Prophetic Voice

Truly, we and other people can give up on our selves but God would never do it. That’s always been God’s love story with us. After all he didn’t wait for our response; he sent his only Son and became a human being like us so that the Son of Man would become the new Adam—the one that will reconcile man and woman back to God.

The story of Transfiguration, however, allows us to endure our sufferings and to hope for a better life and world. It gives a glimpse of perfect joy for those who persevere in carrying their crosses. This Christian story is a promise to hold and a justice to look forward. However, it does not stop us from dreaming of a decent and happier life in the here and now. The complete transfiguration of our lives and the world may not happen in the present time, but it can start with every heroic deed, every sacrifice, and every generous offering.

Lent is a time to achieve perfection. Although this is hard to do because of many worldly distractions, our uncontrollable human tendencies and appetites, it is something that we must hope for!

So what more can I ask? Absolutely, priesthood is not an easy life, especially when it is exercised in pastoral leadership, but, again, its joy supersedes any hardship, pain, and sacrifice.  

This reflection has made me think of my experience this past week with a group of priests from different parts of the country during a three-day meeting in Philadelphia. As we sat together to plan a celebration of our giftedness as priests, I was amazed by the talents, commitment, and dedication of everyone in the group. In the midst of crises of priestly vocation and priestly life, this meeting allowed me to see clearly the hand of God working in us, his grace living in us. I saw hope that never diminished, convictions that never died, and dreams that never shattered. God is good and is alive in us! His Kingdom continues to rule our life, the Church, and the world.

It’s hard to believe that the year is ending. I guess that when we are preoccupied with work, projects, and studies, we never notice the days that go by. At the same time, the people around us, especially those that care for us make our lives easy with their affection and presence. Personally, this is what gives me hope–the friends that assure me of their support, love, and loyalty. They will always be there when things get tough; they’re the angels that God has sent to console me, to rescue me from anxiety ordiscouragement. My Church is, of course, another one that gives me strength with the Sacraments and the Word of God.

The widow in this Sunday’s Gospel puts me to shame. She gave everything she had: her two coins. What a grateful heart she had! Despite her misfortunes, she was still willing to give. Perhaps, she recognized that in spite of losing her husband, she was still alive and has her children. She still counted her blessings and responded with generosity.

What can we do? We all have to deal with mortality, whether that of a loved one or ours. I know that we don’t even want to think about this; we’d rather enjoy life or keep on working. But I would say that, sometimes, it’s healthy to reflect on death: it makes us realistic; it sets our priorities; it helps us examine our values.

In these fast times, we need to pause once in a while to reflect on our blessings. I know that during the previous month we have been affected by the natural calamities that have happened in Philippines, Indonesia, and Samoa. But, still, these tragic events should not prevent us from discovering the graces of God that are hidden beneath these sad stories of the world.

I can say that it is the same with marriage. A marriage would fail or would become stagnant without prayer life, without spirituality. Spouses who don’t relate to God in intimate or fraternal ways are not going to persevere in their commitment to marriage and family. They may say that they are getting by despite their heavy responsibilities of raising children, but they may not be receiving the spiritual graces of joy and strength they need to persevere in their commitments. Marriages without spirituality experience the threats of infidelity, heartbreaks, and unhappiness.