These past few days I have seen misplaced winter gloves - in the lift at work, in the pavement, etc. At this time when it's still cold in this part of the globe, I couldn't help but pity their owners, kids especially who could easily feel cold. I once lost my scarf; luckily it happened at work and was quickly located, thanks to our Security Team.
Losing an important gear this winter can be likened to losing grace at an unfriendly, chaotic, and crucial moment in our lives. Rembrandt's celebrated painting "The Return of the Prodigal Son" depicted the lost son as having a worn out pair of shoes. Having worn out shoes (as well as a shaved head), Rembrandt tells us how this son lost his dignity (as the son of the rich father) after squandering his part of the estate.
Looking carefully at the painting, we see the father as a blind man - someone whose love is greater than his son's sins put together - and whose hands are that of a man and a woman - someone whose justice (as symbolized by the man's left hand) is tempered by his gentleness (as symbolized by the woman's right hand).
We are that prodigal child who left God, our Father, and went on our own "merry way", following the dictates of our own whims. In the long run, we have lost His grace; we have lost our dignity as His children.
Lent offers us the hope and opportunity to regain what we lost. If you haven't been to confession for ages, perhaps this is the best time to avail of this often neglected and avoided sacrament. If you haven't spoken to those who hurt you (or those you have hurt), this could be the right time to do so. By being reconciled, we regain our spiritual gloves, shoes, etc. We regain grace!
Otherwise, we are no different to the older brother on the far righthand side of the painting - so full of himself, so distant, so self-righteous. Better to be the 'lost and found' son than to be the 'missed out' son!
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Last week, my family and I visited Ms Eliza "Ate Liza" Manzano in Dublin, Ireland. An old-time friend and parish colleague in Manila, Ate Liza has been working in a children's hospital in Dublin for a decade or so. We also met Paul, her Irish boyfriend, who drove us to a number of places in the city. It was a wonderful reunion and a memorable one for Nidz who celebrated her 40th birthday there. We look forward to see her again soon.
Ate Liza has been ill these past few months and just had her first chemotherapy last week. In spite of that, she appeared to be in high spirits and have shown a strong faith in God. I felt I was the one blessed in that visit. Let's include her in our prayers.
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This coming Sunday, it will be Mother's Day in the UK. I'm taking this opportunity to thank my mother and all mothers out there for the love and care they have showered us through the years. I'm grateful especially to Nidz for faithfully and lovingly taking good care of our family. We love you, Mommy!
