06/04/2023
Enjoy while you are young! This event is once in a lifetime! Opportunity knocks at once! These are the inviting and alluring words that the devil used and abused to let us come with the temptation of sin. One time a friend of mine invited me to a party, and I was surprised that many young people were there. Expectedly there was a party of wine and music. These young people got so drunk because of the reason that this birthday happens once a year or this birthday will not go back after. But what happened, some of them vomited, and the sad story is that some of them got pregnant and did not continue their studies. They enjoy an hour but long-term suffering after. The word unwind, and unload was not present in the life of Jesus. He faces the suffering with no excuses, no advertising, cut, and break, instead with the embrace of obedience and love. We are also called to endure sufferings to discipline ourselves and keep far from sins. It is not for God but for our souls. God does not make suffering; it is the effects of our sins. A cause of sins and effect to sufferings. God does not want us to suffer, but we create our sufferings. Like a teacher who doesn't want to fail the students, but the students do not study well, which makes them fail.
In the story of Adam and Eve, how does evil tempt them? By offering good things without considering the warnings made by the creator. He warned them for guidance, not because He was selfish, but it is for love. Some rumors question the story of creation and why God created that forbidden tree to become the reason Adam and Eve committed mistakes. Also, Judas was offered by the Devil for the joy of money which made him sell Jesus. God gave us freedom as part of His love. Even in Job's life, He also allows the devil to pe*****te, but Job remains in God. When Judas was pe*****ted by the devil, did he remain in Jesus? He betrayed Jesus. The offer was so beautiful, but the consequences after were hell.
Today is Holy Thursday! We are reminded that life is short, not only to be happy but to be Holy. The world offers short-term happiness, but God offers us everlasting happiness that the world cannot offer. Let us be one in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Accept the Lord's offer!
HAVE A HOLY AND HAPPY DAY TO ALL...
Mr. Ronaldo F. Doroteo, OP
Chief, Interfaith Services