God's Helpers

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It was a typical morning. Awakened by the alarm clock, I scurried to the bathroom. But that was no ordinary day for me and my family. Something awaited me as I stepped out of the house. That’s when the inevitable happened. Crossing on an ocean of fast-speeding vehicles, feeling anxious with my thesis, I felt the need to hurry. That’s when things flashed right in front of me. Like bolts of lightning, I couldn’t believe as to how fast things happened. Finding myself being summoned to an ambulance, I saw blood all over the place, an unconscious woman, a dead body, a traffic jam, a big crowd. I just survived a vehicular accident! Doctors could hardly believe that I missed death. That was supposed to be a sure hit. But there I was in the emergency room, with a few scratches, swollen leg, and feeling so lucky.

It hit me! That wasn’t my time yet. But how?

Unprecedented Conquest

“Wherever we are, in everything we do, there surely are valuable lessons to learn.”

This line is lesson in itself to me.  This was just a part of the speaker’s ice breaker but it really did make a lot of sense.  I wasn’t prepared for the many lessons and blessings that the day was about to offer.

We set foot in front of St. Andrew Building of De la Salle University early that morning for the annual campus journalism contest organized by Plaridel, the university’s Filipino organ.  It was a Saturday.  I could see traces of defeat and victory on the students’ faces left by the previous week’s sports fest.  But there was something dominant in their expressions.  Written on their faces was the excitement mixed with a twinge of anxiety and uncertainty.  It wasn’t easy considering the two-hour workshop that they had the day before.  With a warrior’s spirit, they still came to face the day’s challenge.

The day crawled slowly.  I could feel myself gradually munching everything like a piece of dish served to me.  I allowed myself to be immersed in the present.  Lessons were noted with my eyes opened wide and my ears listening intently to the sound and rhythm of the place.  I built my students’ confidence and reminded them to pray. It was an assurance that each of them brought armors no matter how small. 

On Temptations and Spirituality

I grew up with the promise that I’ll abide in God no matter what the cost.  At an early age, I learned to love Him and long for Him.  It never occurred to me that things will change somehow.

I’ve witnessed the not-so-good transformations of the people around me.  Angelic faces turned devilish.  Hearty laughter turned into malicious giggles.  I even had a glimpse of what we call “immorality”.  Not to mention the turmoil inside my being. Growing up wasn’t easy then.  It was a struggle.  To remain unstained.  To be pure.  To be holy.  Later did I realize that I had it all wrong. 

So I attended seminars, recollections, retreats, and a series of spiritual formations.  It was then that I matured, gradually, painstakingly.  I learned about the real meaning of spirituality and yes, it is a lifetime lesson.  As long as we are here in this world, we are never exempted from the spices that life has to offer.

How should one be spiritually mature then?  Or when does one become?  Is there any other living being here who had worked hard for it other than Pope Benedict XVI?  Is it even possible in this chaotic world?

The Smile

I was riding in a jeepney with my partner when an old woman in tattered clothes came in.  She carried with her white envelopes which were distributed to the passengers inside.  I’ve seen this scenario for several times already.  A woman or child would get in a public vehicle asking for alms through the so-called “organizations” labeled on the envelope, most often written in crooked strokes. Some would even sing or dance in irregular rhythm.  And, more often than not, people would simply ignore them.  Rarely do I see anyone taking charity into heart.

 “Begging is their way of living.  They must have been a part of a group controlled by heartless men.”

These are the usual reactions along with snobby faces.  This one was different.  Okay, people may call me an “accomplice” in the process but it wouldn’t stop me from helping these people (although at times I don’t).  I felt an urge to put just a penny inside the envelope and offered a short prayer for the old lady.  When I gave it to her, I was mesmerized with what I saw.  In front of me was the most dazzling smile I’ve ever seen and the words she uttered were a melody to my ears.  How wonderful it was to see that genuine smile that reached her eyes, blinding my eyes from an unattended dental hygiene and grayish lips.