ISTORBO SI LORD!

Naranasan mo na bang matuyuan ng lalamunan dahil sa matinding sikat ng araw? 'Yung tipong nakabilad ka sa araw tapos sumakit nang sobra ang ulo mo na para kang hihimatayin? Sa bandang huli, malalaman mo na na-dehydrate ka at ang tanging makakapawi lamang nito ay ang isang basong tubig? Ako, naranasan ko 'yan!

Noong nakaraang Huwebes, March 27, 2014, nakasama ako sa summer outing ng paaralang aking pinagtatrabahuhan. Nagpunta kami sa isang beach resort sa Bauan, Batangas. Maganda ang lugar at talaga nga namang napakasarap na maligo sa dagat. Naisipan din naming magrenta ng isang pedal bike. At dahil ako ang nag-iisang lalaki, ako ang nagpedal. Nakakapagod pala 'yun! Maya maya lang, nararamdaman ko na parang nahihilo ako. Buti na lang at natapos na ang 30 minuto. Hindi na ako naligo pa at naisipan ko nang magbanlaw. Walang nagbago... hindi pa rin maganda ang pakiramdam ko. Hanggang sa nakabalik ako sa aming cottage at naisipan kong uminom ng tubig upang kahit papa'no ay mabawasan ang init na nararamdaman ko. At hindi nga ako nagkamali, pati pagkahilo ko nawala. Noon ko naisip na dehydrated na pala ako dahil sa matagal na pagkabilad sa init ng sikat ng araw. Salamat sa isang basong tubig, nawala ang pagkatigang ko.

Wala namang kaibahan ang karanasang ito sa iba pang naranasan ko. Normal lang kumbaga. Saka ko lamang naitindihan ang bagay na ito - noon lamang Sabado. 

Retreat namin noong Sabado hanggang Linggo ng tanghali. Ang swerte ko nga dahil may mga ganitong paghuhubog at pagkakataon na ibinibigay ang mga Salesian Sisters para aming mga empleyado ng kanilang paaralan. Isa ito sa mga pinananabikan ko taun-taon dahil panahon ito para akin ng pamamahinga at pakikipag-usap sa aking Diyos.

Speaking of Diyos! Actually, walang ibinigay na tema ng retreat ang aming facilitator, si Sr. Florita, isang madreng Salesyano. Nagtatanungan nga kami ng mga kasama ko tungkol dito kaya naisip na lamang namin na kanya kanyang pamagat na lang. Pero sobrang dami kong natutunan sa loob ng dalawang araw at isang gabing iyon. Isa na rito ang imahe ng Diyos.

Ang introduction ni Sister ay ganito: "A retreat is getting in touch with my soul beyond what I see in the mirror everyday... To get in touch with myself is also to get in touch with my image of God." Ang tanong ni Sister sa amin ay kung ano ang imahe ng Diyos sa amin sa mga oras na iyon, "What is your concept of God?"

Sa aking personal na pananalangin, isang imahe ang aking nakita - isang baso ng malamig na tubig. Tinanong ko ang Diyos kung bakit ito ang imaheng ipinakita Niya sa akin. Hindi niya ako pinagdamutan ng sagot. Binigyan Niya ako ng sagot na hindi malayo sa aking karanasan.

Ang imahe ng Diyos na ibinigay Niya sa akin - isang basong tubig.

Gaya ng nabanggit ko sa simula, mahirap ang madehydrate. Iba't ibang pakiramdam ang aking naranasan gaya ng pagkahilo at pagkatuyo ng lalamunan. Nakita ko ang Diyos sa ganyang sitwasyon. May mga pagkakataon sa aking buhay na talagang malayo ako sa Diyos. Minsan, mas pinipili kong lumayo sa Kanya lalo na kapag nagtatampisaw ako sa kasalanan. Minsan kasi may mga pagkakataong nakakalimot ako at parang nag-eenjoy sa pleasure na hatid ng mundo. Sa mga pagkakataong ganito bigla na lamang nagpaparamdam ang Diyos. Habang nag-eenjoy ako, bigla na lamang Siyang mang-iistorbo at magpapaalaala sa akin ng aking pagkauhaw. 

