1 Corinthians 13:4-8 declares: Love is patient and kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, and it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.
Valentine’s Day story
One Sunday morning, somebody sent a message that spelled one real meaning of love. “Fr. Marcs, kindly include in your mass intentions the eternal repose of my uncle. He died years ago but I felt the need to pray for his soul to rest in peace. He physically abused me when I was young. He put me in a sack. He suspended the sack on the beam. He left me hanging for some hours. He turned me into a punching bag. I was traumatized with that experience. It made a monster in my heart to hate. Please pray for my healing and the forgiveness my uncle needed the most. Thank you!”
The text message left me speechless for two reasons: An uncle to maltreat his nephew and the abused kid now a grown-up to willingly forgive the abuser, his uncle.
Let us be more loving and forgiving. Valentine’s Day is not only for lovers or wife and husband; it is for everyone who knows the profound meaning of love that goes beyond infatuation and reciprocity.
Love is to overcome the monster in us, especially when we tend to resort to physical violence in expressing our anger. Let us me more generous as well to those who harmed and hurt us.
We need faith and science to heal our wound. We need sincere people to heal. But above all, we need to cling to the Ultimate Healer, who heals the totality of the person. Happy Valentine’s Day!
The life of the police in the eyes of the father
Let us ponder on this painful testimony of death and yet inspirational in many sense. We ponder on the life of the police in the eyes of a father.
During the home funeral service of Lt. Kenneth Falag-ey Tad-awan, I noticed his father, manong Vicente, alone in the dark room participating in silence. Before we left the house, we had a conversation with manong Vicente where he ventilated his feelings.
“Kenneth knew the dangers of his career as a police officer. He embraced his work. It was his work. He died in the line of duty. Our grief and suffering as a family for the loss somehow is consoled by the fact that Kenneth died serving for peace.
Second, the prayers and presence of everyone lifted our spirit. I am grateful for the songs, prayers, and the funeral service we had today. It really helped us understand life and death. I trust that our life will go on and my family will gradually accept the reality that their brother is gone. His life ended but his good works will continue. It is our joy that he gave his life ser-ving and protecting the country. Kenneth died in action, an action serving the people to attain peace.
Third, Kenneth is the only boy in the family. I feel sad indeed, so sad knowing that he is no longer with us physically but we treasure his quality life and it will surely multiply among his siblings, nephews, and nieces. Kenneth was a religious man. He will not miss praying and giving justice to God on holy days.”
To manong Vicente, manang Ana, Irene, Irah, Kalim, and Gakay, thank you for letting Kenneth serve the country and thank you for the time, treasure, and talent you share to the church. Be consoled that God will glorify Kenneth’s life in the next life, eternal peace with the Lord.
We pray for all the grieving families, especially the Ganggangan, Tad-awan, Bicaca, Tengdan, Aglipay, Palangeo, Aclopen, and Feckleng families.
Please offer prayers for the complete healing of Rev. Fr. Michael Tokoyen, Rose Changlapen, Shane Tactay, Karen Lumiwes, Julian Chumacog, and Marcela Bangtat.
Thank you and God bless you. Reach me at [email protected].