Nowhere But Here...In Christ's Embrace

First Reading: Jos 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b

Joshua gathered together all the tribes of Israel at Shechem, summoning their elders, their leaders, their judges, and their officers. When they stood in ranks before God, Joshua addressed all the people: "If it does not please you to serve the LORD, decide today whom you will serve, the gods your fathers served beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose country you are now dwelling. As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."

But the people answered, "Far be it from us to forsake the LORD for the service of other gods. For it was the LORD, our God, who brought us and our fathers up out of the land of Egypt, out of a state of slavery. He performed those great miracles before our very eyes and protected us along our entire journey and among the peoples through whom we passed. Therefore we also will serve the LORD, for he is our God."

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 34:2-3, 16-17, 18-19, 20-21

Second Reading: Eph 5:21-32

Brothers and sisters:

Be subordinate to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is head of his wife just as Christ is head of the church, he himself the savior of the body. As the church is subordinate to Christ, so wives should be subordinate to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved the church and handed himself over for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the bath of water with the word, that he might present to himself the church in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. So also husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one hates his own flesh but rather nourishes and cherishes it, even as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This is a great mystery, but I speak in reference to Christ and the church.

Gospel: Jn 6:60-69

Many of Jesus' disciples who were listening said, "This saying is hard; who can accept it?" Since Jesus knew that his disciples were murmuring about this, he said to them, "Does this shock you? What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail. The words I have spoken to you are Spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe." Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe and the one who would betray him. And he said, "For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by my Father."

As a result of this, many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him. Jesus then said to the Twelve, "Do you also want to leave?" Simon Peter answered him, "Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God."

Reflection

By Fidji Rivera-Sarmiento

May I be honest and say that I’m at the lowest point in my life right now. I would not go into details, but I am trying to alleviate my depression through the Lord’s Words and through praying to our Mother Mary.

Inner emotional pain is much worse than any physical pain there is, for me. Mind you, I have 3 kids and this emotional ache, if I may call it such, does not compare to giving birth. There is a concoction of feelings of being neglected, of loneliness, of desperation, and even regret that makes you feel like your innards will bulge into your chest. It so palpable that my eyes just want to shut off, I wanted to sleep all the time. But being the mother of 3, all under 7, you know that I cannot just lock the door and nurse my spirit’s wounds, more so cry my eyes out. I have to be strong, to keep it together, and be the sun in the eyes of my kids.

And each time I feel like throwing myself to the floor, I remind myself of Jesus’ promises. I soak myself in the grace of the Lord though praying and reading the Bible. If at times I cannot stop crying, I immediately go to the Blessed Sacrament, and instantaneous relief and comfort fills me up. I have to stand firm and be the person the Lord ought me to be. I have to pick up myself and go to Jesus, for there is nowhere else to go. I can seek friends who I can party with; or maybe find a new sport that I can exhaust all my energy on; or go on a shopping spree to temporary lift me up. But I realized that I have to go through this phase and just completely trust the Lord’s will.

So for you out there, who may be undergoing the same phase as I am, know that you are not alone. I pray that the Lord touches your soul, as much as I felt His Hands on my head, giving me a pat, validating my efforts. I pray that you too may find comfort in His promises, and by seeking inspiration from His Mother who surrendered everything to God. May we always mouth, “Your will be done,” and to totally trust His plans. Complete and utter trust. No more worrying. No ifs and buts. This is what the Lord is asking of you, to believe in His mercy. No human embrace or words can surpass what the Lord has for you. He will give you the comfort you long for and the peace that passes all understanding. There is nowhere to go but to the Lord who’s always ready to welcome you into His arms.

Now ask yourself:

1. Have I sought band-aid remedies for my difficulties?

2. Have I replaced praying with partying and playing?

3. Have I forgotten how the Lord loves me so much?

Prayer

Jesus, thank You for always being available to embrace us when we need Your comfort and love. Thank You for giving us Your mother, Mama Mary, who also inspires us to surrender ourselves to the Father’s will. Amen.

*Tip from a wounded soul: Surround yourself with people who also believe in the goodness of the Lord. If you are the kind who needs to be in a company of friends, seek a community you can pray with. Should you rather want to be alone, like I am now, reading will help you a lot. Do away with your tablets in the meantime and smell the scent of real books, turning each page with a hopeful heart. Bring the Bible everywhere you go. Nothing compares to the comfort of knowing that God will fight the battle FOR you. In the end, try to write. Journaling, blogging, and laying your emotions out help a ton. May God bless you as His plans continue to unfold.