"H.E.S.U.S"

(a reflection to my recent Outreach with the retired priests last 25 February 2020)

It was another blessed and fruitful day for all of us when my Light Group (Laging Gwapo) and the MaArts Ministry of the Feast PICC had an Outreach at the Cardinal Sin's Welcome Home for Retired Priests. The way I describe it, I can say that this is one of the unique and unforgettable experience as we had the chance to get to know the people whom we consider as representations of Christ here on earth.

We started the day by worshiping the Lord through the Sacrament of the Eucharist. We then proceed with the program proper by introducing ourselves to them, our community where we belong and the purpose of our visit.

After this, some of our brothers and sisters shared their talents in singing that was well-applauded by everyone. But the most number of applause came from the priests themselves when it was their turn to sing for us.

But for me, the highlight of the event was when the priests got the chance to share their stories when they were still at the peak of their service. It was also indeed a moment of realization when they told us that even though they are comfortable and treated well, it still saddens them when no one visits them at their place.

To be honest, I was surprised by this fact knowing that these humble servants of God have offered their whole life for their ministries and parishes but now that they are now in the “sunset” of their lives, it seems that they have been forgotten by the very people they've served.

The whole experience made me ponder for a while and after collecting my thoughts, I came up with five reflections as abbreviated with the word HESUS:

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HUMILITY. As I observed the situation of these retired priests, I realized that these are the people whose fame, positions, riches (if there are any) have already gone. They are here in this place without any material possessions left on them. This scenario that they are in for me, humbled them enough that by the end of their life, they already know that material things cannot satisfy one's joy and happiness.

EUCHARIST. I don't know how many times they preside in a Mass, and they might get so used in handling and partaking in the Eucharist. They may have been forgotten the purpose and value of holding Jesus in their hands. But now that they are unable to do this, receiving the Eucharist at this point would have been very meaningful for them. As for me, it also resonated once again the fact that the center of every Mass is not how inspiring the Homily or how grand the presentation shows or how wonderful the music can be but instead, it was still Jesus and forever be Jesus.

SACRIFICE. I wonder, what are the sacrifices these priests made to become God's shepherd here on earth? Is it the approval of their families? A more profitable career? Or a special someone that they need to let go in order to answer God's calling? But whatever it might be, our dear priests like all of us have also gone through the pains of letting go just to serve God's people. As a child who is always neglected at home, I always dreamed of being recognized by many. Aspiring to be a famous icon in society, I often tell myself that one day, people will look up to me and adore me. But seeing the sacrifices these priests made, it dawned at me that the goal of life is not being in the spotlight. Instead, it is learning how to give up the spotlight so that others will shine.

UNWAVERING FAITH. Most people who are already in their 60s or 70s would think that as they reach this age, they will not have any more role in society. That they are just waiting for God to call them in heaven. But these priests believe that since God extended their life up to this point, they knew that they still have a mission here on earth. It may not be as vibrant as it used to be but the value and importance of it will not be diminished.

STILLNESS. One thing that struck me was when one of the priests gave his parting message to us. He said that all his life, he always knew who God is. He often preaches about Him through his homilies, his talks and everyday conversation but now that he is retired, it was only at this point that he really gets to know Jesus and the Holy Spirit. It was a shock to all of us since we have expected that this person who should have a strong connection to God is now telling us that up to this day, he still has questions about his faith. Being a priest became a routine for him. The busyness of handling a parish or leading several ministries might sway him from the real purpose of his works but now that God removed it all from him, it was then that he was able to listen clearly to what God really wants to tell him.

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In conclusion, listening to these priests made me realize that they have no different from all of us. They also know how to laugh and have fun. Experienced sadness and hurts. Sacrificed their own comfort so that others may see the goodness of Christ. Like us, they also have times of doubts and get too attached in the busyness of life. But the reason why they can still keep everything together is their trust in God and knowing that they too have received His forgiveness, mercy and love.

(picture c/o MaArts Ministry)