Last Sunday’s Doubting Tomas

Late post. I didn’t get around to posting this last week. 

Last Sunday was Divine Mercy Sunday. And the Gospel was about the Doubting Didymus, or Thomas. Those two themes resonated deeply in my retired heart.

I had anxieties going into retirement (which I posted previously).  A lot of it stemmed from financial security issues, aware that a regular inflow of resources would suddenly be halted. Though I have saved some, invested some for some future cashflows, I still felt that these weren’t going to be nearly enough. I had lots and lots of doubt.

But hearing what Jesus said to Thomas (incidentally my namesake) “Blessed are those who have not seen, yet believed,” I felt that He was telling me that as well. He was assuring me that even if I have not seen the evidence of financial security, I should believe that He will provide.

Then I thought of the Divine Mercy, and realized that the prayer ends with “Jesus, I trust in You.”

I really doubted Jesus. I really felt I was going to be all alone to handle all this uncertainty. And last Sunday reminded me to believe, to have faith… to trust Him, as I should have at the start.

I felt this great weight lifted from my sagging shoulders. And I continued to pray for more faith, more trust and not be the Doubting Tomas any longer.

Officially Senior and Retired

I just realized this is my first post for 2026! I got caught up in the winding down of my work and planning for my big 6-0 bash last February.  But all that came to pass now. And I am officially a Senior Citizen, Retired corporate slave as well!

It’s April 5, Easter Sunday, Pasko ng Muling Pagkabuhay! 

And that’s exactly how I feel - newly resurrected! Alive again, beginning a new chapter of my life. I turned 60 end-Feb and threw this big party! Just because… HAHAHA All that in another post. But truly my corporate life ended last March 26, Thursday, as I said goodbye to the office of 9.5 years. I flew to Taipei the day after, and stayed there till March 31, alone! So I don’t really consider that as start of my retirement.

Then it was Holy Week in Manila until today. And I decided that I was going to travel to the beach house this afternoon (against the tide of the travelers returning to Manila!). And true enough, there was this huge traffic on the opposite side of the road, especially going into SBMA. It took me just 3hrs and 20mins to get here, a new record! 

I got here in time to enjoy the perfect sunset, the fitting “Welcome to Retirement, CC!” Banner.

I’ll have more time to write about this new chapter of my life. I am excited as I still feel young. And there is still so much more to do and experience!