Para Siyang isang basong tubig na babasa sa aking tuyong lalamunan at magtatanggal ng pagkahilo ko sa makamundong bagay. At kapag ininom ko na Siya, tiyak ang presko presko ng aking pakiramdam.

Mas enjoy kasama ang Diyos lalo na kapag good terms kayo. Sarap Niyang kausap sa isang malalim at taimtim na pananalangin. Ngunit, gaya sa baso ng tubig, nasa sa akin na kung iinumin ko Siya o maghahanap ako ng alternatibong bagay na maaaring pumawi sa aking pagkauhaw. 

Iyan ang kahinaan ng Diyos, ang kalayaan nating mga tao. Dahil binigyan Niya tayo ng freewill, kailanma'y hindi niya pinanghimasukan ang kalayaan nating mga tao. Kaya nga, madalas natin Siyang makaligtaan at ginagawa lamang nating Siyang isa sa ating mga opsyon.

Madalas kapag tayo ay nauuhaw, mas pinipili pa nating uminom ng juice o softdrinks sa pag-aakalang mas makatatanggal ang mga iyon ng ating pagkauhaw. Tama, makakatanggal nga, ngunit, panandalian lamang. Pagkatapos ng ilang minuto, mas lalo nating mararamdaman ang mas matingding uhaw. Dito natin maiisip na mas masarap pa ang uminom ng tubig kahit na ito ay walang lasa at boring. 

Minsan, sa ibang mga bagay ko tinutuon ang aking atensiyon sa paghahanap ko ng kahulugan sa aking buhay. Sa pag-aakalang mas enjoy kapag naranasan mo ang ibinibigay ng mundo, hinahayaan kong lamunin ako nang buo ng aking mga makamundong hangarin. Ngunit, sa bandang huli, sa Diyos pa rin ako uuwi dahil "ang uhaw kong kaluluwa'y tanging ikaw yaong hangad; para akong tuyong lupa na tubig ang siyang lunas" (Salmo 63:1).

O Diyos, sa mga pagkakataong nakakalimot ako sa Iyong dakilang pagmamahal sa akin, patawad po. Loobin mo pong mamuhay ako sa Iyong piling palagi. Sa mga pagkakataong ako ay nauuhaw, ipaalala mo po sa aking Ikaw ang tanging tubig na makapapawi sa pagkatuyot ng aking buhay. Amen.

Sinabi ni Hesus sa babaing Samaritana: "Ang uminom ng tubig na ito'y muling mauuhaw, ngunit ang uminom ng tubig na ibibigay ko ay hindi na muling mauuhaw. Ito'y magiging bukal sa loob niya, babalong, at magbibigay sa kanya ng buhay na walang hanggan." (Juan 4:13-14)

LET'S GO BACK TO THE BASICS

Remember the shooting incident happened in SM Pampanga last September 2011 involving two young men? A crime of passion. I wrote an article about that disturbing incident. I even sent it to PDI but they did not publish it that's why I just posted it on my FB.

I am browsing my Facebook account the night of September 20, 2011 when I saw a friend’s post on my wall of a news that scandalized the whole nation. At first, I did not mind it and just ignored the many comments it received since I am in a hurry at that time and all I wanted is just to update my status and send an important e-mail.

It’s been a week or so since I was totally disconnected to the world of current events because our television already “passed away” after almost a decade. And since I don’t have any easy access, I just tried to update myself through the cyberspace.

The following day, the same news caught my attention again after logging in. This time, I stopped for a while and read the post stating that a 13-year old boy shoots himself using a .22 caliber gun after shooting his 16-year old boyfriend. I was totally shocked with what I read. I cannot help myself but to know the whole story and the last thing I know is I am already clicking the many links pasted on the comment box leading to many sites. When you look at their pictures, you will see that these two young boys are full of energy, enthusiasm, and spirit. It’s really painful that their young spirit was only wasted in just a moment.

