This pandemic really brought people apart from the usual activities they are into – personal, spiritual, and social. I got a little excited reading in FB an invitation for a mission prayer vigil. This message from Pope Francis which I quote,
“Kapag ating naranasan ang kapangyarihan at pagmamahal ng Diyos, at makilala ang Kaniyang maka-Amang presensya sa ating personal at buhay pamayanan, hindi natin maiwasan na ipahayag at ibahagi kung ano ang ating nakita at narinig.” (When we experience the power and love of God, and come to recognize His fatherly presence in our personal and community life, then we cannot but proclaim and share what we have seen and heard.)
During this time that many are experiencing depression, difficulties, and are even deprived of their freedom to go out, “stay home and be safe from the virus”, I felt so useless. What am I going to do? To keep me busy, I always change the setting of my house almost every week. To no avail, boredom, loneliness, being alone, and a sense of insecurity still covered me. But, I faced them with prayers, reading the bible, and social media.
But “faith without work is dead.” Who will benefit from what I am doing? Only myself, enriching myself – ang selfish ko naman (how selfish am I). Having thought about this, I started sharing online masses every morning with my family, friends, and those who I know seldomly go to church during normal times. Every time I read inspiring quotes and stories, I repost and share them; even my personal prayers, I post and share them. I heard from one homily that good or personal prayers can be shared.
Salamat sa Diyos (Thanks be to God), I got positive responses. It inspired me because I am able to share the Word of God; and in its sense, it is part of evangelization. Salamat sa Diyos that I was able to send good vibes in times they are not okay. I know that it is not only I who suffered the ups and downs of life.
I prayed “like a child” in my most trying times. I can feel that I am not alone, I always put in my heart that Jesus and Mary are with me. I always believe that God will answer my pleas. Either “yes”, “no” or “wait”, He will always have an answer. Trusting in Him and waiting patiently pays off.
Why am I sharing this? Because God works in mysterious ways. Believe it or not, with all the sadness, problems, and trials, He lifted me up. Sometimes I wake up in the morning crying and singing Ama Namin (Our Father). I will always share the goodness of the Lord because I know that even the impossible becomes possible in Him. He promised, “Do not be afraid, I will be with you”. So whatever plan He has for me in proclaiming His words, I will always say YES.
Hindi Niya ibibigay and hindi natin kaya. May grasya ang pagiging mahirap, pagiging wala, basta manatili ka sa Diyos at gagawin ang Kanyang misyon. (He will never give us something that we cannot do. There is grace in poverty, in nothingness, just stay in Him and do His mission.)
God’s Word is alive, and it is full of wonderful and hopeful messages.