By Fr Ramon Borja, SDB
Every time I occupy a room, be it my office or my bedroom, I always prefer one with windows. And I would place my table or bed facing one, making sure that when I sit in front of my office desk or lie on top of my bed I am facing that window. And those who know me well know that I am not really a fan of curtains. If ever curtains are there on my windows, I leave them always open… always. Why? Simple. I LOVE TO SEE THE SKY.
I love to see the sky…. Whether it is that bright morning sky or that gloomy rainy afternoon sky, I love it. Makes me feel alive, so one with nature, both in its lights and shadows.
I love to see the sky…. Be it that starry, starry night sky or that pitch black evening sky, I just love it. Makes me feel both high and deep, so one with creation, both in its needed resting and its nearing rising.
I love to see the sky…. Whether it is a picture perfect rainbow I see or a heavy downpour tarries in front of me, I still love it. Makes me feel that there’s more to life. I feel more one with people, with both their longing and their sobbing.
I love to see the sky…. Makes me see God’s beauty and mystery…. Makes me feel God’s presence.… Even just a tiny bit of it makes a whole lot of difference, if you let it.
You know what I often stare at as I work in my office? Not Kak Maria, our ever-reliable youth minister and office staff… although she is so pretty to look at, right… especially when she smiles? No, not her…. It is the window I do often stare at.
You know the first thing I look at when I wake up on my bed? Not my phone… to see if somebody sweetly messaged me… Spare me the frustration, right? Asa pa ko, hehe. No, not my phone…. As soon as I wake up, it is the window I do automatically look at.
I LOVE WINDOWS… THEY MAKE ME SEE THE SKY.
I LOVE TO SEE THE SKY… IT MAKES ME SEE GOD… GOD AND HIS WONDERS.
I guess that is what the Lord’s Ascension is for…. It serves as a window for us to see the sky and thus see… not just heaven… but our God who art in heaven, who invites us to dwell with him eternally in heaven.
I guess that is what today’s Gospel is for… that amidst the ups and downs, blessings and burdens, fears and feats of life here on this bewildered yet beloved earth, we may never lose sight of heaven…. And what is heaven but being one with God who is so alive and life-giving, life in all its fullness.
Obviously… we are still in a moment of worry. A lot are actually feeling so weary. This Covid-19 pandemic is still with us. But dear sisters and brothers, God is more so still and always will be with us. AND WHERE GOD IS, THERE HIS HEAVEN IS.
Please… choose to look at your window.
Unveil that curtain that blocks your view towards that sky.
Though gloomy or gorgeous, that sky of yours is that God of yours…
offering you his heaven to be also yours.
As Jesus ascends into heaven and in celebration of the feast of Mary as the Help of Christians, we pray…
“Oh dear JESUS, our Brother and Lord,
as you LOVINGLY LEAD, may we FAITHFULLY FOLLOW.
Oh dear MARY, our mother and guide,
pray that also HEAVEN be our FINAL TOMORROW.”
