GO HOME TO YOUR FAMILY

“Go home to your family

and announce to them all

that the Lord in his pity has done for you.”

Mark 5:19

REFLECTION

Traveling in a foreign land to work has both its advantages and disadvantages. The culture and tradition of people is a very important factor to consider and if not given proper attention, one could fall as a victim of culture shock. Another factor is adjustment to a new environment and living condition. If one is not used to living away from his or her love ones, he will definitely suffer from being homesick. Under such circumstances, a person who is not prepared to withstand such changes may easily give up and will be crying out to return home. On the other hand, one who got used to harder conditions and circumstances while at home or in the company of his love ones can endure any type of sufferings for these becomes his strength and determination to go on.

These words came about as I reflect on today's gospel. I guess this is the Lord's message to me in relation to the current talks I had with my eldest brother regarding the possibility of travelling and working in the United States. His eldest daughter Michelle who is a doctor is tentatively scheduled to leave for the States on March 12. She got a two year contract to work in El Paso, California and wanted her father to immediately follow afterwards. Having partnered with my brother in business for so many years, he offered me to join him but I remained silent for the simple reason that I got used to consulting my Lord first. He reigns over my life today and I just do not want to find myself making decisions outside of Him.

Jesus has everything to do over my life today. He has healed my brokenness and made me whole. He has replaced my frustrations with hope and turned my tears into joy. He has placed His Spirit within me and the emptiness that is in my heart was filled. I no longer see Him in a distance for He now dwells in me.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus,

Before I could even asked for guidance, you already know what is in my mind and heart.

Seeking for greener pastures in a foreign land has always been the common weakness of us Filipinos. We live in a developing country where opportunities for gainful work that can lead to prosperous living is not available to many. In most cases, a parent is forced to leave his family to work abroad so that he or she can provide for their needs.

In the process, absentee parenting has became rampant leading to a lot of broken families and homes. These reports of incidents have already reached very alarming proportions that need to be addressed. What good would gainful work and lving do if the price is to loose the very persons you love? Aren't they the very reason why you chose to work abroad?

With all humility of heart, I pray for all those migrant workers who are now caught in this very difficult situation that they may find the light in building up their families again. Give them O Lord the opportunities they seek in order to provide for the needs of their families without leaving them behind.

In a special way, I lift up to you their children who direly needs personal guidance and care.