“I SOUGHT the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.” This psalm is a soothing, calming guide to me as we embark on this 9th Journey toward Public service: CAMPAIGN PERIOD FOR LOCAL CANDIDATES!
The events of the past weeks when VP LENI arrived in Zamboanga and the tremendous outpouring of voluntary support showed genuine love for our Country. On a personal note, our eldest granddaughter Tania, who turned 18 this year and a Registered voter, gave VP Leni the replica of the VINTA as her contribution to LAYAG, a work of Silvie Agravante, a mother of two; and all the volunteers with Doc Anton, who stood braving the rain.
That night with the Zamboangueña valientes y Mujer mafuerza Pinpin Pareja, Tiffany Cabanlit, Selina Espiritusanto and Mommy Marj Santa Teresa, we immersed ourselves to honor Women’s Month. The Right of Suffrage was championed by my Abuelita Isabel. Being gifted with the right to vote and be voted upon, Tania and Aica, Tricia daughters of VP Leni, will exercise the right to vote. And Filipina voters must exercise our Sacred Right to vote, with men for the better Future of the Filipino Family!
PRODIGAL - “having or giving something on a lavish scale, “definition 2. The Gospel narrates the Prodigal son, who left home and wasted all the inheritance, and returned to his father because he was hungry. “Coming to his senses he thought, “How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger. I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him: “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers.”
So he got up and went back to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him. His son said to him: “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.”
In an unexpected way the Father did not give a lecture, but responded with mercy and love for his beloved son. “But his father ordered his servants, quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.” Then the celebration began.
Some commentaries say, the story can also be of God’s lavish generous love for us, wayward children. A Prodigal Father who lavishly pardoned and received his son with a great celebration. Parents are like that. Ya acorda yo telling my Mother who was sick with cancer after her cobalt treatment in UP-PGH, and my Dad confessing some thoughts. Mio mayores ya intende conmigo without any scolding. Mas pa el Dios recive nosotras si pedimos perdon.
Last week was a lavish and unexpected journey. We went to Cagayan de Oro for the ROSA (Robredo-Sara) launch, in support of Leni Robredo for President and Sara Duterte for Vice-President! Two Women, Two Mothers, Two Lawyers, Two Leaders who touched the lives of people by helping Zamboanga City during the Pandemic.
Being “praning” about having Covid because of soaking in the rain, my asthmatic cough, I started to ask for prescriptions for medicines and even underwent an antigen test. Following closely the Lenten Liturgy, I heard that “WE MUST NOT BE SELF ABSORBED!” Miraculously after another rainfall while departing, and the jolt of the plane, we landed safely. There, I thought less about myself and focused on the work that needed to be done. I felt better, that the symptoms still present, but less persistent in a way made the adventure meaningful.
Being afraid of getting sick because of the air con, Tania generously put it off to make me feel comfortable with my jacket, shirt, socks, pajamas and scarf covering my head. Tania wanted to sleep with Lola. And God allowed me to treasure a very special bonding that night. When I awoke, I turned on the air con for Taia, who said that I snored like a man…like her Lolo! God lavishes us with unexpected blessings and may we be grateful for all the encounters we have. Like MARY in the ANNUNCIATION- WE SAY FIAT/ YES TO GOD’s WILL! Embrace the journey courageously and obediently, let Mary our Mother lead us to JESUS! (MBC)
No comments:
Post a Comment