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I cannot resist quoting from the immortal Florante at Laura the following lines:
“O pag-ibig na makapangyarihan
Pag ikaw ang pumasok sa puso ninuman;
Hahamakin ang lahat,
Masunod ka lamang.”
The first thing that comes to my mind when I read these lines is the thornbird. This simple bird sings a wonderful song only once in its lifetime – before it dies. When the bird has decided to sing its song, it chooses the best tree and its highest branch and sings its song as beautifully as it can until it breathes its last.
The priests are the second thing that comes to my mind. They could easily choose the married life. They could get employed or probably earn millions. But because of their love for God, they choose to serve Him and no one or nothing else. They surrender themselves to God by obeying His laws as directed by their superiors.
Thirdly, the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus was like the thornbird with only one song to sing – the song of His love and life. It was the power of love that made Him offer Himself for our salvation. Jesus was ready to sing His song of love and lay down His life for His friends from the start to the end.
The thornbird may miss the chance to sing his song if he gets shot. The priest may choose another path. But Jesus will never forsake his people as He is always ready to die for them.
As we celebrate Maundy Thursday, we commemorate the institution by Jesus Christ of the sacrament of the Eucharist. We call to mind the priests offering themselves to the people of God. We think of ourselves as God commands us to love one another as He loves us.
We celebrate with gratitude the memory of God’s love for us. We celebrate with humility and repentance our failure to love others as God loved us. It is not easy to wash the feet of your friends as Jesus did.
Pag-ibig na makapangyariban, hahamakin ang lahat, makamit ka lamang.
LOVE WITHOUT CONDITIONS
Jn 13:1-15
Jesus In My Heart
