Opus Bonum | A Noble Task

"Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task." — 1 Tim 3: 1 (NIV) 

We are all aware what is happening in our world nowadays. Often, our human’s tendency is not to be satisfied with what God has given us. To be famous or to be in high position is our human desire. Sometimes because of our needs, we neglect of what become of our first priority. We tend to forget the source of our lives, Jesus Christ.

In the first section of this letter to Timothy, Paul reminds the leaders of the church that the requirement for a leader is - not necessarily to be married or to have children - about being a faithful and capable leader of the church. To be a leader is to serve. We are called to live a life of service for others even though the results are not recognized or noticed. 

In this way, we learn from a holy man of God, St. Joseph. Tomorrow the Catholic Church will celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph the husband of Mary. Let me quote the message of Pope Francis in his Apostolic Letter, Patris Corde: “Each of us can discover in Joseph – the man who goes unnoticed, a daily, discreet and hidden presence – an intercessor, a support and a guide in times of trouble. Saint Joseph reminds us that those who appear hidden or in the shadows can play an incomparable role in the history of salvation”.

In our simple way, we can contribute something for the church and the society. We have roles to play. Let us then imitate the life of St. Joseph, patron of the universal church.

                                                                                                                        

Reflection on 1 Timothy 3:1-16 by Sr. Imelda, MSBS

(Listen to the Podcast here)

Dominus salus mea (Ps. 27:1).

 

COVID 19 turned our plans upside down. By the fourth week of March, Maumere was placed under total lockdown. The church that used to be filled with believers had gone empty.

However, by God's grace, churches were reopened to the faithful in the first week of July.  People started going to church again. The crisis did not quench the people's thirst to hear God's words and receive the Holy communion. What consoled me during this challenging situation was the presence of young people in the church, attending mass and devotions not only on Sundays but also on weekdays. Every Friday and Saturday of the first week of the month, people also come for adoration and Rosary.

Seeing this fervor in people strengthens me and gives me hope. The responsorial Psalm of today which says: “The Lord is my light and my salvation” reminds us of our total trust in Him. Despite many challenges and crises that we are now facing in our religious vocation, yet God always enlightens us.

By Sr. Imelda, SMBS.

Beati pauperes spiritu (Mt. 5:3)

 

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.” When I read this passage, it reminded me of my experience in the first week of August. I had a chance to give communion to the elderly and the disabled. Actually, I was a little bit thirsty and hungry because right after the Mass I went from house to house. This did not bother me. The important thing was to bring Jesus to our brothers and sisters who long to receive Him. That day, I visited the house of the disabled boy. I could feel the joy he felt as I looked at his face. He kept on shouting even though he could not speak and he smiled at me. I could not express what I felt at that moment. I felt a garble of emotions in my heart but one thing I’m sure that seeing him made me happy. Then I uttered a special prayer for him. After I gave him communion, I asked permission from his mother if I could carry him and have a picture with her son. The mother was a little hesitant, perhaps because I look so thin and she doubted whether I could carry her boy. She told me that her son is heavy. I insisted and I carried the boy in my arms, embraced, and kissed him. He was so happy despite his condition and when we took the picture, he was looking at me and laughing with pure joy. That moment really touched me and left a deep impression in my heart. In my heart, I said, “thank you Lord for allowing me to experience your presence within this little boy.”

 I am so grateful for this experience and as we celebrate today the solemnity of all saints that comes to my mind is the message of Mo. Teresa of Calcutta: “Do ordinary things with great love. Do something beautiful for God.” So, my dear brothers and sisters, some of us might not be declared saints but we are all called to live out and imitate the life of the saints. Let us challenge ourselves to help people around us especially in this pandemic, help them experience the presence of God in our little ways, through our words and deeds.

By Sr. Imelda, MSBS.