Lenten Reflection: Dr Quack Quack
22 Mar 2024
There is a childhood game called Dr Quack Quack wherein all players except for one entangle themselves with each other. The goal is for the ‘it’ or the Dr Quack Quack to straighten them up and bring them back to the form of one big circle. The signal for the untangling to start is when the group shouts ‘Dr Quack Quack, cure us!'. This simple and playful pastime can be seen as an early practice of problem-solving for the one in-charge to fix the other players up. As adults, though, we can be reminded by the ones who call out to the doctor that it is alright, necessary even, to admit that we sometimes need help and healing.
There may be a bit of difficulty in admitting it when we are in a bind. Whether it’s because of pride, embarrassment or an inclination for independence and control, we may deny ourselves the support and assistance of others. But the reality is there are challenges in life – maybe even all that we encounter – which can only be solved or made lighter when we allow other people to help carry the load. Seeking help while still giving our best to work it out does not diminish us in any way. In fact, it becomes an opportunity to be humble and strong at the same time.
There is also a God to whom we can call out for help, healing and salvation. His offer always stands. His providence never fails. His love does not stop. All we need to do is to open ourself and allow Him, not because He does not know what we need or He withholds from nurturing us but because we need to be clear about our desires ourself. These days of Lent is an invitation to let the Father be a parent us, to say yes to Jesus as our savior and brother, to move with the Spirit for deeper joy and greater meaning. And so we can reflect on these: Who are your ‘Dr Quack Quacks’ to whom you run when in need of help and comfort? Where do you need healing? How do you allow the Lord to untangle the chaos and clutter in your life?
May laro ang mga bata na Dr Kwak Kwak kung saan pinagbubuhul-buhol ng lahat ng mga kasali ang kanilang mga sarili liban sa isa. Ang layunin ay maisaayos sila at maibalik sa isang malaking bilog ng tayang si Dr Kwak Kwak. Magsisimula ang pagsasaayos kapag sumigaw na ang pangkat ng ‘Dr Kwak Kwak, gamutin mo kami!’. Maaaring tingnan itong payak at masayang pampalipas-oras bilang pagsasanay sa paglutas ng mga suliranin para roon sa naatasang magsaayos ng ibang naglalaro. Bilang mga may-gulang, maaari ring paalala ito sa atin ng mga tumatawag sa doktor na ayos lamang, kailangan pa nga, na aminin nating may mga panahong nararapat tayong humingi ng tulong at paghilom.
Marahil may kaunting hirap na aminin kapag may pinagdaraanan tayo. Dahil man sa pagmamataas, pag-iwas na mapahiya o pagkiling sa pagsasarili at kontrol, maaari nating ipagkaila ang suporta at pag-alalay ng iba. Subalit realidad ng buhay na may mga hamon – maaaring lahat nga ng ating kinakaharap – na maaari lamang malutas o mapagaan kung hahayaan ang kapwa na makibahagi sa pagpasan nito. Ang paghingi ng tulong samantalang isinasagawa natin ang abot ng ating makakaya ay hindi isang kakulangan. Katunayan, pagkakataon ito upang ipagsanib ang pagiging mababang-loob at malakas.
Mayroon ding Diyos na maaari nating tawagin para sa tulong, paghilom at kaligtasan. Laging naririyan ang Kanyang alok. Hindi nauubos ang Kanyang pagkakaloob. Ang pag-ibig Niya ay di natatapos. Kailangan lamang nating buksan ang sarili at hintulutan Siya, hindi dahil sa hindi Niya batid ang ating mga pangangailangan o ipinagkakait Niya ang pagkalinga sa atin subalit dahil nararapat din nating linawin ang ating mga hangad para sa sarili. Itong mga araw ng Kuwaresma ay isang paanyaya na hayaan ang Ama na maging magulang sa atin, na umoo kay Hesus bilang ating tagapagligtas at kapatid, at kumilos kapiling ang Espiritu para sa mas malalim na galak at higit na kabuluhan. Kung kaya maaari nating pagnilayan ang mga ito: Sino ang mga Dr Kwak Kwak na tinatakbuhan mo kapag kailangan mo ng tulong o kapanatagan? Saan ka nangangailangan ng paghilom? Paano mo tinutulutan ang Panginoon na ayusin at pawiin ang mga buhol, kalat at gulo sa iyong buhay?
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