“The Unseen Connection”

Fray Renz Calex C. Soriano, OAR

The whole world suffers from the unstoppable spread of covid 19. The
pandemic has claimed many lives. People are interrupted from doing the customary things.
Somehow, the present crisis made them realize that even money can’t solve the problem. Also,
religious gatherings are stopped. People can no longer attend religious activities. And they are
impeded from receiving the sacraments. Life seems to be full of emptiness because what people
are more concerned of are their long-lasting food supply, sufficient medicines, and safety.
People tend to discern what really is the most important thing in life? All things are
bound to perish except that which scriptures writes, ‘heaven and earth will pass but my words
will not pass away (Mt 24:35). Our discomforts in life, most of the time, blind us from seeing
what matter most. The danger of escaping from these enslaving-discomforts pull us out from the
truths. Thus, St. Luke reminds us that everything will come to perish (Lk 21:1-9) and, likewise,
experience tells us that suffering will occur to break our ‘faith-prison-cell’ to drown us into the
whirlpool of transgressions. Nevertheless, if there is something that will never perish, it is, the
word of God.
What have I done so far to reach out and convince people that God’s word never perishes
despite the impossibility of gathering together?
Online platforms are the new normal trends to be connected virtually with the people. At
present, the responsibility of being the seminarian in-charge of the Legion of Mary, Mater
Consolatrix Praesidium, demands a new mission model. During the adjustment period, I found it
difficult to communicate with them. Then, little by little, sharing spiritual thoughts and insights
became inspiring, motivating, and animating. I used to have little devotion to Mary, but I had a
clear knowledge of her as the Mother of God. However, as the online sharing progresses my
relationship with her got deeper and deeper. Every time I speak about the Virgin Mary to the
Legionaries my heart is filled with joy. I eventually came to love her more and more. The joy is
unexplainable every time I spoke of her to the members of Mater Consolatrix Praesidium.
Indeed, even the pandemic is not a hindrance to proclaim the word of God to the people.
Yes! Physical gatherings are impossible. However, when we meet, with the Word of God and
Mary with us, online, does it make any difference? Truly, online platforms or virtual gatherings
can be venues of personal encounters—a personal journey with God and Mary.
 Do not be deceived always by what the world brings. We might forget that our body is
bound to perish but our soul is to undergo judgment. We are only human, weak and fragile. In
other words, do not place our concerns over God’s plan. Let us do our best to make our fears a
source of strength to persevere whenever we face problems. Let our spiritual life activate its
power when tribulations, problems and struggles strike.
Jesus encourages us to seek the things that last, to look forward to what is eternal, and to
be guided from falling into temptations. Do not forget to see the fundamental things. Take heed
and not be deceived. Jesus Christ, the Messiah, is the Way, the Truth and the Life—the unseen
connection from whom we must draw our faith and hope.
Let us also ask the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. She is always there to guide
us.