2021 MISSION IN VACATION
A Reassuring Presence
Before I left for vacation, many of my friends expressed their worry and asked me, "Why take a vacation now when the Philippines is still in the middle of the pandemic with so few vaccines?
I was fully aware of the current global crisis but still chose to do so for one reason: to be with my folks and share joy and hope in these difficult times. There were tedious requirements for inbound passengers to the Philippines such as a mandated 10-day quarantine. But I was prepared to make the necessary sacrifices to be with my folks, knowing the importance and significance of being present with them in these trying times.
Consoling the Sick
My friend is unable to speak due to her debilitating illness, but she is skilled at lip reading and communicates through her nurse. Our farewell was emotional, as I knew that this could be our last meeting.
Life is a gift from God, and we are grateful for that life even when faced with many trials. It is the love from God, family, and friends that strengthen us to bear our human suffering.
Giving during Global Pandemic
The Philippine government has implemented strict border control with the emerging new Delta variant in order to prevent it from spreading to other provinces. With this border control, it is almost impossible to do any activities other than staying locally. This situation gave me more reason to spend more time and to be more present to my folks. With the help of my family, I was able to spend a lot of time with different group of people, sharing joy and hope with them. But I realized that it was really me who had been blessed by the simplicity and joy of the people whose trust in God and in the goodness of others have been undoubtedly the source of their strength in these difficult times.
With Retired & Sick Priests
When I arrived, the superior of the house was already in the chapel waiting for me. He rang the bell signaling my arrival and for all the priests to come down. They all gathered in front of the chapel, but when my dinner arrived, they unanimously agreed to cancel their prayers so that we could all partake of the food and have more time to spend together. I brought gifts of personal care items for their use, such as soap, shampoo, bath towels and cookies. The smiles on their faces came truly from grateful heart. Throughout the dinner, we enjoyed not only the food but the presence of one another with hearty laughs over my stories about being a priest in New York. Before I left, they asked me when my next visit would be. My time with them was a joyful sharing of brotherhood in the one priesthood of Jesus Christ.
A priest's heart is always strong even in his feeble body, for his heart is formed after the heart of
the eternal shepherd, Jesus Christ.
On a Vacation Mission
My vacation left me with a greater realization that helping others does not have to be complicated but is rather a simple gift of presence which exudes joy that comes from the reassuring presence of Jesus Christ within us.
About 80 seniors and their grandchildren came by upon my invitation to receive a simple food pack prepared for them. Each bag had 3 kilos of rice, some noodles, chocolates, and canned goods. All were grateful for the little help I extended to them. In their physical frailties, I saw the strength of their faith in God who is their courage and hope in this difficulties.
Each of us is called to share in the suffering of our
brothers and sisters.
Let the Children Come to me
I spent some time with the children and their families for a special meal of Jollibee (local fast food chain, like McDonald's)
They enjoyed a meal of chicken joy, cheese burgers, spaghetti, chocolates and a soda float. The kids enjoyed their time as much as I did, for to be in their presence reminded me that such joy can only come from those with a pure heart.
The Community of Faith
The Bishop visited the barangay and I joined him and the community in the celebration of the Mass, sharing together in the eternal meal where
Jesus, the true Bread of Life, is the center of the celebration.
After mass, with the help of my family, I served packed lunches with sorbetes as dessert. The people enjoyed the simplicity of the occasion, where the meal that was shared was indeed a Eucharistic celebration, with Jesus as the source of true joy and hope in this pandemic.
Behind those face masks were smiling hearts, grateful even for the little sweet gift of love. Those who attended were treated to a simple lunch
and delightful sorbetes.