21/04/2025
SURPRISE US, LORD!
By Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD
The story is told about a family gathered around their dying father, arguing whether he should be cremated or buried and about many other funeral arrangements. When the old man opened his eyes he told them: “Please stop arguing among yourselves. Just surprise me na lang, okay?” Then he closed his eyes forever in peace.
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Happy and blessed Easter, everyone! In today’s Gospel (John 20: 1-9), we hear about the commotions and mysteries at the tomb of Jesus on that first Easter morning. We must look beyond death and the tomb and, in faith, focus on the surprises of the resurrection, and we, too, will have peace.
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I have two friends who are already in the “pre-departure area.” One wants to put up a mausoleum for himself. The other one wants to put up a foundation for the education of the children of his employees. Well, they are free to use their money as they so desire, but what would you tell them? It seems to me that the former’s concern after His death is still about this world, while the latter’s concern is out of this world.
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Here are three thought-provoking and humbling reminders for us all: “We will die, sooner or later”; “We are not that important”; “We are not in control.” We are all just passing by. We must look beyond this life. We must look beyond the tomb. We are an Easter people. Heaven is our true home!
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“Surprise us again, Lord!” This is a beautiful prayer that makes Easter real. Let us not give in to routine, helplessness, hopelessness, and depression. Let us constantly believe that our God is a God of surprises and that He can change seemingly hopeless people and situations, according to His will and in His own time.
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“Breakthrough is coming!” This is a beautiful Easter mantra that we must keep on saying and keep on believing. After the rain comes the sun. After the darkness, the light will shine. After the fighting, peace will reign. As an Easter people, may we continue to become instruments of light, peace, joy, and undying hope.
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Here’s some simple advice to help us keep the spirit of Easter alive in our daily lives: Go the extra mile, give the extra smile, no need to let people know your hurts and pains inside. Energize people and make Easter happen by being an Easter person.
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“Be strong, and let your heart have courage” (Psalm 31:24). We all still have battles to fight inside and outside us; decisions to make, and issues to face, so we pray for wisdom and strength. Let us not be discouraged or dismayed by results, nor be silenced by fear or favors. May we have the Easter mindset within us that gives us that peace and assurance, which this world cannot give nor take away.
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We pray for a new Easter in our land. May the darkness of sin and corruption give way to the dawning of a new day in the coming May 12 elections. Let us all work for clean, peaceful, and honest elections, and pray to the Lord to prevent the agents and operators of the evil one from sowing deceit, violence, fear, and intimidation on our people. Impossible? Nothing is impossible for God! He raised Jesus from the dead, didn’t He?
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Sharing with you this prayer I read somewhere: “Dear God, I know that I am not perfect. I know sometimes I forget to pray. I have questioned my faith, I know sometimes I lose my temper, but thank you for loving me unconditionally, and for giving me another day to start over again.” Fresh start. New beginnings. Moving on. Persistent hope. That’s what Easter is all about.
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Because He lives, we are certain that the Risen Lord is with us always and in all ways. Yes, we can be strong, and we can go on and do our mission to spread the Good News of our Salvation.
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Wishing you all a truly Happy and Blessed Easter! Remember, Easter is not just a day, but an attitude, a mindset we carry and bring with us in our troubled world, the whole year-round.
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A moment with the Lord:
Thank you Lord, because You live, our life is full of surprises. Amen.
Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer
