Hallelujah! Jesus is risen! Jesus defeated the darkness of the tomb with the light and glory of his resurrection, which just gives meaning to the whole season of Lent.
The forty-day Lenten journey of intense prayer, meditation about life, fasting, abstinence and act of charity ended, and it is followed by the victory over sin and death on the Cross, as the greatest celebration of love.
Looking back to some reflections on Jesus’ suffering and crucifixion it was all about the love and mercy of God. Jesus endured temptations, denials and humiliation. He even submitted himself to be crucified and willingly died a painful death on the Cross only to save the world from eternal condemnation.
Before Jesus breathed his last he uttered powerful words for us to ponder about. God is all good, ever loving, merciful, forgiving, compassionate and faithful. Jesus paid our sins until he shedded the last drop of blood on the Cross.
The words uttered by a dying person especially those dear to us are powerful. And my own experience help me understand better Jesus’ last words.
When my mother was struggling for her life, I was alone just beside her hospital bed. She told me to look after my father and her only grandchild. She especially mentioned these two people whom she loved so dearly. I was so touched and it was like a sharp object piercing my heart.
Why my father? Maybe because she thought my father is already getting too old to take care of himself. And why my niece? Maybe because my niece is too young. Apart from the care and love my niece receives from her parents, maybe my mother wanted me to help guide my niece as she grows. She did not ask me for anything I cannot handle. They were not just words spoken to me by a dying mother but it was her wish made out of love and responsibility.
It made me realise how much my mother loved my father and her only granddaughter. She made us feel we are all loved even to her last breath.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
A mother’s love is warm and pure. It was painful to feel the emptiness of losing a mother, a space within us only God can heal.
Just as Jesus even to his last breath he did not make us feel abandoned. He humbled and showed us his own example of trusting the will of the father. We are loved by God beyond words can explain but by Jesus’ Cross the message is clear. Jesus is victorious over and above all human sufferings.
Together with our risen Lord we may also rise up from our tombs to the life we are called to live and enjoy our journey on earth to God’s promised paradise.
Happy Easter!
Lynn Batoliño
The Philippines