One post that I found is the link of the Facebook account of the 13-year old boy. I read his wall posts as well as the posts of his friends. Honestly, I was really saddened while reading his account. Even though I do not know him personally, I can feel how wounded this boy must be. The story even haunted me in my dreams, that’s why I wrote this article as a way of treating myself and finally move on.

There must be a deeper issue underlying the real cause why he committed such act. Jealousy, as what the initial findings of the police investigators is just the precipitating factor of the boy’s behavior. For a 13-year old to think of killing his life and of other person’s, he must be suffering a lot.

As a youth, I still believe in the influence of my parents and a big part of who I am right now is because of how my parents reared me. Adolescents are seeking their identity and societal roles from their environment especially to his significant people at home. And if they cannot find their identities at home, they might look for it somewhere else.

I appeal to all parents in behalf of all young generation to please let us go back to the basics. More than what you give us materially and financially, we badly need YOU – your love, your attention, your concern, the REAL YOU.

Let us go back to the basics where parents have quality time to their children, for their children, and with their children. More than your nag and reprimand, we need your listening ears, your sweet hugs and kisses, your healing touch, and your constructive advices brought about by the wisdom of your experiences.

Dear parents, we, as young people have a lot of questions in our mind and we believe that you are the right person who can answer them. Please do not let the television, internet, and other forms of media answer our questions in life. Do not let sex, drugs, alcohol, and other forms of vices grab our attention and give us a temporary fulfillment and satisfaction. Can we not go back to the old ways wherein you are always there on our side, accompanying us in our journey? We appreciate your every effort in giving us a happy life but life would be much happier and meaningful if it is spent with you. May you help us find our true selves and prevent another adolescent suicide story to happen again.

As a young educator, I am also appealing to all members of the academe to take our active role in preventing cases like this to our students and all young people. May we have time to listen to their feelings, ideas, concerns, and problems. More than the task of finishing our lesson plans and all the chapters in our reference books, it is our sole responsibility to mold their personalities and characters, helping them find solutions in their confusions.

And to all young people, I am encouraging you; do not hesitate to ask questions to your parents and teachers. There are a lot of sensible adult who would be willing to help you. In times of confusion, do not seek answers on your virtual Facebook friends. They themselves may also be confused like you. Your parents and teachers are very much willing to listen to you. And in the end, always seek happiness in the right place and at the right time. Do not try to escape from your problems by ending your own life. Remember the last statement of the famous poem Desiderata: “With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.”

To the two young boy in the story and all children who are victims of violence, IN PACE REQUISCAT!

Empathy: The Other's Shoes

This is my Good day Talk delivered during the DBS Morning Assembly last September 2013. Disclaimer: I do not own all the stories here. 

Nakasabay mo na bang mag-lunch ang Diyos? Ano kaya ang feeling na kasabay mo Siyang kumakain ng adobong manok?

Sa buong buwan ng Setyembre ay itinuon natin ang ating pansin sa isang Bosconian bilang mapagmahal sa kapayapaan, katarungan, at pagkakaisa sa pamamagitan ng masayang paglilingkod. A Bosconian works for peace, justice, and solidarity through joyful service. Siguro naman sa dami ng mga nagbigay ng Good Day talk dito tuwing umaga ay mas naintindihan n’yo na ang profile natin sa buwang ito. Ngunit, bago tuluyang magtapos ang buwan (dahil sa Martes ay October na), hayaan ninyong humabol ako.

Mayroon akong bagong salita na ituturo sa inyo sa araw na ito at sana palagi na ninyo itong tatandaan. Ito ay hindi lamang isang salita kundi, higit sa lahat, ito ay isang pag-uugali. Mahirap makamit ang kapayapaan kung wala ang pag-uugaling ito. Sinusubukan kong isalin ito sa wikang Filipino pero wala akong makita kaya sa Ingles na lang. Ito ay ang salitang EMPATHY. Sabihin n’yo nga, empathy.

In simple definition, empathy is putting yourself into the shoes of another person. Sa madaling salita, ilalagay mo ang sarili mo sa sitwasyon ng ibang tao bago ka kumilos, magsalita, o mag-isip upang mas maintindihan mo siya. “Kung ako ang nasa sitwasyon niya, ano kaya ang mararamdaman at gagawin ko?”, ‘yan ang tanong na ginagamit.

ANG LOLO AT ANG BATA

Isang manunulat at kilalang tagapagsalita si Leo Buscaglia. Minsan ay nagkwento siya tungkol sa isang paligsahan kung saan siya ay judge. Ang layunin nito ay alamin kung sino ang pinaka mapagkalingang bata.

Ang nanalo ay isang apat na taong gulang na may kapitbahay na lolo na kamamatay pa lamang ang asawang lubhang minamahal.

Nang kanyang makita si lolong umiiyak, agad na nagpunta ang bata sa bakuran ni lolo at kumalong sa kanyang mga hita at naupo lamang doon habang umiiyak ang matanda.

Maya-maya ay umuwi na ang bata. Nakita pala siya ng kanyang nanay na may pagtataka. Nang tanungin ang bata ng kanyang nanay kung ano ang sinabi niya kay lolo, sagot niya: “Wala po…tinulungan ko lang po siyang umiyak.”

Empathic ang tawag sa taong sensitibo sa kalagayan ng ibang tao kung kaya, kaya niyang maintindihan ang pinagdadaanan ng iba. Kung minsan, kahit walang salita, sapat na ang tabihan at tulungang umiyak ang isang kaklaseng masama ang loob dahil nag-away na naman ang mga magulang niya kagabi. Isang safe na yakap (walang malisya ha), tapik sa balikat, akbay, at isang matamis na ngiti, OK na para gumaan ang dinadala niya.

Empathic ka kung sa tuwing dumarating si daddy o si mommy sa bahay ay tinutulungan mo siyang hubarin ang kanyang sapatos at binibigyan mo siya ng tsinelas dahil alam mong pagod ang kanyang mga paa mula sa maghapong pagtatrabaho. Empathic ka kung sa loob ng klase ay hindi ka na dumadagdag sa ingay at gulo ng iba dahil concern ka na matapos ni teacher ang aralin at nang ang lahat ay may bagong matutunan. Empathic ka kung sa tuwing may misa ay masaya kang nagdadala ng canned goods, tsinelas, school supplies para sa kapwa mo bata na walang wala nang walang anumang reklamong sinasabi. At empathic ka kung pagkatapos mong kumain ng lunch sa canteen ay ililigpit mo ang iyong pinagkainan dahil sensitibo ka na hindi na dagdagan pa ang maraming pisikal na trabaho ng mga ate at kuya.

PALAKA

Isang grupo ng mga palaka ang naglalakbay sa kagubatan, at dalawa sa mga ito ay biglang nahulog sa malalim na hukay.

Ang ibang mga palaka ay agad nagtipon sa paligid ng hukay. Nang makita nila kung gaano kalalim ang hukay ay sinabi nila sa dalawa na lagot na sila pagkat doon na sila mamamatay.

Ngunit binalewala ng dalawang palaka ang sinasabi ng iba at pinilit pa rin nilang makaalis sa hukay nang buong lakas. Ngunit, ‘yung ibang mga palaka ay sinasabihan pa rin silang huwag nang magpumilit dahil wala na silang ligtas, at mamamatay na sila roon.

At hindi naglaon ay nanghina na nga ang isa dahil sa pakikinig sa mga sinasabi ng iba kung kaya’t bumigay na nga siya – tumumba at namatay.

Ngunit ‘yung isa ay sige pa rin ang pagtatangka na makaalis sa hukay. Patuloy din naman ang pangpahina ng loob ng iba. “Hindi ka na makakaalis diyan”, wika nila. “Mamamatay ka na riyan, ‘wag ka nang magpagod pa.”

Ngunit lalo pang nagsikap makaalis ang natitirang palaka na nasa hukay. Tumalon siya nang tumalon hanggang siya ay makaahon! Nang siya ay nakaalis na sa hukay, tinanong siya kung narinig niya ang sinasabi nila na mamamatay na siya.

“Naku, sorry po, ako po ay ‘bingi’,” tugon ng palaka. ‘Yun pala, akala niya ay buong suporta silang sumisigaw na makakaalis din siya at ‘wag mawawalan ng pag-asa.

Dalawang aral ng kuwento. Una, may kapangyarihang bumuhay at pumatay ang DILA. Sa taong lugmok, ang salitang may malasakit ay nagpapalakas ng kalooban at nakatutulong para makabangon ang isang nakahandusay. At ikalawa, ang salitang masasakit sa taong lugmok na ang siyang kinakailangan para ang taong ito ay di na makabangon at tuluyan nang mamatay.

Empathic ka kung alam mong iniisip mo muna ang sasabihin mo sa iba, kung makakasakit o hindi, bago mo ibuka ang iyong bibig. Alam naman ng lahat na ang pagtawag sa ibang tao ng ibang pangalan, lalo na kung ito ay upang manakit nang paulit-ulit, ay hindi tama. Ang name calling ay isang klase ng bullying. Hindi naman bingi ang kaklase mo para hindi niya marinig ang mga masasakit na salita na sinasabi mo sa kanya. Hindi kapayapaan, katarungan, at pagkakaisa ang bunga niyan kundi pag-aaway, pananakit, at pagkakawatak-watak.

Mag-ingat sa mga salitang binibitawan. Ugaliing gumamit ng mga salitang makapagbibigay buhay sa mga tao sa paligid mo. Ito ang “KAPANGYARIHAN NG SALITA”.

LUNCHDATE WITH THE LORD

Nakasabay mo na bang mag-lunch ang Diyos? Ano kaya ang feeling na kasabay mo Siyang kumakain ng adobo?

May isang bata ang nais makatagpo ang Diyos. Alam niya na malayo ang biyahe patungo sa bahay ni Hesus – ang tunay na BIG BROTHER, kung kaya’t siya ay naghanda para sa malayong paglalakbay. Nagbaon siya ng masarap na pagkain tulad ng adobong manok, kanin, at mineral water.

Nang siya ay nakaka-3 kilometro na ay nakita niya ang isang matandang babae, nakaupo sa bangketa at pinapanood ang mga naglalakad. Umupo siya malapit dito, nakiramdam, at inilabas ang kanyang mga baon upang kumain.

Nang siya ay akmang iinom ng tubig, napansin niya na mukhang gutom ang matandang babae, kung kaya’t inalok niya siya ng kanin at adobo. Agad naman itong tinanggap ng tuwang-tuwang matanda. Ang kanyang ngiti ay napakaganda at napakatamis. Ninais ng bata na muling makita ang ngiting ito, kaya inalok niya siya ng tubig.

Muli, ang babaeng matanda ay ngumiti nang pagkatamis-tamis. Natuwa ang bata at silang dalawa ay nagpalipas nang mahabang oras na magkasama, kumakain, at nagngi-ngitian na walang isa mang salitang binibitiwan.

Nang maggagabi na, naisip ng bata na siya ay pagod na at oras na ng pag-uwi, kaya’t siya ay tumayo upang umalis. Ngunit nakakailang hakbang pa lamang ang bata nang siya ay bumalik at niyakap nang mahigpit ang matanda. Minsan pa ay napangiti nang napakaganda ang matanda.

Pumasok ang bata sa kanilang bahay. Nagtataka ang kanyang ina dahil bakas ang labis na saya sa mukha niya. Tinanong siya ng kanyang ina: “Ano ang ginawa mo sa araw na ito at masayang masaya ka?”

Sumagot ang bata, “Nag-lunch po kami ni God.” Saglit na katahimikan. Bago nakapagsalita pa ang ina sinabi niya, “Alam n’yo po ‘Nay, ngayon lang po ako nakakita ng ganoon kagandang ngiti!”

Samantala, ang matandang babae ay masayang masaya ring umuwi ng kanilang tahanan.

