LEFT IN NEW YORK
“... and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” – Luke 11:23
I felt so alone on my flight home from the U.S. For the first time in 29 years, I would be separated from our only son, Peevee, who would be pursuing his MBA program at Fordham. My husband, Raul, and I helped him settle down and adjust to his new world in New York.
I went home ahead leaving Raul behind, intending to soften the blow of the separation. But I’m not sure it made it any easier for me especially when I was about to leave for the airport. Peevee saw me to the car and as we drove away, I felt my heart being torn apart.
I found strength in what our son told me at the invocation Mass to the Holy Spirit attended by Fordham graduate students and parents. After communion, he whispered to me, “Mom, now I’m sure that I’m in the right business school.” I asked him why and he replied, “I may be in the center of the world, but here the Lord remains my priority.”
When I feel low and start missing our son, I try to remember what he told me. And then I’m at peace again.Mari Sison-Garcia (mari_sison_
REFLECTION:
“Thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of my mine head.” (Psalm 3:3)
Oh Lord, You are my comfort and my strength.
A Case of “Over-Winding” Intelligence
One frustrating experience we, Filipinos, have is that of monitoring the media coverage of various Congressional hearings. Our feelings and intuitions let us know in our hearts where lies the truth, and who is on the right side of issues. However, the search for objectivity as regards details and material proofs have often led the hearings to confusing and contradictory stories that muddle the main issues. Moreover, legalities and technicalities are often brought out to create loopholes and blocks in procedures. In the end, truth dies, drowned by the semantics of language, and by the casuistry of human logic. Truth dies, together with a waste of time and intelligence.
We are not saying do not use reasoning, language and logic. These are wonderful gifts of God. Development and progress have come with the use of these gifts. Cultures and civilizations have emerged and evolved with these human abilities. However, our Gospel today shows us that we must know the limits. Too much use of distinctions led the Pharisees to a falsity. It led them to postulate that Jesus’ case is one that can be explained by the theory of a greater evil going against a lesser one — the theory of Satan going against his own kingdom. It led them to espouse a principle of self-destruction.
When we were young, by experience, we know that “overwinding” the coil-spring of mechanical toys and watches will break them down. The same can be said of human intelligence: too much of it leads to insanity, absurdity and weirdness. Yes, even the geniuses are not normal. They are extraordinary, often eccentric and weird.
The normal things of life — the basic truth included — are often plain and simple. Virtue, the Romans love to say, is in moderation. Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP
Reflection Question:
In your own experience, what are the things that you tend to overdo? What obsessions and compulsions do you need to “own” and “heal”?
Lord, let my reason be always subject to faith, and faith to love.
St. Teresa Margaret Redi, pray for us.
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