Vision, Passion, Caring Spirit

This morning, we had our yearly institutional recollection. This year's theme talks about the First Companions of the Society of Jesus. We recall the gifts of the first three companions -- Ignatius, Xavier, and Faber.

The recollection reminds us once again of our mission as individuals in this world. We have our own role. There is so much to do! We have to realize that whatever we do, wherever we are, we are part of God's divine plan. God is not physically here. He cannot physically lend a hand. But through us, God is able to help, God gives comfort to the lowly. We are God's hands to help the others, His heart to feel for others, God's ears to listen and take action, to touch and be felt. It's through us the Jesus' mission in this world lives on.

One doesn't have to be a priest, a pastor, or a nun. One doesn't have to be always present in all religious activities to help fulfill God's plan. In one's own home, workplace, grocery store, while waiting for a ride, one can be God's servant. And it is in this perception that we do things right, we do things better.

This is the vision that St. Ignatius shares with us today.

Francis Xavier, on the other hand, shares with us his passion for helping people. In this time of our life, many things have happened that would sometimes make us say "NO" or would bring a feel of hopelessness. We have gone through a lot of crises in our lives. But you see, we still stand up, take one step forward, one at a time. We always have this HOPE is us.

Have you ever wondered why at the end of the day, exhausted from work, tired of so many things, some people still manage to smile and say, "Hey, it's okey!"? Despite the difficulties in going through the day, we still look forward for tomorrow, for another day. This is because our hearts belong here... whatever we do, our heart is there. We love what we do that even in the most lowly moment, we still choose to stay and continue. Being able to do, to help and be part of this work is our joy. That is passion.

The last gift talks about caring spirit. We have heard this several times, millions of times! We can only teach kindness of the heart and caring spirit when we ourselves do care and show kindness. This is what Faber taught us. Many of us don't know Faber... his works were not made known, unlike that of Ignatius and Xavier. Why? For me, it's because, doing God's work doesn't have to be known all the time. Doesn't have to be big, doesn't have to make a big bang.. it can be simple things. Simple things with great impact. Simple touch, a cup of coffee, libre pasahe :) a simple hello and thank you. This is true caring.