Agad na napansin ng kanyang anak ang maaliwalas na mukha ng kanyang ina, kaya tinanong niya siya: “Nay, sa’n ka nanggaling at bakas na bakas ang saya sa iyong mukha?” Sumagot ang kanyang ina nang pabulong subalit may saya at nagmamalaki: “Inilibre ako ng pananghalian ng Diyos. Kumain kami ng pinakamasarap na adobo at kanin. At sa tabing daan kaming dalawa ay masayang kumain.” Bago pa makasagot ang anak, muli siyang nagsalita: “Hindi ko inaasahan na ganoon pala siya kabata!”

Bosconians, hinahamon ko kayo…sa pagtatapos ng buwang ito, simulan nating maging mga peacemakers sa loob ng paaralan, sa inyong mga klase, sa inyong mga kaklase at guro, sa pagsakay ninyo sa inyong mga bus service at sa jeep, sa inyong mga kalaro sa labas ng inyong bahay, at maging sa loob ng inyong mga tahanan kasama ang inyong mga kapamilya.

Bago kumilos, magsalita, at magdesisyon, tanungin muna ang sarili: Kung ako ang nasa sitwasyon ng taong ito, ano kayang mararamdaman at gagawin ko? Maging sensitibo sa iba. Maging empathic upang magkaroon ng kapayapaan, katarungan, at pagkakaisa rito sa paaralan at sa inyo-inyong komunidad. Kung magkagayon, masarap nang sabihin ang LIVE JESUS AND MARY dahil talagang isinasabuhay natin sila at ang kanilang mga itinuturo. Sa paraang ‘yan, para na ring nagkaroon ng langit dito sa lupa at nakasabay nating kumain ng lunch si Hesus. Hindi lang nakasabay, sagot pa Niya lunch natin.

Magandang umaga sa inyong lahat at maraming salamat. Isabuhay si Hesus at si Maria!

PCNE: A Past, Present, and Future

This is my reflections during the 1st Philippine Conference on New Evangelization held at University of Santo Tomas last October 16-18, 2013. I have submitted this and was published to The Sparks, the official publication of Don Bosco School Manila.

“Behold, God makes all things new!” This verse from the Book of Revelations (21:5) served as the battle cry of more than 6,000 delegates who attended the first Philippine Conference on New Evangelization (PCNE) held at University of Santo Tomas last October 16-18, 2013. But, my PCNE experience started months before those three days.

I knew of the PCNE as early as July of 2013 through a Facebook post. Cardinal Chito Tagle will convene that gathering as a response of the Philippine Church to Pope Benedict XVI’s call for the New Evangelization as part of the celebration of the Year of Faith. When I saw that post, I desired to join that conference but I don’t know how. I thought of talking to our pastoral council president of our parish to express my desire. But, I had some hesitations since there are officers in the council to be considered before me. I just prayed and informed the Lord of this desire. It’s up to Him if He will allow.

As days pass by, I received updates of the preparations through Facebook. The secretariat already set up a website where the details of the gathering were posted as well as a portal where delegates can have their online registration. My desire became strong and I really want to join that conference but still, the answer to my ‘how’ question is not yet clear.

One day, when I visited the HR office, I saw a paper announcing that event. I asked Ms. Elaine and she informed me that the school will send delegates but on a limited number only. Unfortunately, I was not included in the list. Not the right time, I thought.

A week after, I was really happy when Ms. Elaine broke the news that Sr. Celia already approved the delegation of all faculty and staff of the school. One by one, we registered online and chose our own streams and pathways (concurrent sessions) for the three days. Due to my excitement, I even volunteered to Sr. Tita to accompany Ms. Elaine in picking up the kits and all the materials a week before the event.

It was not my first time to attend such faith-filled gathering organized by the Church. Since I am active in our parish and works with the young people, I often attend various youth gatherings, seminars, and the like. As a DBS staff, our FMA sisters annually provide us with different recollections and retreats as well as seminars, conferences, and fora. But, PCNE is a new and renewing experience for me, true to its purpose and objective – New Evangelization.

If you are going to ask me what PCNE is for me, I will only give you one simple answer: PCNE is a renewal of my faith, mission and commitment as a lay person.

