In Christ Alone, is Forever

FR. GERBERT GABAYLO, OSJ

(Fr. Gerbert delivered this homily on the 40th Day of Zenaida V. Barreiro’s death.)

‘Can death end everything between us and our deceased loved one?’ Fr. Gabaylo asks and invites us to reflect.

Man’s deepest hunger is for God. But because we do not fully recognize this, we fall into the trap of filling ourselves with things that satisfy us only temporarily.

We need eyes of faith to welcome Jesus, the Bread of Life! Our hunger will never be satisfied with vanities, fleeting realities, earthly longings, and fleshly pursuits.  We need the humility to accept that without Jesus’ divine aid, we cannot be imitators of God.

Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist forms us into the people He means us to be, a people of truth and love, of compassion and mutual forgiveness.

As we remember Zenaida, on her 40th Day Death Anniversary, we thank the Lord for her life, for by being your ‘Madre de Familia (mother of the family), she became a presence of God in your home throughout the years. She took Jesus, the Heavenly Bread, into her life, transforming her into a  loving and faithful mother in Christ’s image.

 Now that she is dead, we ask, 

‘Can death end everything between Zenaida and all of you?’ Even beyond time, death cannot stop her from being a mother and grandmother to all of you.

Losing a mother is one of the deepest sorrows that anyone can experience. But the love of a mother, her goodness, caring, and wisdom will continue to live. A mother’s love will always be with her children.

To me, a mother is a wonder! Childbirth is said to be womankind’s most significant pain!  Miraculously though, God has designed it so that on seeing her baby, she forgets the pain. From the mother comes new life, totally independent, a life which, one day, will grow and develop, eventually charting their future.

What are the memories of your mother, Zenaida, that you wish to hold? Let her memories continue to live in the fibers of your family!

1. Her daily presence in your lives is a reminder of God’s faithfulness to your family. 

‘Nasaan si Mommy’ (Where is Mommy)? Every time you go home, it is this question you ask.  The home is different, with the mother present. A home is not a home without a mother!

A graduate of law who embraced her being a mother; only a selfless mother can do that! 

There will be many people who will come into our lives, but no one can ever take the place of a mother.

Treasure your mother’s love in your heart each day! You will need this love in the most challenging times of your life. It has already been 40 days, and it seems like it was just yesterday. It will not be easy – an empty chair, an empty table, an empty room, an empty house, and empty hearts! But your mother, Zenaida, will continue to love you every day, and that will make you strong!

‘One day, you will say, ‘Okay na Mommy (It’s ok, Mommy)! You can rest in peace now. Please continue to guide us. We will be fine!’

2)  She imparted to you her value of justice and fairness. 

Among the values deeply rooted in your family must be a sense of justice and fairness. It is your most vital foundation. Your mother had solidified that in all of you! Fight for the oppressed. Do not step on the rights of others. Give justice where it is due!

Your mother’s sense of justice is more than inheritance, prestige, power. She handed you a legacy to achieve a happy life by being just and fair to people. As you keep this teaching, your mother will continue to live.  

3. Your mother believed in all of you. Not all people will believe in us; they will stake their trust in us. 

Zenaida believed in her children and grandchildren. When you encounter people who doubt you, remember your mother, Zenaida. She believed in you all and took pride in each one.

When a mother dies, she leaves a light to guide her children’s path long after she’s gone!