Following Jesus’ Way – A Paschal Joy

As election is just a day away, it is good to ponder on the way our life and our world is going – matuwid ba or straight, or bako-bako, crooked but still pointing the way to the Maker and His creation in happy harmony with His divine plan. This Sunday is also marked with paschal joy as today’s psalm cries out: “All you peoples, clap your hands, shout to God with cries of gladness!” The gospel tells us that after Jesus ascended, the apostles “returned to Jerusalem filled with joy…” (Lk. 24:53)

Jesus had left His master plan of salvation for us to experience in our own lives’ paschal mysteries of suffering-death-and-resurrection. Individuals will have their own unique way of responding to the mission challenge of Jesus to continue building communities of dialogue, respect, mercy, compassion, and generosity. Jesus’ way alone and our faithfulness will resolve the breakdown of law and order in society by restoring the meaning of life’s destiny and healing the wounds of divisive competition. And the leaders who embody the divine ideals will be the inspiring way to true humanity and peace.

May we experience our own newness in our nation’s journey to the precincts on election day, and like the two disciples at Emmaus who recognized Jesus’ presence in the sharing of the Eucharist, be filled with burning joy after casting our votes wisely, honestly, and responsibly, with the Spirit answering our prayers for E-CHAMP: Clean, Honest, Accurate, Meaningful, and Peaceful Elections. May the right candidates be God’s chosen ones to lead our people to truth, unity, justice, and peace…and celebrate rightful victory with ‘paschal joy’!