Transitory life

In this passing life, with all the ups and downs of coincidences and happenings and our own human failings, it is good and consoling to remember Christ’s consoling but infallible words: “To those who love God all things work together for their good” or as the Jerusalem Bible translates it: “We know that by turning everything to their good God cooperates with all those who love him” (Rom. 8:28). 

You know in this life if we constantly fix our eyes on creation we can’t help being disappointed since they are all passing and transitory.  We must imitate the lives of Jesus and the Saints who were always enlivened by their constant prayer and recourse to God Almighty who alone can strengthen our lives while we face the various trials or challenges in life. We must realize that God is our final destiny so that all our actions and desires must be in accordance with His Almighty will and commandments.  Such an assurance will then be a source of  our strength and comfort as we face the various trials and disappointments in life.  We know that after all is said and done we will have to give an account to God who is our final destiny and end.  He alone gives us the final reward or chastisement for our words and deeds in this transitory life. 

To God therefore be all honor and glory!  God’s word keeps reminding us: “Brothers, this is what I mean: our time is growing short.  Those who have wives should live as though they had none, and those who mourn should live as though they had nothing to mourn for; those who are enjoying life should live as though there is nothing to laugh about; those whose life is buying things should live as though they had nothing of their own; and those who have to deal with the world should not become engrossed in it.  I say this because the world as we know it is passing away” (1 Cor. 7:29-31).

Parents' Memories

The role of parents (our papa and mama) is so etched in our memories because they have been closest to us since the very beginnings of our existence and took care of us since the early years.  So it’s quite normal we become warmly disposed towards them because it’s but human to be grateful and loyal to them.  No wonder our tender memories of both mother and father linger through the years even if they could have passed already to the life beyond the grave.  Hence we keep them always and ever in our prayers that the Lord may grant them eternal rest after their journey on this earth.  Then we know that our part is not just to live in memories but to proceed from there to do our part in fighting our own battles of justice, concern, and follow whatever good example and lessons our parents and forbears have left us.  If we experienced love and care from our own parents, relatives and friends, we must do our best to extend such love and charity to other human beings we encounter in our short and temporary life, after all what is life worth if not for the love and care we get and share to others in life. 

St. Paul writes in his 2nd letter to Timothy referring to his many encounters or battles for the sake of justice, love, concern, truth, and reconciliation: “As for me, my life is already being poured out as a libation, and the time has come for me to be gone.  I have fought the good fight to the end; I have run the race to the finish; I have kept the faith; all there is to come now is the crown of righteousness reserved for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that Day; and not only to me but to all those who have longed for his Appearing” (2 Tim. 4:6-8).  The Jerusalem Bible describes those quotations of St. Paul as ‘St. Paul in the evening of his life’.

Why be a Christian?

In this world where the search for truth is of paramount importance it would be good to deepen our answer to the present topic.  We do not and should not despise other religious convictions.  But the important thing is to defend each person’s freedom to search for the truth.  There is no need to force other people to accept our own beliefs.  What is important is to help one another in the free and important task of seeking for the ultimate truth in all things.

If you believe in Christianity, that should be left to every person’s option or decision, we can provide the help and arguments to aid his search for the truth.  Truth is not a monopoly but ought to be shared with our neighbor.  Why?

Because truly as Jesus says:  “If you make my word your home you will indeed be my disciples, you will learn the truth and the truth will make you free” (Jn. 8:31-32).  When Jesus spoke He reinforced His statements with facts, deeds and miracles, His were not just a matter of nice words but always associated with deeds and divine power.  After all, actions speak louder than words.

The whole world

            The fact that Catholicity has grown worldwide is no surprise at all.  Almost or about 2000 years ago when the many hundreds of people were anxiously going after Jesus after hearing His words and seeing the miracles He wrought, this was the comment by one of the Pharisees: “You see, there is nothing you can do; look, the whole world is running after him” (Jn. 12:19).

            The status of Christianity and Catholicity has been growing worldwide, in spite of all odds and hard trials met along the way.  It’s not just a matter of propaganda but we realize the truth itself can stand the test of time.  The words uttered by Jesus: “I am the way, the truth and the life” (Jn. 14:6), have stood the test of time.  Till today we know many of His followers, especially the venerated Saints, have shown by word and splendid deeds the truth of the Catholic Church.  Surely this has happened, not by pure human efforts but always with the help of God’s mighty hand.