The WORD in other words (2009) by Fr Eufemio Sombrio SVD – Holy Name University, Bohol
Tuesday 5th Week of Easter
Marcos is an OFW in Saudi Arabia who works so hard for his family in Bohol. Unexpectedly, tragedy hits his family. In his absence, his wife became a madjongera, a drunkard, and a prodigal spender for her barkadas.
Furthermore, she complained that the money he regularly sent for their family was not enough for their two children in college. When he went home for vacation, he discovered the truth about his wife’s misbehavior.
So confused and troubled, Marcos thought of sending her wife away from their home. But his wife asked for his forgiveness as a Christian, and for the good of their two children, he eventually learned to forgive her repentant wife.
Jesus says, “Peace I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. Get up, let’s go.” In the case of Marcos, God’s gift of peace is concretized by his willingness to forgive his repentant wife. And only then that his life can move on to get up and let go. Peace, repentance, and forgiveness are basic components of Christian family life.
When evil is at work in our personal life, in the family, or in the world, do we ever become discouraged and give up? Jesus said, “Get up, let’s go.”
