By José Abeto Zaide

Beating the traffic is one of the Monday morning rituals. And we can get indigestion rushing our breakfast. On the second week of the New Year, I recall the last words on the last Sunday of 2017 of Fr. Anthony Ynzon, SVD, about our maddening traffic and where we are headed to:

“Thank you for your kind words, and for taking time to email me. …Here’s how I recall the events that led to my short homily-reflection:

“That afternoon, I took a jeepney ride from my mother’s place in Tandang Sora back to Christ the King Seminary. There was no heavy traffic for a change, hence the ride was pleasant enough to give me nostalgic memories of the Pinoy jeepney. Growing up in Pangasinan, I first learned how to drive when I was in Grade 5 or 6. (I was able to convince our school driver to allow me to practice on our school jeepney along the shores of Lingayen Gulf. My father eventually knew about it; but he never prohibited our driver to continue these lessons.) The jeepney has always been a stepping stone of independence for every teen at that time. (A jeepney ride without guardians says that one is ready to face the world and venture to places a little bit beyond one’s hometown.)

“Fast forward to the close of 2017: Here I am, anticipating that soon, jeepneys would no longer be allowed  on the streets of Metro Manila. I have nothing against modernization...but a part of me cherishes fond memories of the jeepney.

“My thoughts shifted to travel... and I realized that the Filipinos are headed into the New Year with so much transportation concerns. Most Pinoys worry whether the jeepney replacements would be enough and affordable. The lower-income among us wish better MRT and LRT facilities; the middle-income fight for the government’s approval for Grab and Uber; and the upper crust accelerate their purchase of new cars before the new tax laws come into effect.

“Indeed, travel has become a necessity of the modern world and we hope our transportation laws and capabilities keep up with our expanding desire to move and go places.

“But as the year draws to a close, and we couldn’t deny the uncertainties that come alongside the bright promises and possibilities of tomorrow... we must pause to ask a most fundamental question. Where are we really headed to? And more pressingly, we acknowledge the power of our Creator and ask, where OUGHT we to be? Where are we expected, and how much have we gone astray from the Father’s wonderful plans for us? Where can we find peace? Where lies our vocation? Where does the road end for us? And which intersections provide the most promise, or danger, or doom, or surprise?

“Those questions are a handful...and we know they seek answers we dearly desire to find.

“Here is where the celebration of Mary’s Motherhood becomes a soothing message of tranquility amidst our confusions, perplexities, and queries. Mary became our AIR FORCE ONE. The Church has always been clear of the fact that Mary is not God. But, by the grace of the Incarnation of the Son of God, Mary’s “yes” to God’s invitation transformed her to be the bearer of God’s Son in His journey to bring salvation for all.... a SALVATION where we are destined to be.

“Furthermore, Mary’s role did not end in giving birth to the Savior of humanity. She was later given to us to also be our Mother so that, through her intercession, she carries humanity closer to her Son. When we realize this, we can do sports, business, education, travel, planning...anything. We can do all these with the understanding of the inseparability of Mary’s vocation to our lives. Whatever we do, we must do with the over-riding purpose of journeying towards God, His commandments, His grace, and His love. If we go north, God must be there. If we pursue our ambitions, God must be our companion. If we go on way beyond today, then we go without losing heaven as both our guiding and final destination.

“Indeed, the journey that began with Mary lives. She brought us her Son...and towards her Son, we must forever allow her to bring us.”

***

With another 300,000 more motor vehicles added to our roadways in 2018 (perhaps even much more considering those purchases to beat the hike in taxes), expect mayhem traffic to get worse before it gets better. Fr. Tony gives some comfort and solace in reminding us how to make haste slowly.

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