Present, Lord!
The story is told about a dying woman who told her children: “When I die, I want my remains to be cremated and my ashes to be scattered in the mall nearby.” When her children asked why, her response was: “So that you will be present and be with me at least once a week.”
—————–
Today is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. In today’s Gospel (Luke 2:22-40) Joseph and Mary went to Jerusalem to present their firstborn son, to consecrate Him to the Lord, and to thank Him for the gift of life. Every morning, may we, too, start the day by presenting ourselves to the Lord, consecrate ourselves to Him and thank Him that we are still alive.
—————–
On a personal note, I kneel down as soon as I wake up, bow my head and raise my right hand saying, “Present, Lord” and raising my left hand saying, “Ready to be sent, Lord,” and with both hands saying “Thank you, Lord.”
—————–
May our whole lives be filled with gratitude, consecration, and mission! People who are not grateful, obedient, and dedicated to something or someone greater than themselves end up living lives that are empty, shallow, vain, and proud.
—————–
Death is the final call for us, to present ourselves to God. It is our final presentation. Hopefully, we will be presentable to Him. Often, we forget that what matters most in the end is not what others say or think, but what God says and thinks about us.
—————–
Today is the Feast of the Candelaria, to remind us that we are little candles blessed and lighted to give light to a world that needs so much healing, love, hope, and redemption. We are pilgrims of hope bringing fragile candles in the wind, relying of God’s grace till our journey’s end. May we come before God with our candles still burning.
—————–
“Now Master, you may let your servant go in peace.” (Luke 2: 29) We all will leave this world for sure, someday, sometime. May we leave with peace and with little regrets that we loved too little, too late. May we face God and humbly utter the words “Mission accomplished, Lord. Requesting permission to live in your presence, by your grace and mercy forever, Lord!”
—————–
Let us humbly and constantly pray that we spend the rest of our lives, the best of our lives; that our exit from this world be kind; and that our entry to eternity be light and bright. Amen.
—————–
For people who are so busy making themselves presentable to other people, why don’t you try more to be “present” to your loved ones, become a real presence, be a present, a gift to other people, especially the lowly. And don’t forget to be present to God, in prayer.
—————–
Our civil leaders are elected to represent us and our concerns. Ergo, they should listen to us, respect us, and should be honest to us. Otherwise, they end up dictating to us, abusing us, and stealing from us. Please, please, re-present us. Make us present in all your undertakings. Be a present, be a gift to us, your people whom you have promised and pledged to serve!
—————–
Today, we start the month for respect and care for life, to remind us all to promote life in all its aspects, and to protect life from all dangers. Parents are the first promoters and protectors of life. Family is the first and foremost place for the children’s growth and protection. We pray earnestly for the helpless children who grow up in difficult and uncertain situations. May our Mother Mary and St. Joseph continue to be the source of strength and inspiration for all families.
—————–
“Nu nanunutan co ray samit day ugalim, agtaka nalingwanan anggad kauyos na bilay (And when I remember the sweetness of your character, I will never forget you till the day I die.)” Last Thursday, I paid tribute to a beloved and well-respected actress, Gloria Romero, by quoting the last line of our favorite song in Pangasinan. She was in the limelight, but she did not focus it on herself. She went on to reflect God’s light to others with her humility, kindness, gentleness, and love.
—————–
A moment with the Lord:
Lord, help me to live a life that is pleasing and presentable to You. Amen.
—————–
momentswithfrjerry@gmail.com
