By Fr. Carlo Villegas, SDB
The author has been a ‘bedspacer’ in the Zatti Clinic since 2017. He also volunteers a disclaimer: The content of this article is the personal and sole view of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this publication.
1. WHEN HAVING THOUGHTS OF INVINCIBILITY?
Remember, O Man, what you are now, once was I; what I am now, you later will be. It’s just a matter of time, not if. Take it to HEART or even plant it in your BRAIN. Double hydrate! (Pun highly intended)
2. WHEN ITCHING TO COMPLAIN?
Remember, “Something to suffer, something to offer, plenty to suffer, plenty to offer.” G.Ma.Rizzato, SDB missionary to the Philippines And when the suffering becomes more intense, add a longer list of people you can offer prayers for.
3. WHEN TRYING TO CONSIDER A REGRET IN THE PAST?
Remember, the service of authority is a big responsibility but not an eternity. Don’t Forget To Prepare Successors Before You Assume Office.
4. WHEN EXPECTING SOME APPRECIATION FOR THE WONDERFUL SERVICE AND SACRIFICES WE OFFERED IN OUR PAST LIFE?
Remember, we are (mere) useless servants; we just fulfill what we were meant to do… even if we sometimes may be really of good use. Learn to appreciate first: anyway TBT (truth be told): Nemo Dat quod non Habet
5. WHEN GETTING BORED IN YOUR BED OF SUFFERING?
Remember, being made quiet can be a blessing (not only for others); But also for you. Only in Silence do you receive the honor of savoring Solitude.
6. WHEN TERRIFIED OF PHYSICAL SUFFERING?
Remember that most corporate training sets you up for a promotion and a raise. If you claim your 13th month now, what is left for you to receive on Christmas day? Embrace your earthly purgatory now so as to skip it later.
7. WHEN CONFUSION SETS IN?
A word of advice: realize early on that a year of depression is a culmination of 365 days of losses & incremental moments of Sadness. When asked to choose between Physical and Mental Health, choose the former on any day of the week.
8. WHEN ENDURING YEARS OF SUFFERING CAN BE A TORTURE?
It is best not to grumble for all you know you are doing others a favor by giving them a respite. (reverse engineering “Mea Maxima poenitentia…” La mia più grande penitenza è la Vita in comunità ma potresti essere tu la più grande penitenza della vita comunitaria) [My greatest penance is community life, but you could be the greatest penance of community life.]
9. WHEN WONDERING WHY GOD DOESN’T FETCH YOU SOONER?
Realize then that Paradise does not accept freeloaders. Yet a viable and operant answer so far realized is: Marunong ka pa sa Diyos!
10. WHEN ANNOYED BY THOSE WHO painstakingly insinuate with a joke: BAKIT MATAGAL MAMATAY ANG MASAMANG DAMO?
Gentle Clap-back by saying: Kasi mas malalim daw ang ugat nila. Or an apostolic Clap-back: To give you a chance to practice at least one of your annual corporal works of Mercy (visiting the sick). Marunong pa KAYO sa Diyos!
11. WHEN PREPARING YOUR OWN TURN TO BE INVITED BY THE LORD TO EMBRACE YOUR BED OF SUFFERING?
Never ever bother to form a habit of asking WHY? Because The Lord’s first response is Silence, the Lord’s second response to your insistent stubbornness is “Shut up.” And gently adds an invite “accept ka na muna kasi” Then, sit back and Hope in the vision of God’s Magnanimity. Like an eagle God’s wisdom extends beyond an army of his mice. …MARUNONG KA PA SA DIYOS!
