The WORD in other words (2019) by Fr Jong Biton SVD – Divine Word Seminary, Tagaytay City
Feast of the Presentation of the Lord – February 2
Bucketlist. A list of goals one wishes to achieve or experience before one dies. Achieving these is an experience so fulfilling that one could say, “Pwede na akong mamatay !” — (I can now die).
The act of making such a list and working to achieve it introduces a new way of looking at and living life. Lately, I came across some bucketlists of “must sees” and “must dos.” They are an interesting list — dream destinations, adventure trips, self-indulgent, pleasure seeking experiences.
Nothing wrong with them. It‘s just that they are so unlike that of Simeon‘s: Simeon‘s ultimate goal in life before he “kicks the bucket” is to meet Jesus– “the light of revelation to the gentiles and the glory of Israel” — and to take Him in his arms.
Jesus is his only wish, his fondest hope, his greatest dream, his long-awaited consolation, his salvation on whom his eyes are set. In fact, he waited long enough for Him until the day he could finally pray the nunc dimittis — “Now you may let your servant go In peace.” Yes, pwede na. Pwedeng-pwede na akong mamatay.
Today we dream big dreams and hope against all hopes that we will be able to accomplish what we want in life. Go ahead — dream‘! Dream and make a full bucketlist But may we include Simeon‘s wish in it and make it our ultimate life goal too — to be able to encounter Christ in our lifetime and to hold Him in our arms, in our hearts before we die.
