Homily on the Burial Day of Dr. Boy Bernabe

Today is the Feast of Epiphany. This feast reminds us how the three magi would use their expertise and experience to find Jesus. Yet their human effort seemed to be worthless until there was a divine intervention; A star appeared to guide them on their way to Jesus (Matthew 2:2). It was only when God allows to reveal His glory that man can find Him. It was only when God revealed His glory using the signs of the times that a man can realize how God works in a mysterious way. My dear friends, when I visited Dr. Boy Bernabe at Asian Hospital, I could not afford to see him suffering. I prayed to God that if ever He has to take Dr. Boy away from his family, I prayed that it should be on December 8 and if not then it must be after Christmas, and the date must be significant and memorable so that I could take it as a sign that Dr. Boy will be in heaven. Verily, Dr. Boy passed away on December 27, on the Feast of the Holy Family. I take this as a sign from God. I believe that God recognizes the quality of Dr. Boy as a family man. Dr. Boy told me before how he lived as rich and famous during his younger years. But when he got married, he changed his ways and showed much affection to protect his family. I remember how many times he would call me up early in the morning to have his confession and asked for family blessings before their trip abroad. I remember how he sacrificed himself to keep his siblings united as one family. I witnessed how much he loved his wife and their children. Even how he treated his friends, it was like his brother or sister or a family. Yes, it is painful for the family that Dr. Boy is now gone but their consolation comes from God. God, in taking up Dr. Boy to heaven works through the signs of the times. He wants us especially the family to know that Dr. Boy now belongs to the family of all holies as he died on the Feast of the Holy Family. Therefore as we say our last farewell to him, I know in heaven God says to Dr. Boy, "Welcome to the Holy Family!" Farewell Dr. Boy and let the light of God shine on you. Amen.