ALLAN'S PHYSICAL REGIMEN

Yesterday we attended the funeral of Sis Zeny Reynante and it became an occasion to see friends from different parishes aside from St. Martha since she also became part of St. Christopher and St. Joseph. Everybody was excited and happy to be with each other and talk about the things we've all been through as a community of God. It is sad that it will be the last time we will see Sis Zeny here on earth but it can not be denied that as believers we all have this hope that she is now in a much better place. Thus it became a venue of happy faces reflecting this faith, praising and proclaiming God's glory. Amen. Hallelujah!

Isaiah 66:18-21
...they shall proclaim my glory among the nations.

I had the chance of talking to a devotee of the Divine Mercy and Rosary in St. Christopher and our conversation led from one sharing to another about God's miracles in our lives. Before we knew it was already time to go and somebody had to cut short our talk. It was like we can't put a stop to it so I told her that it is only right and fitting that we spread the good news of our salvation since we are all called to this task. Today's psalm is a confirmation because it tells us to go out to all the world and tell the Good News. Amen. Hallelujah!

Psalm 117:1, 2
R: Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.
1 Praise the LORD, all you nations; glorify him, all you peoples! (R) 2 For steadfast is his kindness toward us, and the fidelity of the LORD endures forever.

Just this morning I was talking to Allan with regards to the slight misunderstanding he had with his father. He is very strict and a disciplinarian that's why there are times when my 2 sons find it hard to understand him. Today's 2nd reading is very timely indeed. It contains the right and perfect words that I should say to him. This made me remember what Sis Ester said in the prayer meeting of God's Children last night. She said do not worry about the things to say because God Himself is the one who will put words into our mouths. Amen. Hallelujah!


Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13
...“My son, do not disdain the discipline of the Lord or lose heart when reproved by him; 6 for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines; he scourges every son he acknowledges.” 7 Endure your trials as “discipline”; God treats you as sons. For what “son” is there whom his father does not discipline? 11 At the time, all discipline seems a cause not for joy but for pain, yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it...

The readings for today are very consistent in conveying its message. If the first and the psalm readings were perfectly matched with the occasion I attended yesterday the 2nd reading and the gospel were pointing to the events and circumstances surrounding my son, Allan. This passage I have quoted from today's gospel when emphasized by Fr. Rolly in his homily suddenly struck me with a thought that concerns Allan. He had been training really hard to the point of having to wake up as early as 4am daily to swim at least 20 laps before going to school. On top of this is the need for him to comply with all the demands of his academic subjects. He had always been very positive with a lot of things and full of confidence with the rate he is going with his physical stamina. He trains rigorously and regularly. He is very committed to his goal and does everything that is needed in order for him to improve and excel. He has gone a long way already from that overweight kid in LSM (Lourdes School of Mandaluyong) Grade School to a varsity swimmer now in DLSU (De La Salle University). As far as his physical state is concerned, he has achieved his tip top shape and yet it still came to a point when he almost gave up which I never expected from him. For several days he had been bothered by the fact that he still doesn't know whether he will qualify for the UAAP (University Athletic Association of the Philippines) or not. His discouragement was erased when I told him not to lose hope because the Divine Mercy and Rosary Group in St. Martha's Church is regularly praying for him. When Fr. Rolly said we have to be strong enough to enter the narrow gate, I am sure the strength being spoken of here is not the physical strength that we can build up through training and workout but the strength of our souls. If we can gain insight from this it is the fact that just like Allan's physical regimen, we need strength training, workout and dedication too for our souls to last through eternity. Amen. Hallelujah!


Luke 13:22-30
...“Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.