Prophetic Voice

So how does a person deal with this tough milieu? One needs to have a thick skin, an inner strength, a stoic and overconfident self, and a clear vision of one’s goals. One needs to be content and peaceful with one’s accomplishments and identity.

But life presents itself to us as a struggle. All have to undergo hardships; all have to experience trials and challenges. In today’s Gospel our Lord Jesus told his disciples that despite any hardship they must “strive to enter through the narrow gate.” What Jesus meant here was that he wanted his disciples to put forward a great deal of energy like an athlete in a competition as they follow his Way.

Despite our human foibles there is one person who does not give up on us; who believes in our capacities to change or to be better. It’s our Creator God.

What would these spiritual treasures be? The Gospel does not tell us quite well but gives us a hint. It says that when the master of the house comes back and finds his servants vigilant, “he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them.”

This is even truer when we receive people who are strangers, who may be different from us, who may not share our culture or speak our language. As they say, it’s easier to love our own kind but not those who are different from us.

Would the decisions we make, the projects we engaged in, and indeed, the commitments we get ourselves into make any difference in the world?  Like some of you, at times I struggle with this question. For example, these next two weeks I will be part of a new movement of overseas Filipinos to advocate for good governance in the Philippines. In my personal prayers, I brought up this decision to the Lord, because I’ve asked myself and my friends if participating in this cause would be true to my calling and if it could bring any difference in other people. I want to have pure motives, free from any self-aggrandizement and self-interest. I want to be part of this movement because I have a desire to give back something to my motherland. I also strongly believe in a Church that works for social justice. As I’ve reflected on and prayed about the decision to part of this movement, the Lord gave me a clear vision and mission. In the stillness of my heart he told me that this is good for me and for the people I serve. Since then I have been at peace with my decision

This is a blessed day to celebrate Fathers’ Day. A father plays a significant part in one’s life and in one’s family. A loving, supportive, and present father will certainly bring a healthy life to a son or daughter. This kind of father will more likely have successful and confident children.
Fathers are not perfect. They have their share of limitations or weaknesses. Despite their imperfections we have to honor them because they are God’s instruments of life and success to us. Many fathers work hard to provide for their children’s basic needs and education. Some even sacrifice by working in another country, away from their families, in order to give decent lives to their children.
Many fathers manage their time between work and family responsibilities. Some are able to volunteer their time in church or in a civic organization—an exemplary service for their sons and daughters. Others are very generous with their time and talents to their relatives, friends, and neighbors; they go out of their way to help them such as to fix their cars, file their income tax, or bring kids’ friends to school or to the ballgames. Many fathers are true examples of remarkable virtues and deeds!
Some people may not be fortunate to have supportive fathers or others may not have experienced the presence of a father. Although this is a painful experience that needs to be understood and supported, one cannot keep on living with resentment. As we always say, “We don’t live in a perfect world.” All that we have to do is to make our lives better in spite of misfortunes. Grace still abounds in the midst of tragedies and sorrows.
There are young fathers who are still learning to fulfill their responsibilities well, to be good fathers. We have to pray for them, support them, and remind them of the beauty of this vocation. They need to know that they are partners of God in bringing up decent, God-fearing, responsible, and self-giving individuals. To be a father is a huge and serious responsibility but it is a beautiful and noble calling.
There are middle aged fathers who are discouraged because they have lost their jobs or are finding difficulties in competing with others in the job market. They also need our love, prayers, and support. There are fathers who are divorced for one reason or another. Still, they require our support and prayers. If there are single mothers, there are also single fathers. Likewise, they need our appreciation and care. There are fathers who are old and ailing, unable to walk or feed themselves, or are now living alone. They need our attention and love even more at the twilight of their lives. At this period, we can’t regret every moment we spend with them. Finally, there are fathers who are now deceased. We need to pray for God’s mercy in order that they may enjoy eternal life with God in heaven.
There are men who have never fathered any children in the physical sense, but they have become spiritual fathers to others. On this Fathers’ Day, we also appreciate their significant contributions to others and to the society.
May all fathers feel our love, care, and appreciation this day! May they continue to fill this world with responsible and noble individuals who care not only for their families but also for the world!

Barriers, be they religious, cultural, or political, need to be broken especially if we want to work together to make changes in our society. Common grounds and mutual conversations should be promoted while respecting each other’s faith tradition. It’s amazing what occurs when these things happen: hopes and possibilities come about.

Like a good father or mother, our Lord does not want us to languish in spiritual hunger and thirst. By instituting the Eucharist, commanding his disciples to “do this in memory of him”, he has given us spiritual provisions that include his words of eternal life, his real presence in the Body and Blood, and the promise of his Second Coming.

Living by the Spirit is a life devoid of selfishness and fear. It is having our hearts centered on following God’s will.