LIFE GETS BETTER when one takes nothing for granted. Last Sunday, I was almost totally frustrated by a lost yahoo account caused by slippery fingers and other untechie factors (for which, this time, I could not blame the devil) yet I refused to be defeated. I rose from my couch, went to my study table and prayed. To the Holy Spirit, Jesus and Mary, to give me patience when I try (for the nth time) to retrieve my account and make a new password (because rambling the old and turning it backwards several times would not hack it). This was how I lost access to the 40dayprayerapp which I stopped losing sleep over (if it’s for me, it is). Then I proceeded to apply the process. It really took time and, because of prayer for patience, I had to be true to myself, did it repeatedly until, the cursor was spinning ever so continuously, paydirt! It was all I could do not to jump for joy. Crack of dawn and I was mumbling endless praise and thanksgiving to God! Then I reread Fr. Fed’s posts and played his voice clips on the first day of the second stage of TTJ – Baptized into the Dying and Rising of Christ. Such comforting reassurances. Manifested by another miracle that popped right out of my five senses. And all I did was believe!
On hindsight, I recalled the few instances that I had long gone with my draft and, of a sudden, the copy goes kaput and, no matter what effort I try to retreive the file, the devil wouldn’t budge. Then Ate Car advised me to save my files on icloud and, with my deliverance prayer, the evil never had to bother me again. Until that really spiritual 40dayapp which it successfully wrecked. Fortuitously, Ate Myla lent me a DIY retreat book (one of three) to divert my disappointment into something devotional. Back to the devil, the All Saints Day edition of the Philippine Daily Inquirer carried an article saying that “Demonic spirits can send text messages to cell phones and use modern technology to harass or lure people to the dark side (underscoring mine). Fr. Jose Francisco Syquia, chief exorcist of the Archdiocese of Manila, also says receiving messages from demons is an experience common to priests helping possessed persons liberate themselves.” The article is the last of a two-part series. I shared this immediately with Ate Car, who was having difficulty battling the temptations of her gadget. It gave her pause to ponder a little.
I attended Fr. Syquia’s talk on exorcism years ago at Mary the Queen Parish (erstwhile home of PREX 7Ps), when there were only two of them at the Archdiocese of Manila; there are now 170 members of the Philippine Association of Catholic Exorcists (PACE). His confirming of demonic texts as true (it happened to him) made me recall the favorite haunts of evil spirits: corners, trees and toilets. The last item is the reason why I always pray in it. You can confirm with our past kasambahays that, until I sprayed holy water (and prayed the deliverance prayer) on their sleeping quarters and the adjacent lanai, they used to hear psssts and see white visions there. I did the ritual with goose bumps all over me but not once did I doubt the efficacy of what I learned from Fr. Syquia. It worked; to this day, Satan forever stayed behind and far away. Being clever, he knows I’m always ready for (and unafraid of) him.
Last Friday night, I was braced for Days 5 and 6 of our Totus Tuus Journey. My fellow pilgrims connected with me last Wednesday, the eve of my birthday, where I was hosting my brother, his wife Marie and her two kids, who surprised me with an unannounced visit, and Ates Car, Vi and Veron understood enough to excuse me that night. What I found out is that they didn’t push through with the session (they chorused “walang iwanan”) without me. So we covered all the four days that accumulated on Monday night in order not to be left behind by the other teams and earn the privilege of reconsecrating along with them.
Sunday, feast of All the Saints, I learned a lesson in humility. Myrna asked if it was possible to extend Mary’s stay for one more day. I knew what she meant, that we might be spared of Rolly’s rage. As I answered “I’ll see what I can do,” I turned to the altar and, upon gazing at Mary, retorted that we’ve had her for a long time already and the next household needs her mercy, too. Then I stopped my reading and started vespers. I knew Mary was staying because the usual transfer time is 5 pm and the coordinator has not shown up. I apologized to her for being blunt with my wife and told them I’m happy that Mary favored her. My turnaround was supported (after terribly whapping me) by pages 152 and 153 of the retreat book. I lacked the merciful outlook is why I was quick to act without the soft deed, kind word and prayer. I was so righteous in dealing with my wife with the false perception that Mary was going to take my side. My humiliation served me right!
The next day, the coordinator did not come to take her to the next house. I’ve learned my lesson and thanked God for the burgeoning blessing. Later, while Fr. Fed led us to virtually reflect on the seven days of knowing ourselves, Myrna sidled up to me to say Alex is out of sorts and anxious he might have caught the virus from an officemate who was symptomatic. I reassured her I’ll do what’s necessary. We were discussing Mary’s virtues (compared to my vices, I thought to myself). When the time to share our insights came, I offered a supplication instead, that Pads lift up my son’s fears and our family’s feelings. And thanked everyone for their assent. My phone rang at the time our team was supposed to meet (the reflection excused us from it). I got up and answered it. Ates Car, Ver and Vi were preoccupied with my plea. They suggested preventive home remedies for Alex to thwart the threat. They cared so much to not rest until reassured they have done it. Moved, I mumbled my gratitude and excused myself to carry out their caring prescription. Amen.
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