Si Lord talaga, grabe mangusap!
After a prolonged absence, I finally attended my first Feast of the year. I had received my first week's wages from going back to part-time work at DWST, so I could pay for transpo and food. Thank you, Lord, for providence!
It was the third talk in the current series, God Exposed: Touch.
Several things struck me as highly personal language between my God and me:
Even more helpful was the confession-turned-counseling session with one of the priests at the Feast. He talked to me in a way which I found challenging and insightful.
In sum, the message God was telling me was:
My aunt and uncle were having a retreat in Tagaytay over the weekend. My uncle texted me to request for two priests for confession. Unfortunately, I had forgotten my phone at the apartment and read the text at 1 am in the morning of Friday, the day they needed the confessors.
When I arrived at the seminary, several priests were in the lobby, including Fr. C, who had been sick but was now recovering. I asked him about the confessors and he recommended two: Fr. M was not available but Fr. P agreed to the 8 pm schedule.
But then, my uncle texts to say the schedule is 5 pm to 7 pm. Oh no... there are no priests available and Fr. P has not replied whether this change is okay or not. Finally, I surrender, thinking, well that's what happens when you make a request at the last minute. So I text my uncle to relay the most likely scenario that no one can make it; everyone already has appointments.
When the work day is done, I go up to clock out and find Fr. P there waiting! My jaw drops in gratitude. I call my aunt, let them know we're coming, ask KB for a ride, and off we go. Everything falls into place, especially KB being available and willing with her vehicle. Fr. P arrives at the retreat to save the day! Yay!
After a prolonged absence, I finally attended my first Feast of the year. I had received my first week's wages from going back to part-time work at DWST, so I could pay for transpo and food. Thank you, Lord, for providence!
It was the third talk in the current series, God Exposed: Touch.
Several things struck me as highly personal language between my God and me:
- the speaker used the term "Kilig moments with God," which is the title of this blog;
- the talk on vocation struck a nerve yet again, especially when he described the "holy discontent" we experience when we are not heeding the call--recently, I felt that restlessness even in the seminary, but the slight shift in direction seems to have quieted my heart; and
- the song "Pilgrim's Theme" by Bukas Palad was sung--the song I suggested to KB when we were having yet another heart-to-heart chat at Divine Zeal just the day before.
Even more helpful was the confession-turned-counseling session with one of the priests at the Feast. He talked to me in a way which I found challenging and insightful.
In sum, the message God was telling me was:
- All vocation choices are equal. Religious life is not superior to married life or single blessedness.
- The vocations are parallel roads of loving that lead to the same destination: eternity with God.
- Vocation is the choice to love each day. Whether it is saying yes to God daily as a priest or as someone's wife or as a single person serving her family or community.
- Vocation is a gift. It is not deserved or merited but again a gift by the mercy of God.
- To be successful at one's vocation, one must remember the source of strength through whom we can do all things: Christ.
The most liberating aspect I think was the priest's advice regarding a bit of turmoil I am undergoing: talk it over with the person concerned. I think I was so afraid I was being a stumbling block to someone, I blocked off any opportunity to talk. But the action step is: talk it over... But be prepared for either outcome.
* * * * * *
My aunt and uncle were having a retreat in Tagaytay over the weekend. My uncle texted me to request for two priests for confession. Unfortunately, I had forgotten my phone at the apartment and read the text at 1 am in the morning of Friday, the day they needed the confessors.
When I arrived at the seminary, several priests were in the lobby, including Fr. C, who had been sick but was now recovering. I asked him about the confessors and he recommended two: Fr. M was not available but Fr. P agreed to the 8 pm schedule.
But then, my uncle texts to say the schedule is 5 pm to 7 pm. Oh no... there are no priests available and Fr. P has not replied whether this change is okay or not. Finally, I surrender, thinking, well that's what happens when you make a request at the last minute. So I text my uncle to relay the most likely scenario that no one can make it; everyone already has appointments.
When the work day is done, I go up to clock out and find Fr. P there waiting! My jaw drops in gratitude. I call my aunt, let them know we're coming, ask KB for a ride, and off we go. Everything falls into place, especially KB being available and willing with her vehicle. Fr. P arrives at the retreat to save the day! Yay!
* * * * * *
Thank you, Lord, for confessor priests and for making a way for them to get to where they're needed.
Lord, thank you for the instruments you use to speak to us. Help us to listen and obey.
Lord, thank you for the instruments you use to speak to us. Help us to listen and obey.
I especially pray that you would guide me and ___ so we can talk openly and honestly. Grant us the grace to heed your call in the best way. May your perfect will be done. This we ask in Jesus' name. Amen.
