In a dash a game official says, “On you mark, get set ”, then fires a shot and athletes run to the finish line. There’s no warning sign or shot as to when, where and how to exit from this life to eternity. When our time comes, we go, death comes without notice. “Therefore, you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Mt. 24:44).
It’s in the news that the Filipino billionaire and philanthropist, John Lim Gokongwei died on November 9, 2019, he was 93 years old. It is told that his conglomerate business includes aviation, like the Cebu Pacific, an international airline with flight-route to Guam, telecommunications, financial services, power generation, petrochemicals, food, beverage and livestock farming, with $4.5 net worth asset.
Another wealthy Filipino, Lucio Tan Jr. son of Lucio Tan, according to the news, collapsed while playing basketball. He died on November 11, 2019. His family owns many big businesses including the Philippine Airlines, Micronesia Mall, the chain of Jollibee restaurants worldwide including Guam and the future Tumon Bay Mall.
An extra minister of Holy Communion of a certain parish on Guam suddenly collapse at home and died. A friend, while in a ball game with his kids, collapsed and died shortly later. And how many more accounts of sudden deaths we have heard that shocked us?
There’s an end to everything. Beauty, relationship, possession, family, people and things that we cherish, our life and the world itself. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” (Mt. 24:35).
People plan for retirement, old age, travel, financial security, burial and many more. What about spiritual plan? We’ll give an account to the King of Kings at the end of life. Jesus says that the best way to prepare is Now.” Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” (Mt. 4:17).
Whatever good work you’re doing, give your best for God’s glory, persevere despite some criticisms. Don’t be spectators at other people’s business. Some are masters of finding fault but can’t even see their own bad behavior. There are dreamers only, cold, indifferent and bias people all around. The Lord invites us to repent, change our ways and attitudes, bully no one but respect to everyone.
Let’s be faithful disciples of Jesus, pray more, love more, do his works of mercy to our neighbor not for perks but for His honor and glory, so that when that day comes, we are not caught unaware doing nothing. Heaven is purely God’s gift. Jesus King of Mercy, I trust in you!
On the flip side, someone said that just because you’re struggling, you’re failing. Choosing bring kind than right, is the right decision. Be thankful for the bad things in your life for they open your eyes to the good things you weren’t paying attention to. Negative people have a problem for every solution. Maturity is walking away from people and situations that threaten your peace of mind, self-respect, values, morals and self-worth. Don’t wait for things to get better, Life always complicated. Learn to be happy right now, otherwise, you’ll run out of time. The attitude you bring to the day, is what the day will bring to you. Great attitude, great day, nice attitude, nice day. Amen on that folks!!
St. Faustina wrote Jesus’ words; “The prayer most pleasing to Me is prayer for the conversion of sinners.” (Diary 1397).
Pray the Divine Mercy every 3 p.m. Daily pray the Chaplet and the Holy Rosary for peace in our families and the world.