Enjoy Life! ...in the right sense

Enjoy Life!

Two of my favorite Biblical passages come from the Gospel of John. In John 10:10b, Jesus says: "I came that you may have life and may have it abundantly." In John 15:11, Jesus declares, "I have said these things to you, so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete." Abundant life and complete joy, this is what Jesus wants for each one of us.

It inspires me to catch people having fun with life. But, my heart aches to see people giving up and losing hope. There are those who allow themselves to be defeated by the damaging events, negative people and enormous problems. In the midst of all these, I am still hopeful, optimistic and fascinated with life.

Life, as we know, is a series of joy-sorrow continuum because it is dynamic. We walk and pass over from delight to mourning. This is humanity's paschal mystery. Every moment of our lives here on earth is a succession of enthralling surprises. Our body, emotions, thoughts, behavior, and relationships are greatly affected by life's vitality.

Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) tells us that negative emotions and thoughts weaken our immune system whereas positive feelings and mental attitude strengthen our whole being. When we smile, laugh, guffaw and pray, positive hormones like beta-endorphin and serotonin are secreted making us stronger and happier people. Truly, laughter and prayer are still the best medicine.

I personally experience life's grief and rapture. As a religious-missionary-priest of the Society of the Divine Word, I have witnessed how people from all walks of life grapple with human existence. I could resonate with them because I have my own joys, sorrows, ecstasies and light.

Here are forty-five selected humorous and stimulating stories and articles to commemorate my 45th year of existence here on earth. They have tickled my bones, touched my heart and pierced my being. They became a part of my challenging and meaningful life.

This souvenir-book is divided into four chapters which correspond to life's four phases of passing over. Each chapter has eleven articles with thought-provoking quotes and spirit-filled biblical passages. The 45th article, the Epilogue, is my own personal creed.

Join me in experiencing the full gamut of life's existence - with its thrills and blessings, heartaches and woes, seventh heavens and jubilations, illuminations and insights. Let us connect our little paschal mysteries to the bigger and salvific Paschal Mystery of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us do it with a smile on our faces and a chuckle in our stomachs.

Yes, let us enjoy life in the right sense!

Visit your favorite bookstore and get a copy now or visit our office.


Fr. Glenn Paul M. Gomez, SVD



As we travel on our pilgrim way on earth, every once in a while, God sends our way people who uplift our spirits, warm our hearts and give smile to our faces.

Fr. Glenn Paul M. Gomez, SVD, has always been a spirit uplifter, a heart warmer, and a joy-giver. May his book, "ENJOY LIFE!" do precisely just that. May it make us rise above our little screens, see the "Big Picture" and make us realize that God indeed is in control. Enjoy life. Why? For God loves us and God will provide.

May Fr. Glenn's collection of stories about the joys, sorrows, ecstasies and light of life lead us to a moment of reflection, gratitude and prayer. May these beautiful and delightful stories help us on our pilgrim way on earth and make our travel pleasant meaningful and indeed enjoyable.

God bless you.

Mama Mary loves you!

One with you,

FR. JERRY ORBOS, SVD