WHEN THEIR HOUR COMES, REMEMBER!

Last year, the two catastrophic earthquakes that struck Haiti and Chile, just a little over a month apart from each other, sent shivers across the world, principally all around the Pacific rim. Tsunami warnings were issued in Japan, New Zealand, the Philippines, Australia and even Russia, and sirens blared in Hawaii, rousing people from their Sunday night’s restful sleep, making people scamper to higher grounds.

The worst was the idea of the dreaded “hour” at which the potentially destructive waves were projected to hit shores all over. Twitter and Facebook accounts, text messages and radio and TV announcements played up the “hour” projected, to tell people to be prepared.

The thought of the “hour” led many to “remember.” They prayed. Their thoughts were raised to the Lord, even as they prepared for the worst.

We Christians are a people of remembrance. Remembering is what we do best, especially in the Church’s official prayer, the liturgy.

The word “hour” stands for a multiplicity of meanings. The Lord Himself spoke about His “hour” not having come. He also referred to His “hour” of glorification.

Lorenzo Ruiz, who initially had a “selfish” motive to go far from Manila, eventually met his appointed time, his hour of martyrdom. So did the catechist Pedro Calungsod who died together with Blessed Diego de San Vitores in the island of Guahan (Guam). But at their “hour” they also “remembered.” Their hearts and minds were focused on God who is Master and Lord of time, of history, and of human destiny.

People who work at cross purposes with the Lord of history may have their own “hour” of infamy. Evil men may have their temporary moment of triumph and victory. Today, when our society seems to boast of nothing else but the triumph of corruption and sin on all fronts, the Lord reminds us, “I have told you this so that when their hour comes, you may remember that I told you.”

Believe. Remember. Celebrate. God’s hour is sure to come.Fr. Chito Dimaranan, SDB

 

Reflection Question:

Are you ready when your hour comes?

 

Lord, when my time comes, grant me the grace to remember You, to celebrate with You and to thank You.

 

Blessed Thomas Cottam, pray for us.