THE WORD
Rev 22,1-7 / Lk 21,34-36
Jesus said to his disciples, “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.
IN OTHER WORDS
Kristel Mae Padasas, an aid worker, died after the scaffolding collapsed by the stage where Pope
Francis said mass for disasters survivors in Leyte on Saturday, January 17, 2015. The tragic death of this responsible, simple, humble, sincere, friendly and ever cheerful person practically moved us to tears. Someone commented on Facebook: “ … so sad, but what a meaningful and beautiful death …beautiful because Pope Francis himself prayed for her in a special way!” This very young lady indeed had her life lived at its best, a life lived in service and commitment for humanity. Simply a great and beautiful legacy for this generation.
A life truly lived humbly and committedly for the world, for humanity, and for God, is truly signicant, beautiful, and meaningful. It is a life constantly prepared for whatever may happen on the way, especially for the coming of the Lord. Her life truly exempli edwhat the Gospel for today is telling us: “be prepared at all times, …and to stand secure before the Son of Man (Lk. 21: 36).” In living the Gospel values and constantly communicating with God, as Kristel had shown, undoubtedly, we grow profoundly in our spiritual life. When death comes, and everything is taken away from us, we will fear nothing, even death, knowing that our whole lives have been spent with God, and that we are going home to be with Him forever.
- Fr. Eliseo Yyance, SVD | DWC of San Jose, Occ. Mindoro
The Word in other words 2016
An annual project of Logos Publications, The WORD in Other Words Bible Diary contains daily scripture readings and reflections written by priest, brothers, and sisters of the three congregations founded by St. Arnold Janssen (the SVD, SSpS, and SSpSAP). It hopes to serve as a daily companion to readers who continually seek the correlation of the Word of God and human experience.
