Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Holy Perseverance

Lk 21:12-19

Jesus said to the crowd:
“They will seize and persecute you,
they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons,
and they will have you led before kings and governors
because of my name.
It will lead to your giving testimony.
Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand,
for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking
that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.
You will even be handed over by parents,
brothers, relatives, and friends,
and they will put some of you to death.
You will be hated by all because of my name,
but not a hair on your head will be destroyed.
By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”

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"Kailan ba matatapos ang kabaliwang ito? (When will all this madness end?)" I exaperatedly sighed upon arriving at home after a tiring tour of duty as a student psychiatrist on duty for the past 24 hours. I had seen 3 patients who have been sent to the emergency room for ingestion of toxic substances, silver jewelry cleaner and moth balls among others. I have also seen a woman who has been taking drugs, which have triggered her schizophrenia. Interviewing her was a challenge, and I risked being shouted at by this patient.

Stress. Today's lifestyle demands much of our time than before, and medicine is definitely not an exception. Today's Gospel reminds us of the importance of the things that God given us, the responsibilities He has entrusted us. And to do them, not just because we need to finish them, but because it is our purpose in life to be faithful to what God is calling us to do.

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Saint Ignatius, pray for us.

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