The WORDS in Other Words by Fr Florencio Lagura SVD (USA)
Friday 5th Week of Easter
Acts 15:22-31, Jn 15:12-17
“… till death do us part,” came from the young bride‘s mouth with all her heart on the day the lovely Juanita married Pedro, her childhood sweetheart. Everyone believed the two would live “happily ever after.” But sad to say, such was not the case. Ten years and seven children later the once loving man turned out to be lazy, a drunkard, skirt-chaser and wife/child beater.
Relatives, including her own children begged her to leave her man. Juanita refused, leaving everyone shaking their heads in utter disbelief. She said she could never leave the man she had vowed to love and live with her whole life through.
In her sadness she looked at the crucified Lord: the story of a man—God who loved till his own death kept the fire within her burning. And miracles do happen. Pedro fell seriously sick, and in his weakened state had to rely solely on his wife who kept to herself the words of her marriage vows, “in richer and in poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do us part.” Juanita nursed him, and received the reward of a dying husband who thanked her for being faithful.
In her own simple, others would call it simplistic, faith, the woman of courage followed the Lord‘s words to love others, including and especially her husband who had been a big disappointment.
In the golden years of her life Juanita enjoys being with her children, including many grandchildren in their modest yet comfortable homes in warm and sunny Crestview, Florida. Hers is a shining example of loving others and wishing their ultimate good just as Christ did. Like Him, Juanita loved till death.
Books Authored by Fr Florencio Lagura SVD published by Logos Publications available in LAZADA Philippines
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