has been a month since my lung surgery. It has been a restful month, and a prayerful one. The Lord has led me to this road of rest and quiet so that there will be more and deeper bonding moments between me and the Bread of Life. If your sickness, or any trial, has brought you closer to God, then, it is worth it all. In everything that happens, there is a reason, and there is a mission. In line with cancer, someone advised me: Focus on the humor, not on the tumor, and inspire before you expire. Amen!

How God really provides! I had so many anxieties regarding chemotherapy and its side effects, an unknown territory which I was trying to bravely tread—until I met a couple, Dr. Willy and May Lagdameo, both cancer and chemotherapy victors, who told me not to worry, and that they will accompany me every step along the way. The Lord does send angels along the way!

Cancer, or any sickness for that matter, reminds us of the reality of death, but also leads us to finally really live. Along with the realization that time is limited, one begins to make every day quality time with God, with people and with oneself. A lot of things fall into place when we realize that we have a Creator, and that life on earth is not forever.

Let’s put it this way — all of us will die of something, someday, be it of natural causes, or accidents, or even of boredom. Better that we die for something or someone. Better still, that we live for something or someone.

Think about this: “Never focus on your problems; focus on your possibilities. The problems will pull you down; the possibilities will push you up.”

A moment with the Lord:

Lord, You are the expert of our bodies and souls. Help us to listen to Your advice. Amen.

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