Thank you

 

What better way to end the year than to say, "Thank you". Everything is grace. To God who is the source of everything, thank you.

Making a list is always risky because there is always a big chance to forget something. But I make this list because it helps me to recognize God's expressions of love.

For the people I have met along my life's journey, thank you.

For the experiences that made me who I am and that continue to mold me to be a good and decent person, thank you.

For the unexpected circumstances, both happy and sad, that get me in touch with the core of who I am, thank you.

For the gift of life, for every breath I take, thank you.

For all of you, my friends, thank you. Be assured that I remember you in my prayers. Let us allow God to be the center of our lives, our families, our societies. We cannot do it by ourselves. We need a greater Power. 

Why is it difficult to say that we believe in God and we trust Him? That is not infantile. That is speaking the truth.

Joy

 

Joy is not a prize, nor a quest, nor a destination.

Joy is the spirit within us, accompanying us in our journey.

It is like a dancing and totally dynamic flicker of light that warms our heart, sustains our resolve, pushes us to move ahead, and allows us to see the good and the beauty that surrounds us.

Temple

 

The temple is like a point of convergence

   between God and man

   between heaven and earth

   between the sacred and the profane

   between past, present, and future.

Come to think of it, when I really pause and just sit still, each object in the temple seems to tell a story of people who have passed those very halls. And when I close my eyes I may even hear their voices.

Whatever offering I bring will always be small and insignificant. Generations have preceded me and generations will follow me.

What is important is that I come, with something, with my everything.

Deaths

 

Today we remember our dearly departed. Our faith helps us to believe that death is not the end of life. Rather, it is like a fork in the road. Turn, we must, and it leads to something we haven't even imagined, and the journey continues.

Each one of us experiences death in many ways, every day: broken dreams, betrayed trusts, failed endeavors, an unexpected illness, loss of self. Grieve, we must, but each dawn is a promise of resurrection. When we believe.

As you want me

Four years ago, the communion song during our silver anniversary Mass was "Come Tu mi vuoi" (as you want me). As the years pass, may this be the prayer in my heart; a prayer not bereft of tears, but is always a source of deep joy. Yes, to be who God wants me to be. Yes, to go where God wants me to go.

Accompanied by Mary, the road may not be easy, but it is never lonely.

Darkness

 

Today we remember one of the greatest tragedies of all time. The mob asked for blood and they got it.

There is a saying that goes "There is strength in numbers". Democracy is considered as vox populi. Sure, being in a crowd, being a part of a crowd hides our identity, but it also hides our vulnerability. The loud voices are the ones that dictate the crowd's direction until it comes to a point that there is no more direction.

How many more people continue to die and be punished because of this.

When something bad happens we always look for someone to blame. And rarely do we find ourselves worthy of blame. It is always someone else - the scapegoat. 

It was indeed a dark day. No light emerged because the mob silenced reason, the mob stifled the light.

But it is not over.

Gems from Laura's life

 

Today is the feast of Blessed Laura Vicuña, an amazing adolescent who, at such a tender age, had understood the meaning of true love. To remember Laura is a reminder for us FMAs:

1. to create educational environments where young people feel that they are truly loved and accompanied to undertake a journey to holiness;

2. to not be afraid of proposing high ideals to young people because they have a great heart capable of aiming high;

3. to appreciate the simple elements of our Salesian spirituality: joy and service in everyday life; friendship with Jesus, nourished by His Word and by the Eucharist; the sacrament of Reconciliation; the living presence of Mother Mary;

4. to believe in the young. With them, we are called to be missionaries of hope and of joy.