Don't give up...

Today, Jesus reminds us that we should pray continually and not lose heart (Luke 18:1-8).

While I was taking a monastic walk at the monastery's grounds this morning after the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, I could not help but to notice the dry leaves that were scattered by the freezing wind on the ground. The fresh leaves from the lush branches of green trees were gone! All that were left was nothing but a dead-like shape of trees standing on the ground.

The fresh green branches that went away can very well symbolize our great hopes and dreams. Of course, we all have the right and are entitled to dream dreams and create visions of our future, and the future of our loved ones. And this dream gives us the strength to sustain a spiritual energy in us to hope and look forward. This strength gives us hope that drives us to carry on no matter what the cost.

But the fresh lush leaves of branches dried up, turned brittle and changed their color. From fresh green color of hope, they turned yellow and soon enough, turned earth brown and fell on the ground.

How quickly do we see our hopes and dreams dry up! How quickly our hopes and dreams fall! When we feel that our hopes and dreams have been shattered by the cruelties of life, then it is high time to remember that it is God, not us, who make hopes and dreams come true!

Many of us haven't yet even began to take steps to realize and materialize our dreams and we aready suffer from the paralysis of hurt and brokenness. We succumb to self-pity; at other times withdrawn.

Although we cannot reverse the turning of fresh green leaves to dry brown, we must not forget that for those who give their complete trust and confidence in God, even the most impossible dream can come true. Everything is possible for those who have faith and trust in God.

We must keep on hoping and trusting God no matter how unfair and cruel life may seem to be. We must keep on hoping no matter how useless and helpless we may feel ourselves to be.
God has not given up on us. We should not give up on ourselves.

Favors granted or not granted, petitions heard or not heard, the person in Jesus Christ will always be there. So that, if your faith rests on the person of Jesus, then even if you are faced with a difficult life, a crisis or a problem, even if your prayers seem to remain unanswered, you will still sustain a faith that is constant, consistent and persevering.

With or without Jesus working on your prayers and petitions, you believe in Jesus Christ. Because your faith is not based on Jesus who does things for you, but your faith is in His being Jesus , your Redeemer and the Way to eternal life.

Before I end, let me pray with you my prayer when my life comes to a point when it seems to be at a standstill....

..."Lord, I get discouraged because I confess the same sins over and over again. I grew weary of praying for my dreams over and over again that seemed not to be answered.
At times, i feel embarrassed because my sins are repeated a million times over. I tremble in shame, Lord. I am disgusted with myself for I have slackened from the disciplines of life.
I may be discouraged Lord, but You will never be discouraged
with me. I may be a disappoinntment to others but You are never disappointed of me because You see much hopes and dreams in me, a wicked sinner.
Lord, I will not give up. I will not give up on trying. I will try to be good if not better. I will try to reform, but I give no assurance that I will not fall again or ever.
But Lord, when I fall, bring me back to You. When I forget, remind me of your endless love. When I am lost, show me the way.
Lord, I wil not give up because I know You will never give up on me. Lord, do not grow tired of forgiving me. Lord do not grow tired of me. Lord, do not give up on me."...amen.

Happy Sunday to all of you.