THE tragic deaths of Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven other people in a helicopter crash shocked us all.
It’s unimaginable, heartbreaking, and utterly depressing. We are all grappling with questions about their demise and often think it’s only a bad dream.
Yes, we can’t believe that Kobe is gone. He was a big part of our lives as we watched him for years play Lakers’ games and adored his skill. He has inspired many young people around the world to work hard in pursuing their dreams and passions. His philanthropic works after his retirement are equally impressive.
His practice of the Catholic faith also makes us Catholics proud. The news confirmed that he and his daughter attended the 7 a.m. Mass and received Communion at Our Lady Queen of Angels in Newport Beach the morning of their death.
I’ve heard some sentiments about life in light of this tragedy. “Life is fragile and short, and so we better take care of the people we love,” some have said. “It can happen to any of us,” others expressed. “There are things in life that we cannot fathom, only God knows,” someone shared.
But Kobe’s death and the hard realities of life should not impede us from pursuing our dreams and living life to the fullest. Let Kobe’s career and life inspire us to live a righteous life and leave endearing legacies in this world.
Kobe would be the first one to give us this advice. In one of his messages on social media, he shared: “The lesson I cherish the most is how important it is to love what you do. If you love what you do and is making you happy, all the hard work and perseverance will pay off. Your dreams are up to you. I encourage you to always be curious, always seek out the things you love, and always work hard when you find them.”
May Kobe Bryant, Gianna, and others who died rest in peace. May their loved ones who suffer their loss find strength and consolation in God! May we live life to the fullest! Amen.
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Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.
