God Still at Work
Homily on Wednesday, 4th Week of Lent; 2 April 2025, DBPH Chapel, Talamban
Today is the 50th death anniversary of my eldest brother. Kuya Rhett died at a young age of 24, around five months after undergoing a kidney transplant. He was actually diagnosed of this kidney disease as early as 12 years of age. When he reached 23, the doctors in Manila finally recommended that he should undergo a kidney transplant with my eldest sister, Angie, as the donor.
I was barely ten years old when the delicate surgery took place and it became the first big trial for my parents and elder siblings, not only financially but also physically and emotionally. I remember that was the first time we had to celebrate Christmas inside the hospital room. From hindsight I really admire my parents as well as my ate “Pow” who became the kidney donor, because their unwavering faith enabled us to overcome those difficult trials including the eventual passing away of my brother. I guess they just had to believe that even in the midst of suffering God was “still at work”.
We have reached the Fourth week of our Lenten journey towards Easter. Just to let you know, by this coming Saturday evening we are asked to have all images and statues covered or veiled until the beginning of the Easter Vigil. Only the sanctuary crucifix may remain uncovered until Holy Thursday evening. You might perhaps be wondering why we keep this customary practice. Why do we have to veil or cover sacred images that are beautifully designed to raise our hearts and minds towards heaven?
First, this traditional practice of veiling is a strong reminder for all of us to seriously get ready because the Fifth week of Lent is the Church’s final and most proximate preparation for of the Paschal Triduum. It actually heightens our sense of longing for the solemn and highest feast in the Church which is no other than the Lord’s glorious Resurrection.
Secondly, by veiling the images, we are asked that all our devotions be shifted to and centered on Christ rather than on the saints represented by those images. In the gospel passage we have heard today Jesus’ increasing conflict with the Jews who wanted badly to get rid of him for, according to them, Jesus had not only violated the Sabbath rest, but he had also committed blasphemy by calling God his own father.
Finally, the act of veiling what our eyes can see enables us to focus more on the words that we hear, especially when the passion narratives are proclaimed on Passion Sunday and on Good Friday.
As the remaining days of Lent become more and more difficult particularly for some of us, we pray that our full, conscious and active participation in the liturgy may enable us to keep our eyes focused on Jesus, God’s Love and Mercy personified. Truly God is still at work. And let us keep reminding ourselves of what we just sung during the Responsorial Psalm, “The Lord is gracious and merciful.” GiGsss!
