Posted by The WORD in other words by Fr Jun Peralta SVD – Japan
Tuesday 5th Week of Easter
“Peace I leave you, my peace I give to you.” (John 14, 27)
The covid pandemic has truly unsettled and shocked our lives, not in one locality, but the entire world. It has generated many uncertainties in the world. It has created a new normal in the way we live our lives. May the words of Christ give peace, that profound peace that our world needs now.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid; I am going away, and I will come back.” (John 14, 27-28)
Countless Filipinos and other nationalities leave their families for Japan to find better work and pay to support their families back home. Naturally, partings break the hearts of parents and children.
For Overseas Filipino Workers, these parting moments are agonizing: “Aalis si papa, aalis si mama para makapag-aral ka, that we may have a new house, para mabili kita ng bagong damit.” These words may console the children for a while, but deep in their hearts, the daily presence of one another is more important. Ako ay babalik (“I will come back to you.”) May the words of Christ resound in the words, looks, and tears of parents leaving their loved ones.
“If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to my Father.” (John 14, 28)
Online masses for those who have passed away are now possible via zoom due to the covid pandemic. There were quite a number of Masses for the departed these past few weeks.
It gives us hope that as we grieve, as we let go, the words of Jesus assure us to hope and rejoice in faith. For we believe that as Jesus went home to the Father, our dearly beloved departed would one day join Christ.
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