TODAY is Mother’s Day. Let me relate a story on the undying love and sacrifices of a mother.
Once a young academically gifted man went to apply for a managerial position in a big company. The director learned from his transcript of records that the youth’s academic achievements were excellent.
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The director asked, “Did you obtain any scholarships in school?” the youth answered “none.” The director continued, “Who’s paying for your school fees?” The youth answered, “My father died when I was one-year-old, it was my mother who paid for my school fees.”
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The director asked, “Where did your mother work?” The youth answered, “My mother works as laundry woman.” The director continued, “Have you ever helped your mother wash the clothes before?” The youth answered, “Never, my mother always wanted me to focus on my study.”
The director said, “I have a request. When you go back today, go and clean your mother’s hands, and then see me tomorrow morning.”
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When he returned home, he happily requested his mother to let him clean her hands. His mother felt strange.
The youth cleaned his mother’s hands slowly. His tear fell as he did that. It was the first time he noticed that his mother’s hands were so wrinkled, and there were so many bruises in them.
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This was the first time the youth realized that it was this pair of hands that washed the clothes everyday to enable him to pay for the school fees. The bruises in the mother’s hands were the price that the mother had to pay for his graduation, academic excellence, and his future.
After finishing the cleaning of his mother’s hands, the youth quietly washed all the remaining clothes for his mother. Next morning, the youth returned to the director’s office.
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The director noticed the tears in the youth’s eyes, asked: “Can you tell me what have you done and learned yesterday in your house?” The youth answered, “I cleaned my mother’s hands, and also finished cleaning all the remaining clothes.” The youth added,” I know now what appreciation is. Without my mother, there would not be the successful me today.”
Let’s thank our dear mothers and pray for them, whether living or dead.
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TODAY’S GOSPEL AND ABS-CBN. In today’s gospel, Jesus tells his disciples, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Have faith in God, have faith in Me” (Jn 14,1).
The words of Jesus are greatly consoling to ABS-CBN over its present misfortune. Despite the agreement with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) that ABS-CBN could continue operating while the franchise renewal was pending in Congress, NTC ordered the network to “to stop operating.”
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The order must be agonizing for the network at a time when the country is reeling under the devastating coronavirus pandemic. Moreover, the problem of joblessness resulting from the lockdown and the network’s closure aggravates the dislocation of the 11,000 employees. This is, indeed, a great trial and test for ABS-CBN but a strong rebuke against the perpetrators.
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While ABS-CBN is exhausting all possible means to reverse the order, let’s pray that the Lord will make it succeed.
There are similar instances in life when our faith is severely tested. It could be a coronavirus infection tested positive, a financial crisis, an unjust treatment, a life-threatening sickness.
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When these happen? Can I go beyond the harsh realities and still discern a good and loving God? Or, do I lose faith in him, or even feel bitter and resentful? Do I reflect that, perhaps, the fault also lies in me; that I’m not exerting enough effort to remedy my problems?
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As the Lord assures us his help, let’s say, “DO NOT TELL GOD YOU HAVE A GREAT PROBLEM BUT RATHER TELL YOUR PROBLEM, YOU HAVE A GREAT GOD.” “Have faith in God; have faith in Me.”
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THE LIGHER SIDE. 10 men and one woman were clinging to a rope hanging down from a helicopter on a rescue operation. One person had to let go or they would all die.
The woman said, “Mothers are used to making sacrifices for their husbands and children. Since nobody wants to volunteer, I’ll go.” When she finished speaking, all the men clapped…and fell down!!
