I apologize for not being able to post my sharing for quite some time, I was back home during the weekend, and missed a few days of the novena.
First of all, we are so fortunate to have with us for the next couple of days the Provincial Superior of the Salesians of Don Bosco, Rev. Fr. Eli Cruz, SDB.
In his sharing this morning, after the wreath-laying ceremony, he spoke of many things…things that were timeless, new, or even funny. At this point, allow me to share some bits and pieces of his talk, as well as my personal insights for the day.
===
“To know the person, we must go back and see where he/she came from to know and understand the person in context”
To further illustrate this thought, Fr. Eli presented the certain words and from which they came from, like the words “hapunan”, “barkada”, and more. Why was it called hapunan? Because during the early times (when there was still no electricity, and light in the evening comes from the moon, stars and lamps), dinner happens in the late afternoon. Why is it called barkada? Because it came from the word “Banca” or boat, where it shows that barkadas are definitely “in the same boat”.
Fr. Eli began his talk with this to further instill to us that where we come from really matters, much like Don Bosco, whose roots and background gave rise to such a marvelous model, father and saint. Being Bosconians ourselves, we must always be reminded that we live and are taught to be good Christians and caring people. Fr. Eli further commented that he is inspired and touched with people, especially with Bosconians, who are strong in their resolve of following Christ, in one or many ways.
===
“The three things that Bosconians love: the Blessed Sacrament, our Holy Mother Mary, and the Pope.”
Fr. Eli mentioned this in line for his main topic in his sharing for this day, which is Don Bosco’s love for the Eucharist. Besides Mama Mary and the Pope, it is worthwhile to remember that Bosconians love the Holy Eucharist.
He then related a story of how Christians in Vietnam, when it was still under the complete dominion of Communism, were able to receive communion; in spite of fear of being severely punished for the faith. He said that during that time, the priest would place the host in bars of soap, and those who know it, comes and receives them.
During this part of his sharing, I remembered that Ms. Bot Bombase, our Student Affairs In-charge for the College Department, gave me a coin with the image of Don Bosco. In its back, there inscribed the following words, and I share the same prayer: “O Saint John Bosco, teach us to love Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament”.
===
“…It all depends on whose hands it is in…”
Fr. Eli gave a wonderful analogy for this part of the talk, with which I quote:
“In my hands, a basketball is worth 800 pesos…In the hands of Michael Jordan, a basketball is worth 800,000,000 pesos…it all depends on whose hands it is in…
In my hands, a stick would be nothing but a stick…In the hands of Moses, a stick divided the sea, and helped saved people from slavery and oppression… it all depends on whose hands it is in…
In my hands, a slingshot would be nothing but a toy…in the hands of David, a slingshot helped to defeat Goliath… it all depends on whose hands it is in…
In my hands, a bread would just be a bread…In the hands of Christ, a bread would feed thousands… it all depends on whose hands it is in…
In my hands, a nail would be used by a carpenter to make and fix things…In Christ’s hands (and feet as well, for this matter), a nail becomes a symbol of our salvation… it all depends on whose hands it is in…”
===
“Who are you listening to?”
Again, Fr. Eli made a timely analogy with this part of his talk, with which again I quote:
Garfield… “I hate Mondays”
Gaara (of Naruto)…”I only love myself and I live only for myself…”
Winnie the Pooh…”It is so hard to be brave, especially if you are only a small animal”
The question is…who are you listening to?
With the many things that are thought and said in this present era of ours, we can’t help but be confused on what to do, what to hear, what to understand, and even what to believe. With this kind of situation that we’re in, what then should we do?
Psalm 118:8, which Fr. Eli mentioned in his talk, gives a clear answer to this: “It is better to trust in the Lord than to trust in men”…
===
For the remaining days of the novena and the celebration for the feast day of Saint John Bosco, please join me in prayer that with the help of our model and founder, we may…
Understand the present with the help of the past…
Love and devote ourselves to the Blessed Sacrament…
Give ourselves to God’s hands to be guided and protected…
Listen and live as faithful, moral and loving Christians…moreover, Bosconians.
Saint John Bosco. Pray for us.
No comments:
Post a Comment