COVID Lesson 6 : We're Not in Control

“Form a plan, it shall be thwarted; make a resolve, it shall not be carried out. For God is with us” Is. 8:10

I plan to create a basketball board yesterday morning.
But the kids made me sit down and watch Jurassic World with them. Actually, we watched the movie already a lot of times.
But it's only yesterday that I learned the lesson of the story well – We’re NOT in control!


According to one of its characters, Simon Masrani (the owner of the Jurassic Word) “The key to a happy life is to accept that you are never actually in control!”
This I believe, is also what COVID wants to teach us.
We’re NOT in control!


My sister booked her flight going back here in the Philippines- cancelled!
Our school scheduled our final examinations this week- cancelled!
I supposed to give a Lenten recollection this coming weekend- cancelled!
Our graduation is already set on April 3- cancelled!

A mother’s first birthday party for her son – cancelled!
A boy’s first anniversary date with his girlfriend – cancelled!
A business man opening his new restaurant branch- cancelled!
A devotee’s plan to visit churches this coming holy week-cancelled!


What are your plans/activities that has been cancelled due to COVID? I’m very sure, you have yours.
We plan, we prepare, we predict and so we try to manipulate.
That’s why we create high-technologies (like in Jurassic World) - To CONTROL EVERYTHING.

It will NEVER HAPPEN! (Cause the truth is, we cannot even fully control ourselves) We want things and even people (very sad) to go always our way. We would like to be the Alpha (the one controlling the dinosaurs) and even the Omega.
But again, COVID is reminding us.
We’re NOT in control.


The bible said:
“Form a plan, it shall be thwarted; make a resolve, it shall not be carried out. For God is with us” Is. 8:10

Yes, we’re not in control. God is.
Yes, we’re not the owners of this world. God is.
We’re not the Alpha and the Omega. God is.




Let us now learn not to depend much on our technologies.
Instead, let us always learn to be humble and still ask God to bless our plans.
He says: “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Prob.16:9

And from the beginning to the completion of our activities- whether we’re successful or not. Let us learn to submit our free will to God’s eternal will.

Actually, this is what Jesus did:
“My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” Mt. 26:42


Let us follow Jesus and pray (silence)

Generous Father.
We thank you for today.
Thank you for giving us meals to share.
And for giving us health to enjoy.
Help us to use these blessings according to your will, not according to our ways. Help us to trust in you more in this moment of uncertainty. Help us to adjust.
Help us really to pray- May your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus name, Amen!


Guide questions for reflection:

1. Is there someone / something in my life I want to control? What do I feel whenever I feel I’m not in control of him/her/it?

2. What do I usually do if I lost control of him/her/it?

3. What is God’s message for me in these situations?


P.S. But maybe you ask? If God is in control, why is He not just stop everything? Is He allowing these things to punish us? These and more we reflect in the upcoming COVID lessons. Until we meet again. Stay safe and stay in faith!

LESSON 5: Love Your Parents

Even to your old age and gray hairs 

I am he, I am he who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you;
I will sustain you and I will rescue you. Is. 46:4

I took vacation yesterday in my parent’s house in Cavite.
(Don’t worry, it’s just one fence away from our home.)
The main purpose is to attend some errands-
Fixing the TV antenna and putting some baseboard in their bedroom.

It took me almost a day of working.
But it was also a great day of caring.

My mother prepared me merienda (a very delicious French toast)
And as a plus, she gave us also our dinner (a bunch of lumpiang shanghai)
My father, assisted me in cutting the boards.
He also cleaned my mess (he loves cleaning so much)

I came to express my care for them.
But actually, I felt being cared by them more.

They are very consistent.
When they gave birth to me.
When they send me to school.
Whey they allow me to go to seminary (and go out)
When they send me again to school (my schooling is really long)
When I got married.
When their grandchildren were born.
Yes, from my birth until now-
My parents continuously cared, support and prayed for me.

And now, more than ever- It’s my time to return the favor.
Indeed, it’s the circle of life.

God said and promised-
Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am he, I am he who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. Is. 46:4

Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. Prov.23:22

God reiterated this in the new testament .

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Col. 6:1-3

And now, COVID has its own version.

- Elderly, most at risk from the Conona Virus -
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/03/coronavirus-covid-19-elderly-older-people-health-risk/ (this is a good read on how you can take care of elderly and of yourself from the virus)

Let’s take care of elderly parents.
Let’s give time to them.
Just listen.
Be patient.
Forgive.

Let us pray. (Silence)

Generous Father.
Thank you for today.
Thank you for giving us our bread and sustaining our health.
We ask you to help us particularly our elderly to be safe from danger.
Help us also to be more generous with our time and patience to express our love and gratitude for them. In Jesus name. Amen.

