Summer is here, and I hope you are taking the time to relax and enjoy a much-needed vacation. We all require moments to rest, rejuvenate, and spend quality time with family and friends. Vacation days bring us closer to our loved ones while nourishing our bodies and minds.
This summer, I encourage you to pick up a good book, start a new hobby, or engage in light exercise, such as taking a morning or evening walk. You might also consider watching a heartwarming movie in a theater—a pastime that seems to be declining as online streaming becomes more prevalent. There is nothing quite like the experience of watching a good film on the big screen while enjoying some popcorn!
Jesus understood the importance of relaxation and rest during His time on Earth. He often withdrew to deserted places with His disciples or visited Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. As the Gospel recounts, He would sit down with Mary or enjoy Martha’s delicious cooking. He likely took time to watch the sunset with friends or engage in playful activities. He exemplified a balanced life.
We must continually remind ourselves that life is short, and we should savor every moment, especially with our loved ones. It is wise to save money and be frugal in our needs while also sharing our blessings with others. However, we should not overlook enjoying life within our means—such as traveling and dining out.
Each generation is different. Those of us who are baby boomers recall a simpler time growing up—before computers, cell phones, and streaming movies became commonplace. We found joy in the simple pleasures of life: playing outside with friends, riding bikes, catching grasshoppers, flying kites, or watching two spiders on a stick as they engaged in their natural battles. Indeed, life was simpler then, but it was also fulfilling.
Today, parents face the challenge of raising children in an era dominated by high technology and social media. Many children struggle with being present with those around them, especially adults, and often find it difficult to engage in meaningful conversations. Screen time has negatively affected interpersonal relationships for both children and adults. Perhaps we must learn to discipline ourselves, reducing our time on social media and our smartphones, so that we can truly listen to one another and make each other feel valued and cared for.
This is what we strive to foster here in our parish: a healthy environment where everyone feels seen, listened to, and valued. We continue to promote a loving, welcoming, and joyful community.
I hope that Fr. Ramon Reyes experienced this sense of community during his three years with us at Incarnation Church. As we treated Fr. Ramon with love, care, and respect, I hope we will extend the same warmth to Fr. Christian Morquecho. Being a new priest involves significant adjustment and many learning curves, and we’re here to support Fr. Christian in any way we can.
Enjoy your summer, and have a wonderful Fourth of July weekend!
With love,
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
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Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California
