"It's Finished!"
by: Nio Calonge
My family, me, my wife Ruby, and our two kids, Fourth (14) and Una (8) left the Philippines in December 2021. My wife was about to take up a two-year Diploma in Business Administration program at a university in Canada. Before, student visa holders were allowed to bring their whole family, so we left altogether, bringing with us so much faith, hope, excitement, and anxiety all rolled up in one.
To be honest, the idea of living in a different country was never an option for me before as my nationalistic heart would say “I am more needed here in the country.” Not even when I got married did I consider moving away from the country. But everything started to change when Fourth and Una came into the picture. It has come to my understanding that every opportunity and every decision we make as husband and wife is also a decision that we must make as a father and a mother to our kids, so when the opportunity to try came in, we took it. We will be in our fourth year in Canada this year, and we are still very far from achieving our goal. One day while walking, Una asked, “Papa, why do we have to leave the Philippines?” I was surprised. Not because I don’t know the answer but because I really do. I paused and smiled at her. Took a deep breath and said, “One day, I will explain everything to you” and with innocent and trusting eyes, she replied, “Ok po, Papa.”
I believe most of the immigrants would be on the same page with us in terms of the reason/s behind leaving the country: better options, not even for themselves but for their children, their families, and all the others who depend on them. Would you think immigrants would want to leave the country, be away from their family and friends, take multiple (odd) jobs if the things that they are looking for are already in their country? I bet not.
And thoughts about options made to think about a common question one might ask, “Did Jesus have an option not to suffer and die on the cross”?
I mean, Jesus could have done something else instead of carrying the cross, be scourged, be crowned with thorns, be left alone by His closest friends, be ridiculed, be shouted at, be nailed, pierced, and die, right?
Well, you see, the devil tempted Him and tried its best to stop Him from doing what He ought to do. In Matthew 4:1-11, the devil tried to lure Jesus many times to succumb to his authority (And here, you will be able to see that even the devil recognizes who Jesus is). He could have just turned the stone into bread, He could have thrown Himself from the highest point of the temple so that the angels could catch Him, or He could have just bowed and worshipped the devil.
Yes, Jesus was presented with options to abandon His mission. But he did not take it, not even a hint of doing it. Jesus remained in His identity. He remained focused on His mission. From the very start, Jesus knew who He was and the mission that He must accomplish and the things He must do to accomplish it. He knew it would not be easy. He knew it would be painful. He knew that He must pay the ultimate price, just to make it happen.
But why?
Because His love for us goes beyond His pain, His tears, His blood, His very own life. His love is you.
The same way that Jesus calls us to focus on the goal. We might have different goals in life and rightfully so. But do not forget that everything here on earth is only temporary. Our ultimate and eternal goal should be to be with the Father.
Focus on it. The path won’t be easy with all the challenges and difficulties but believe me when I say that because of His love, He will do everything just to make this happen. But you also must do your part.
Remember
You are worthy…
You are saved…
You owe nothing…
Your debts were paid in full with His very own life…
You are not an option…
You are the mission…
You are His love…
Tetelestai…
It is finished…
Prayer:
Father in heaven, thank You for the gift of Your mission. Thank You for the gift of the cross. Thank You for the gift of Your death. Thank You for the gift of Your resurrection. Shower us with Your mercy as we continue our earthly journey. Grant us the gift of perseverance so that we remain focused on our goal, and that is to be with You eternally. We ask this through the intercession of Your Mother, Mary, Our Lady of La Naval de Manila. Praise to You, Lord God. King of the universe! All for Jesus! 😊
Nio Calonge
Husband. Father. Servant. Sinner