Guide questions for reflection
1. In what way/s I’m expressing now my love and gratitude to my parents?
2. Are there things I need to change in my schedule so I can give quality time to my parents? What are they?


P.S. A good read in how to take care of your elderly parents.
https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/god-cares-for-you-while-you-care-for-your-aging-parents-11616672.html

LESSON 4: Go Home and Plant Kamote!

“And on the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither, nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing.” Ez. 47:12


“Go home and plant kamote!”
If you’re a Filipino, you know what this means.
If you’re a Filipino, it’s now time to take this seriously.
If you’re a Filipino, it’s now time to take this literally!

It’s very moving to see people angry as they exchange points to authorities just to allow them to pass through checkpoints to go to their work. Obviously, without working, they cannot earn. At the end, “how can I feed my family?!!” They explained with teary eyes.

There is even one rider who wish to pass through so he can collect his salary from his employer. Half of the 13th month pay are also being suggested. And yesterday, someone drop-by the house to ask assistance because her husband (a painter) was also laid from work due to community quarantine.

My prayer goes to these people today.
And I invite you to pray for them too.

Let us pray. (Silence)

Generous Father,
Thank you for today.
Thank you for sustaining us with food and health.
In a special way, we remember those people who can’t work these days. Sustain their family with enough nutritious food in their table. Guide us also, especially our government leaders, so they can come up with plans and resources to distribute, so those who are in great need will be assisted well. In Jesus name. Amen.

Thank you for praying with me.
Today, let us also offer our activities for them.

If we will really pay attention to what we’re experiencing now,
COVID is teaching us to till the soil.
To grow food in and from our backyards (and share them to our neighbors).
To bring back gardening in the activities of our students.
And not to convert agricultural lands to malls and condominiums (instead we should do the reverse)
Yes, to give natural resources on top of our priorities.
Yes, to love our most closest neighbor – The Mother Earth.

Why COVID wants us to learn this?
Because COVID wants us to understand that
Money CANNOT give us security. Food CAN! (Nutritious food)
Without FOOD SECURITY, all kinds of security are INSECURITIES! 

The bible said:
“And on the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither, nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing.” Ez. 47:12

If you go back to situations I shared to you above,
The lesson is hidden from their (and our) predicament.
We need to go out from our homes to work.
We need to go out from our homes to earn money.
We need to go out from our homes to buy food.

So there’s the problem why there are still people trying to violate authorities. Why still social distancing is difficult to observe. Why still we all need to go out!

Go home and plant kamote!

Imagine if all of us will grow food inside our backyards.
(Just sing “Bahay Kubo” for you to have an idea what to plant)
Yes, we will don’t depend much on our money!
Yes, we will don’t depend much on our employers!
Yes, we will don’t depend much on malls, supermarkets and gasoline!
Yes, we will find more time to enjoy our family in safety and abundance of our homes!
(And still observe bayanihan, panunulungan, tumbang preso at taguan)

I know what you’re thinking.
"Is this still possible?"
"Or you’re absurd bro!" (I guess the second is more true)

Maybe yes.
But is this not the kind of society we have before we welcome much industrialization and commercialization into our agricultural country? We were cheated! And we keep allowing money makers to continuously cheat us!

Listen, and think about this well.
They make money, we lost our lands.
We lost our lands, we lost our food/water. (they still make money – and get much of our food/water)
We lost our food, we depend much on their money (to buy “Fake foods”)
When we depend much on their money, (they become our “lords”
We find ourselves working outside our home. (because they have our lands)


Go home and plant Kamote!

Open your eyes, open your heart. (and let dirt touch your hands also)

We cannot eat our money.
What we really need is why we keep on earning money, and improving business and salaries-  Food! Nutritious food! 
This is what we really need!

That is why Jesus taught us to pray - give us this day our daily bread! - Mt. 6:11 

Let’s really pay attention! COVID is a voice from our Mother Earth, telling us to not only to see what’s happening now but also to learn from the past so still we can save the future. The future of our children’s children.

Let’s us now learn the COVID lesson well.
Go home and plant kamote!

Let us pray. (Silence)

Generous Father,
Again, thank you for today.
Thank you for giving us a good weather.
Help us to examine our conscience, if there are times we hurt our Mother Earth. Help us to regain our being Filipino by protecting our agricultural lands.
Starting from our backyards to our farm lands and fishery waters. In Jesus name. Amen.

Guide questions for reflections
1. How do I take care of my Mother Earth?
2. Is there a way I can plant fruits or vegetable in my backyard or near my place? What fruit/vegetables will I plant? How can I sustain it?

Lesson 3: Think of Others

“For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.” 1 Jn. 4:20-21 

COVID-19 is definitely here to teach us to think of others.
It is giving us the greatest choice and fight of our lives –
COmpassion Versus InDifference

What are you choosing?
What do you think Filipinos are choosing?

