Fr. Ricky V. Ordóñez

After a difficult workday, when the sun is bearing down on us and we are covered by the desert dust, doesn’t it feel wonderful to get under the shower and feel that refreshing water wash away all the sweat and dirt?  It does, doesn’t it?  Just think about how spiritually refreshed we are when we are cleansed by the Holy Spirit.   

In Baptism, we experienced our first cleansing.   Thereafter, it is in listening and hearing the word of God, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the love that we share with one another, and the giving and receiving of forgiveness that gives us the “refreshment that we need”.  

Let us be reminded of the “cleansing and refreshing” powers that the Holy Spirit offers to us constantly!

*****

If all works out according to plan, I would have flown out of Los Angeles last Wednesday and on the third of five days quarantine in Manila – not my hometown of Cebu.  As expected, my direct flight got rerouted because of the devastation that Typhoon Odette (known in the US as Typhoon Rai) has caused our beloved city.   I am now in Manila and need to quarantine here for 6 days until I am cleared by another Covid test before flying home.  

Yes, it is unbelievably difficult to fly home as there are so many restrictions, regulations, etc. that we need to undergo before we can reach our families.  Then, we need to quarantine at home for another 10 days.  But, it’s okay if it is for the safety of our families.   

As I write this (December 31, 2021), power has just been restored to where my family lives after having lost it on December 16 during the onslaught of the typhoon.  What a New Year’s blessing!

I look forward to being home as there is so much to do.  Most importantly, I just want to be with Mom who is facing some serious and delicate health challenges.  Please say a prayer for her – and for us.

   Likewise, there are more people that need help whose homes have been destroyed or damaged and their livelihoods decimated.  As power was restored, YouTube videos are beginning to crop up showing the unbelievable devastation that our city suffered.  In the end, people are grateful that they simply survived it.  

As much as I look forward to being home, I know I have to be spiritually strong and be prepared to face whatever challenges await me.  God will see us through these challenges.

*****

I endeavor to continue my weekly column in our Parish Bulletin.  I may have to be quite inventive to get it on the NET as internet capabilities have been greatly diminished.  Nevertheless, I will see what will be available so that I am in touch.