During those days, almost all of the high-ranking officials of the Catholic Church – the Cardinal, bishops, priests, and nuns, are there. But what struck me the most is the emphasis given to lay people. Various personalities, both well-known and those ordinary people where invited as resource speakers to share the importance of faith in their own respective fields. On the first day, Cardinal Tagle facilitated a talk show where he invited Mr. Mike Enriquez of GMA 7; Ms. Tina Monzon Palma of ABS-CBN Foundation; Ms. Charito Manglapus, the president of the association of people inflicted with cerebral palsy; Dr. Nora Luceno, a non-Catholic and the president of the Philippine Bible Society; and Michael Lagarse, a young person.

On the second day, we have famous TV personalities like Christopher de Leon, Coco Martin, and Judy Ann Santos, who shared stories about their devotions to a particular saint and image and title of Jesus and how these devotions changed their lives and led them to a better relationship with God.

My own faith was reaffirmed after hearing the different stories of those people, who, like me, are also lay persons. I have realized that we cannot rely only on the ordained ministers like the Pope, our bishops, and priests, for the laity are part of the Church, the body of Christ.

Reaffirmation of my faith did not end by listening to them. It was Jesus himself who talked to me in those three days. I had a great experience of journeying with the Lord through the concurrent sessions that I have attended. On the first day, I attended a session about prayer called Prayer: A Friendly Exchange with God. Here, our facilitator, Ms. Noena Surmieda invited us listen to Jesus in the silence of our hearts. During that prayer experience, Jesus showed to me an image of him, just looking at me without saying any word. An eye to eye contact with the Jesus, my friend.

On the second day, Mr. Rene San Andres shared some points about the current trends of young people and the role of the family in their development. He stressed out that the formation of the character, personality, and attitude of the young depends on their family dynamics. While listening to him, I saw myself and how my own family developed my own character. I also remembered you Bosconians and all the young people under my care. I prayed for you and your families.

Realizations and learning will only be in vain if not put into practice. Cardinal Tagle gave three points for all of the delegates in his homily during the closing Mass on the third day of the conference, the feast of St. Luke. I took those points as my personal challenges which the PCNE left for me and I am sharing those to you as I end this reflection. First, we are called to be laborers in the vineyard of the Lord. In whatever life status we are in, whatever position we are holding, and whatever situations we are experiencing, God is calling us to work for Him, to share the Good News, and to introduce Him to others. He is sending us as His missionaries.

But, we are not sent alone. This is the second point: we are sent by two’s. Quoting the great Cardinal: “Jesus sent his 72 disciples by pairs not only because the testimony of two people is more powerful than one, but to emphasize the communitarian aspect of mission.” He added that in mission, there is no such thing as “lone ranger”. The challenge now is to stay with one another, love one another, and be real brothers and sisters with one another.

Lastly, we are sent as lambs among the wolves. According to the Cardinal, our job is to share and witness to the Kingdom of God. We are not asked to bring anything like purse, bags, or shoes (cf. Luke 10:4) because in our vulnerability, we will only rely on the power and riches of God. He added that as laborers, we are challenged to act like lambs, not like wolves because Jesus, the Lamb is the one sending us. Simplifying this, we are asked by Jesus to remain always pure and humble.

But the next question is, how will be become missionaries of God? To whom shall we evangelize? Pope Francis has answer to this. In his video message aired on the last day of the conference, he affirmed all of us by saying: “Don’t get tired of bringing the mercy of the Father to the poor, the sick, the abandoned, the sinful people, and family. Let Jesus speak now in the world of politics, business, arts, science, technology, and social media.” In short, let us bring Jesus in everything that we do everyday.

PCNE is not a just a three-day event for me. It is not a mere conference just like the other gatherings that I have attended. For me, it is a journey. It is a past which I will surely return and remember, a present in which I have to live everyday, and a future which will guide my decisions. I am very much thankful to the Lord for giving in to my desire and answering my prayer. I also thank the FMA Sisters, especially Sr. Celia and Sr. Tita for allowing me and all the teachers and staff to join and be part of this three-day journey. May I always live to the purpose of PCNE because through this, I am proud to be a Catholic!