Spreading authentic advisory or creating fake news?
Donating alcohol and facemasks or hoarding them?
Supporting small business or killing them?
Observing ceasefire or spreading terrorism?
Praying for government leaders or bashing them?
Self/community quarantine or strolling?
Obedience or quarrels?
Worshiping or worrying?

You can add an ending list of options.
But again,
What are you choosing?
What do you think Filipinos are choosing?

Listen, God’s message for us through COVID-19 is very clear.
“Love your neighbors as you love yourself.” Mark 12:31

Yes, your love for yourself cannot be separated for the betterment of your neighbors.
Otherwise, your love for yourself is fake!

Listen more.
For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.” 1Jn. 4:20-21

Yes, your greatest expression of love for God is to love and be generous to your neighbors. Otherwise, your love for God is fake!

In a nutshell – your love of God (lesson 1) and your love for yourself (lesson 2) is not separated for your love for others (lesson 3)
If these three are not in unison (triune) – our love is FAKE!

Let’s pause for a while and reflect…

Is my Love for God, for myself, and for others integrated to each other?
What experience/s of mine nowadays can I see the integration of the three?

Before you continue reading, I invite you to pray and sing this song.
Play it. 

Now, whatever your answers are, let’s pray that the Lord will teach us to think of others - na tutuan Niya tayong maging bukas-palad (to teach us to be generous).

Because in this new and very difficult moment of our lives,
Our normal tendency is to secure ourselves,
To secure our own families,
To secure our own job,
To secure our own businesses,
Etc.

But hear this well.
The more we think only of ourselves (Dr. DeMarco calls this, contraceptive mentality) the more COVID-19 spreads.

The more we think only of our own security, the more we cannot surpass this pandemic
After all, I believe COVID-19 is not really the enemy – it is SELFISHNESS

St. James already warned us.
“For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” – James 3:16

Filipinos, I invite you- let us fight selfishness.
Let’s choose COmpassion Versus InDifference
This is only what can truly save us from this worldwide pandemic.

Let’s Pray
(Silence) 

Generous Father,
We thank you for today.
Continue to sustain us and protect us from harm.
Help us also sustain and protect the lives of our neighbors.
Help us to give what we can give. In Jesus name. Amen.
`
Points for reflections
1. What can I share today to help others?
2. How can I spread generosity nowadays?

LESSON 2: IT IS OK TO BE ALONE
"In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there.” Mk. 1:35

When was the last time you find enough time to practice solitude?
When was the last time you converse well with yourself?

Social distancing is giving you these opportunities.
Grab it!

Why not?
There are a lot of good things that can learnt better in a distance.
Yes, when you spend some moments with yourself alone.

This is what social media, internet, concerts, online games, and the like sometimes deprive us. And the truth is, a lot of young (even old) people find it difficult to be alone and be silent nowadays.

This is very true to some recollections/retreat I facilitate.
When it’s time to observe silence, some participants insist to talk.
When ask to distant themselves from one another,
Some participants will still find time to stick with his/her classmate.
When ask to read their bibles, they will open their phones and text.

Do you have the same difficulty?
Practice Social Distancing!
Not primarily because you want to be separated from others,
But mainly because you want to be truly close with yourself.




When you're alone, you can reflect more.
When you're alone, you can plan better.
When you're alone, you can pray longer.

As a result, the better you discover who you are and how you will be dealing with other people and your daily activities. 

Jesus promotes this.

In many occasion, Jesus would slip away to the wilderness to pray alone. (Lk. 5:16)
Before he chooses his 12 disciples, He prayed alone. (Lk. 6:13-13)
Before he carries the cross, He prayed alone. (Mt. 26:36)

Remember, It’s OK to be alone.
These days… and every day, take advantage of it!

Let us pray…

Silence

Generous Father,
Thank you for today.
Thank you for giving me this opportunity to be alone with you.
To have myself being quarantine by your love.
To be lock down in your care and mercy.
Help me to understand and appreciate myself more.
So I can also learn to truly understand and appreciate others.
In Jesus name. Amen.

Guide Questions for Reflection
1. How do I usually converse with myself? How is my self-talk affecting me?
2. What do I want to tell to myself now? Why?
3. What can I do to find enough time to practice solitude/silence?

LESSON 1: ENJOY GOD MORE

“We no longer believe because of what you told us; we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is the Savior of the world.” Jn. 4:42


Facebook is full of news (authentic and fake), reminders, sentiments, and even funny anecdotes about COVID-19. As I observe, it is also full of prayers and inspirations to trust God more in this difficult moment of our lives.

Obviously, this 19-day COVID-FREE online retreat is also in that tone.But I’m not just here to invite you to pray… or to trust God that everything will be well,(not even trying to scare you and remind you that the end of the world is near.)


