Date: May 12, 2020 ()

Bible Text: First Reading: ACTS 14:19-28; Gospel: JN 14:27-31A |

Series:

“I am going away and I will come back to you.”

One of the dark eras of Philippine history occurred during the period of the Japanese occupation. Not only the Filipinos but also the American Soldiers suffered the torment of the devastating defeat in the battle of Bataan. It was during these difficult times a promise was courageously announced: “I Shall Return” by Gen Douglas McArthur. All Filipinos and some American soldiers left under the Japanese Regime clung to this promise as though it is the only hope; the only light in the darkness.

“I shall return!” Those were not easy words because when McArthur said that, he meant he will come back with tens of thousands of soldiers; it will be a journey of thousand miles away from America and Australia; He would be bringing more expensive weapons and warships and airplanes; not to mention the lives of the soldiers who would sacrifice their lives in order to ultimately redeem freedom, as promised to the Filipinos and Americans who fought side by side against the enemies.

And the voice of freedom was heard again when, finally upon his return, Gen. McArthur said: “I have returned!”

It was a promise fulfilled - truly a source of joy and inspiration. And for this, I will be forever grateful to the American Soldiers, to the Great Gen. Douglas McArthur, and to every American for the kindness and fraternal compassion they gave to our country. On my part, it is indeed a pleasure to serve this country in the spirit of gratitude for all your forefathers did for us.

“I am going away and I will come back to you.” These are the great words of our Savior Lord Jesus too when our humanity was yet under the slavery of sin and death. What Jesus brought us after coming back to life from the grave was the greatest freedom we ever could ask for - the freedom from the sting of death and Jesus was just so true to His promise. (Our Challenge): There are instances in our lives too that we are challenged to fulfill our commitments. People especially our loved ones are clinging to our words. Let there be no empty words and promises!