The Fourth K

What could have prevented the two disciples from recognizing the Lord on their way to Emmaus? Perhaps the experience of Jesus' shameful death on the cross was still fresh in their minds. Perhaps the loss of such a good friend and Master was still painful deep inside. 

The experience of these disciples was similar to that of Mary Magdalene when she thought of the Risen Lord as a gardener (John 20:11-18). As Mary Magdalene recognized the Lord when He called her name, the disciples would later recognize their travel companion in the breaking of bread.

The month of May is a time when fiestas occur in many parts of the Philippines. And when we talk about fiestas, the first thing that comes to our minds is sharing a meal with others.  Here in the UK, our group of friends gather for a meal every now and then, especially after our monthly Mass and Novena in the parish. Sharing a meal is an opportune time to the endless three Ks: kumustahan (greeting), kuwentuhan (storytelling), and katuwaan (banter). Sharing a meal breaks loose our stifled spirits, our stressed out minds, our restless hearts. I guess those three Ks were present during that evening meal in Emmaus. And it was made more special, more meaningful because of the fourth K: Kristo (Christ)!

As we share a meal with family, friends, and even strangers, as we share that great meal in church called the Mass, may we recognize the Risen Jesus' presence in our midst and bear witness to that presence wherever we may go.

Talking about the Mass, Pope Francis tells us "There is always a Word of God that gives us guidance when we slip; and through our weariness and disappointments there is always a Bread that is broken that keeps us going on the journey." 

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May brings to mind two of my heavenly patrons: the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Joseph. May is Mary's month and so we bring her flowers to express our love and gratitude. Interestingly, the first day of this merry month is dedicated to her husband.  For me, it tells us one thing: if we would like to know more about Mary, if we would like to love her, if we would like to follow her footsteps, we have to go to Joseph! If anyone (apart from Jesus) would have known, loved, and followed her it would be St Joe. This year is really special because we will be celebrating the 100th anniversary when Mary appeared in Fatima. In one of those apparitions, St Joseph appeared with the Child Jesus blessing the world. So let's ask St Joseph to help us in becoming good children of Mary, of becoming doers of "whatever Jesus tells us" (cf. John 2:5).

Three Secrets

A colleague once asked me what's my secret to a fruitful marriage.  My response: a stout heart, a broad mind, and an unrelenting patience.

Before I continue, let me just point out that I am not an expert in marriage. I am still a learner in this journey.

Stout heart.  I guess everyone in a relationship would agree that when you love, there are no ifs or buts. And because we're called to love for a lifetime, our hearts should make more room for love. Otherwise, love won't grow and be responsive as seasons change. Furthermore, and this is especially true for marriage, you ought to love what your beloved loves such as her family. I remember an old man calling his nephew's attention when the latter referred to a lady as his wife's mother. The uncle asked, "Shouldn't you call her your mother-in-law instead?".  You also need to make more room as you progress from spouse to spouse and parent (and later on as a grandparent).

Broad mind.  There are moments when you don't see eye to eye with your partner.  There would also be times when trials might cause a strain in your relationship.  There may also be moments when one's words or actions would be misinterpreted. Sometimes, it's very easy to be sensitive or repulsive to these. Try your best  to understand, to find the 'right excuse' why they may have said this or done that.  Instead of jumping to often unfair conclusion, be more capable of seeing the good intentions behind such actions.We should be more understanding. Didn't Jesus ask His Father's forgiveness for His persecutors because "they know not what they are doing"?

Unrelenting patience.   Individually, we have our own capabilities and methodologies.  Sadly, when we encounter other's weaknesses or failures to deliver what we expect of them, we flare up, we speak unkindly of the other person.  In one of my confessions, I told a priest how I sometimes lose my patience. For my penance, he asked me to devote a few minutes before the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament reflecting on how Jesus patiently carried His cross in spite of the jeers of people. St Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians (13:4), reminds us that "Love is patient".

A stout heart, a broad mind, and an unrelenting patience: grant me these Lord today and always.