What I intend for us to do here for the next 19 days is to enjoy God.Yes, we’re here to enjoy God more!This is the first lesson I learned from COVID-19.



As masses and other communal worship being cancelled,COVID-19 is giving us the chance to worship God afresh- in a personal and intimate way.And this is what I mean by ENJOY GOD MORE- that more than we observe worship as an obligation and bunch of rituals, we worship God in SPIRIT and in TRUTH.


Allow me to simplify things by asking you some questions.

When was the last time you find time to allow God to talk to you in silence? 
When was the last time you open, read, and marvel on your bible? 
When was the last time you truly examine your conscience?When was the last time you really give to a needy from the heart?


(silence)


Sometimes, when done unconsciously, public worship deprives us of these moments.Particularly when we’re there talking to God out of obligation or as a chore.When we just wait for someone to open the bible, read it, and explain it to us (while we nap).
When we try to equate going to church to being religious.


Listen, religiosity is more than rituals and going to churches.It is a relationship! Therefore, a daily commitment.

And with the adjustments due to COVID-19,your worship depends more on your spiritual commitment. It depends now on your own freewill and availability. You are now more free to decide when, where, why, what, how, and to whom to pray and help (this is worshiping God in Spirit and Truth). I invite you, take advantage of it. Take charge of your prayer life.

After all, according to a friend, prayer (our relationship with God and his relationship with us)- is the best mask that we can wear to cover ourselves with.


Hear this well.Take advantage to open your heart to God as your church closes.Take advantage of silence as laud singing and vocal prayer ceases.


Believe me, it is only in meeting God personally (and intimately) that you can truly worship Him, truly serve Him, and truly love Him.Moreover, it is only in letting God to personally meet you each day, that you can experience how much he cares, serves, and loves you.


This is what many Samaritans experience in our reading (Jn. 4:1-42). 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF7ma1yoLNk

They exert effort to meet and listen to Jesus. In the end, they no longer depend on the testimony of the Samaritan woman. Their personal encounter with Jesus made them believe that He is really the savior of this world.


This is also the blessing that I want you to receive through this 19-day COVID-FREE online retreat. That in the end. With or without the presence of other people, with or without the testimony of your church leaders and pastors (even without my testimonies and reflections) your personal experience with God can be a living proof of His security, healing, and saving to us all.

Let us pray…

(Silence)
Generous Father,Thank you for today.Thank you for inviting me and establishing an intimate relationship with me.Help me to value this relationship. Help me to always enjoy your presence in my life.Wherever I am and whatever I do.In Jesus name. Amen.


Guide Questions for Reflections

1. What is the challenge of Lesson 1 in my life today?
2. What do I want to do today so I can enhance my personal and intimate relationship with God?
3. What is my most memorable encounter with God this year?

ENJOY GOD

“We no longer believe because of what you told us; we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is the Savior of the world.” John 4:42

Are you really happy with God?
Do you really enjoying your relationship with Him?

Don’t continue reading unless you find enough time to answer the questions above in silence.

If you believe in God, enjoying Him and letting Him enjoy you is what will make you truly secured (not only during this trying times, but every day of your life) and fulfilled.

Today, I invite you- ENJOY GOD!

With this blessing, kindly join me in a 19-day COVID-FREE Online Retreat.







Our THEME- 19 Very Inspiring Lessons from COVID-19

Our main GOD'S MESSAGE -  "We no longer believe because of what you told us; we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is the Savior of the world.” John 4:42

Our PURPOSE – To grow in our relationship with God, with ourselves and with others amidst the challenges of COVID-19

OUR PROCESS – Lessons and reflections will be posted daily in this blog and also in my Fb  account ( https://www.facebook.com/richard.vergara.33 ). Reflections will be available as early as 4:30 am each day (starting March 16, 2020) to give you and me enough space for silence before we begin our daily activities. I will also link bible readings and inspiring videos/reflections to enhance your spiritual experience. In the end, I invite you to answer guide questions. If you wish, you may share your answers, reflections, and prayers in the comment box to inspire one another. Sharing this 19-day COVID-FREE Online Retreat with others is greatly appreciated.


Let’s begin with a prayer.

(Enjoy a moment of silence and tell God your personal intentions)

Let’s pray…

Generous Father,
Today, we thank you for our life.
Thank you for sustaining us with your love and abundant blessings.
Help us to always LOVE so we can overcome our fears.
Forgive us and help us to forgive each other.
And in this most trying days of our lives,
Give us our daily bread and protect us from harm.
In a special way, we entrust to you our 19 days of inspiring moments and reflections with you.
Bless our efforts so it will truly lead to our intimate relationship with you, with ourselves and with others. In Jesus name. Amen.


Thank you friend for praying with me.
See you tomorrow for our first SESSION.
Stay safe and stay in faith!