Memorial of St. Francis of Assisi

Job lived a hundred and forty years after this... And then he died at a very great age. – Job 42:16-17

       “Joey’s life is like a flower in God’s garden that blossomed beautifully. God found it so irresistible, He had to pick it and take it to His bosom.” The priest tried to explain why God took our beloved events pillar head prematurely.

       There are many things Joey will no longer get to do, especially his oft-repeated desire to see his grandchildren. But the outpouring of love during his wake showed that he already lived out God’s purpose for his life. His wife, Myrna, heard countless stories on how he made servants and attendees feel loved and welcomed at The Feast Alabang. He inspired many to serve God through various ministries. It was awe-inspiring to witness the standing ovation this quiet and humble man received during our community’s memorial Mass.

       Joey did not live to 140 like Job, but he died at a great age — not in years but in the impact of a life lived for the Lord and His people. If we live a life pleasing to God, as Job and Joey did, then at whatever age we are called home, it will be a great age. Lella M. Santiago (mirellasantiago@yahoo.com)

Reflection: Are you making God proud with the life you live?

Lord, help me to live a life that is beautiful in Your eyes.

St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us.

Job repents of anything he might have said that was disrespectful of the Lord. The Lord blesses him with even greater abundance than he had before. This does not change the fact that Job had suffered greatly. He lost everything from his earlier life. However, it introduces to us the idea of how heaven is better than anything we can conceive of in this life. Believing in delayed gratification when it comes to our faith is a challenge we have to face.

1 Job answered the Lord and said: 2 I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be hindered. 3 I have dealt with great things that I do not understand; things too wonderful for me, which I cannot know. 5 I had heard of you by word of mouth, but now my eye has seen you. 6 Therefore I disown what I have said, and repent in dust and ashes. 12 Thus the Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his earlier ones. For he had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she-asses. 13 And he had seven  sons and three daughters, 14 of whom he called the first Jemimah, the second Keziah, and the third Kerenhappuch. 15 In all the land no other women were as beautiful as the daughters of Job; and their father gave them an inheritance among their brothers. 16 After this, Job lived a hundred and forty years; and he saw his children, his grandchildren, and even his great-grandchildren. 17 Then Job died, old and full of years.

R: Lord, let your face shine on me.

66 Teach me wisdom and knowledge, for in your commands I trust. (R) 71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn your statutes. (R) 75 I know, O Lord, that your ordinances are just, and in your faithfulness you have afflicted me. (R) 91 According to your ordinances they still stand firm; all things serve you. (R) 125 I am your servant; give me discernment that I may know your decrees. (R)130 The revelation of your words sheds light, giving understanding to the simple. (R)

The only thing that should really matter to us when assessing our progress in our faith walk is whether or not we are obedient to Jesus’ call. His plan for our lives is the best possible way of life. Sometimes this doesn’t seem to be the case when we suffer or undergo trials. However, it could be much worse if we do not follow His will. Faith is all about learning to trust that God knows best and He always desires the best for us.

Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.

17 The seventy-two disciples returned rejoicing and said to Jesus, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name.” 18 Jesus said, “I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky. 19 Behold, I have given you the power ‘to tread upon serpents’ and scorpions and upon the full force of the enemy and nothing will harm you. 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” 21 At that very moment he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. 22 All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.” 23 Turning to the disciples in private he said, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. 24 For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.”

think:  Jesus’ plan for our lives is the best possible way of life.

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Ecclesiastes 5-8

RETURN REJOICING

I’m always fascinated by Overseas Filipino Workers going home for the first time from many years of working abroad. I could sense excitement in the air. I could feel joyful anticipation in the cabin. Everyone is just a little bit more restless; all seem to be engaged in cheerful chatter, and, on not a few occasions, I saw young fathers and young mothers, or men and women in their forties or fifties, fidgeting and fumbling with their prized pasalubongs, which they carefully wrapped in recycled plastic bags that belie their city or country of work. I even espied hopeful faces with fingers busy thumbing through rosary beads.

       They all return home rejoicing. Each has a story and a reason to rejoice, much like the exuberant 72 disciples who came home raving about the wonders wrought in the Lord’s name. But while the Lord affirmed them in their joy, He also counseled them to look for a deeper reason to rejoice other than mere earthly achievements.

       Like our brothers and sisters working abroad, we all have beautiful things happening in our lives. It could be a son or a daughter graduating from college, or a newly built house erected with blood, sweat and tears shed at work in a foreign land. It could be because we have made a name for ourselves, having become some kind of success in our own right. Or it could be because we have finally made it in life after years of toil.

       We all have reasons to go home rejoicing. But again, the Lord tells us, there ought to be more than just a list of accomplishments. That is what everybody does, anyway. Everyone wants a nice, spacious, comfortable house. Everyone wants successful and educated kids. Everyone wants affirmation and approval from both superiors and peers.

       What about going the extra mile and striving to be different by doing something really beautiful for God? Come home different. Work and live in a way that our “names are written in heaven,” and then return rejoicing! Fr. Chito Dimaranan, SDB

REFLECTION QUESTION: If you were to rejoice, what would it be about?

Teach me, Lord, to rejoice, not so much in my worldly accomplishments but in what I am doing for You.