Lenten Reflection: Comfort Zones and Security Blankets
21 Feb 2024
We all have our comfort zones and security blankets. For some, these may be in very obvious forms such as having notes on hand when we speak. Others may be more discreet like a good luck charm hidden in the pocket. Also, there may be those that we run to when we need to feel reassured. Or in the same way, we may have certain limitations that we do not go over because beyond it, we would feel at a loss or uneasy. Certainly, having such security blankets and comfort zones can be useful.
This Lenten Season reminds us of one more of such safety provisions: the cross. It may not be usual but it offers all the comfort and security we need, even beyond what we can hope for or imagine. With the story behind it, it shows us that someone has our back, not just mouthing words of consolation but actually fulfilling His promise of salvation. As a symbol of love, it tells us that someone stands by us in life and in death. Being an invitation to forever, it pushes back and overcomes the limitations of sin, showing us that there is something more and something better.
When you look at the cross, what do you see and feel? How can you allow it and the crucified Man to comfort you and give you security? At this point in your life, what kind of consolation do you need from Him? Consistent with God’s ways, the cross is quiet, simple and unobtrusive. But there lie its secret, magic and power – without being ostentatious, it reflects nothing less than the steadfastness, indefatigability and determination of the Lord to stay with us, be there for us, and cherish us.
Lahat tayo ay may comfort zones at security blankets, mga bagay na nagpapanatag at nagpapakalma sa atin. Para sa ilan, maaaring madaling mahalata ang mga ito tulad ng mga gabay na nakasulat kapag nagsasalita. Iyong iba ay maaaring mas tago gaya ng mga lucky charm na nasa bulsa. Marahil mayroon ding iyong mga pinupuntahan natin kapag naghahanap tayong kapanatagan. Sa parehong paraan, mayroon din tayong mga hangganan na hindi natin nilalampasan sapagkat maaari tayong makadama ng pagkaligaw o pagkabalisa. Tunay na may gamit ang mga ganitong security blankets at comfort zones.
Pinapaalala nitong Panahon ng Kuwaresma ang isa pang ganitong nagkakaloob ng katiyakan at kaligtasan: ang krus. Marahil hindi ito katulad ng iba pa subalit naghahandog ito ng ginhawa at katiwasayan na kailangan natin, lampas pa sa anumang maaari nating hangarin o harayain. Sa salaysay nito, ipinapakita ng krus na mayroong nangangalaga sa atin, hindi lamang sa salita kung hindi sa tunay na pagsasakatuparan ng pangakong kaligtasan. Isang simbolo ng pag-ibig, itinatampok nito Siya na nanindigan para sa atin sa buhay at kamatayan. Bilang paanyaya sa walang hanggan, itinutulak at nilalampasan nito ang mga hangganan ng kasalanan, at ipinapakitang mayroon pang higit at mas mainam.
Kapag tinitingnan mo ang krus, ano ang iyong nakikita at nadarama? Paano mo ito at ang nakapakong Hesus hahayaang magkaloob sa iyo ng kaginhawahan at katiyakan? Sa bahaging ito ng iyong buhay, ano ang kapanatagang kinakailangan mo mula sa Kanya? Tugma sa pamamaraan ng Diyos, ang krus ay tahimik, payak at hindi mapilit. Subalit naroon ang lihim, mahika at kapangyarihan nito – isinasalamin nito nang walang paghahambog ang katapatan at sigasig ng Panginoon na manatili sa atin, na umantabay sa ating paglalakbay, at pahalagahan tayo.
#aihlentenreflections #ateneoishome
Recent News
You may also like these articles
[Hot Off the Press] Arkipelago
New book from the Ateneo Press Arkipelago provides a fascinating and fantastical twist on Philippine politics and history Our country is an archipelago of stories
Protecting Creativity: AIPO and Rizal Library Host Copyright Awareness Session for the Ateneo Community
On March 18, 2026, the Ateneo Intellectual Property Office (AIPO), in collaboration with the Rizal Library, successfully conducted a Copyright Awareness Session held on the
Holy Week 2026 Holidays (Memo # UHR2526-038)
Memo # UHR2526-038 31 March 2026 TO: All Employees FROM: [Sgd] Maria Victoria T Cortez, PhD Vice President for University Human Resources SUBJECT: Holy Week
ASOG’s Tobacco Control initiatives spotlighted in DOH National Technical Working Group for Tobacco Prevention and Control
On March 10 to 12, 2026, the Ateneo School of Government (ASOG), through its research and public policy unit, the Ateneo Policy Center, participated in
Things You Wanted to Say But Never Did: Geloy Concepcion’s six-year project makes Its exhibition debut at the Ateneo Art Gallery
Geloy Concepcion’s Things You Wanted To Say But Never Did comes to the Ateneo Art Gallery this 18 April 2026. After receiving almost 300,000 messages
[Hot Off the Press] Love If I'm Pretty
New YA Release from the Ateneo Press Love If I’m Pretty tackles the nuances of growing up through complex characters and straightforward prose What do