Author: A Dose of God Today

by Daryl Sarabia Tecson

All of us are called to live a good and just life. We are not called to live a perfect life because none of us humans can do that. But, how can we live a good and just life? Are we not tired of giving reasons to ourselves that humans cannot live that kind of life in reality? Yet, if we can’t, why is it that there are a lot of human beings who became saints despite their imperfections?  Could it be that it is only in our mind that we keep on saying that we can’t live that kind of life?  This is because we believe that this is the reality of our existence here on earth as humans, not like God who is perfect.

Our mission in the parish of Balabagan , Lanao del Sur, which lasted for three months (from March to May) somehow, will answer these questions especially when one knows more about the life of Saint Isidore, their patron Saint. Majority of the population are Muslim-Maranaos. Only 20% percent are Christians, from which 5% percent are Catholics. Yet, the Christians there continue to hold on to their faith in God.

I always believe that it is the work of the Holy Spirit when choosing a patron saint for every parish and chapel.  That is why, for me, Saint Isidore is really destined to be the patron saint of the parish of Balabagan.   Majority of the people  live a simple and harmonious life, together with their families, despite the conflicts and their bloody history. They are even surrounded by Muslim communities who also treasured their own faith, belief and culture.

Like Saint Isidore, who was brought up in a religious family, and showed us how to live a good and just life, the whole community of Balabagan, both Christians and Muslims, showed so much compassion, and even valued their faith to God despite their differences.  These are shown through their practices and how they sacrificed their time just to praise and deepen what they believe.   

Same with the Catholics, especially in celebrating the Holy Eucharist, they participate and respect one’s faith and belief by respecting the tradition and practices of the Muslim community.  This is also the clear message of Saint Isidore, as he was known until now, that, before he would do his work to plow his field, he would first visit some of the churches in Sevilla to pray and to celebrate the Holy Eucharist.  Because of that, Saint Isidore was known for being blessed, holy and kind to others, even to the animals.

This is also what the community of Balabagan does at present.  Despite their own biases and reservations with other religions, still, they showed so much kindness to one another. They are all like Saint Isidore who was very approachable and kind person. Yet, this is also one of the challenges they need to look into. A challenge to be humble enough to respect and understand one another, especially with people of other religions.  The people showed much appreciation and respect to their differences in terms of culture and religion.

Although, there were situations that brought so much pain to the Christian community, especially to the Catholics.  One of the chapels of a Christian Community experienced desecration by un-identified Maranaos.  They forcefully entered the chapel, defecated it, broke the image of Jesus on the Cross and destroyed other sacred images of the saints.  

However,  this really communicates a message to each one of us.   In reality, we may not be able to show our love perfectly to one another, and even please anyone, yet we can always offer that little character, behavior or traits we have.  Some examples are our deep appreciation, respect, understanding and patience. And most especially our humility, no matter what culture, belief and faith we have.  

I believe that our connection with one another is not based on our culture and religion, but a connection of humanity.  That is why, this is a deep reminder to the call of God, especially to us Catholics.  The life of St. Isidore is a clear and powerful reminder of God’s call for us to live a holy and prayerful life, to celebrate the Holy Eucharist, and to serve God’s people in whatever way we can.  

Lastly, we hope to deeply listen to God’s call, as to how He wants us to live in this world.  We look on the examples of our saints, like Saint Isidore, who listened well to God’s loving presence and committed his life to live a good and just life, by being simple and having a deep faith to God, that led him to be blessed, holy and humble.

This is a reminder of God’s call for all of us to praise and glorify Him with all our hearts, so that we may be able to welcome one another into our lives, to show our respect, humility, friendship, brotherhood and understanding, despite our differences in culture and religion, and even with our own imperfections.  And we respond to this call by living simply.  Amen.

by Portia Awayan, FLARE

***From March to May, the Redemptorist Itinerant Mission Team was in the Parish of San Isidro Labrador, Balabagan, Lanao del Sur to help and facilitate the Golden (50th) Jubilee of the Parish. The three-month mission which was aimed as a way of RENEWAL AND ACCOMPANIMENT began with the Lenten Recollection in the Small Christian Communities of the Parish.

 The theme of this year’s Lenten Recollection for the parishioners of San Isidro Parish of Balabagan was “Gifted to Give,” taken from the theme of the celebration of the 5^th Centenary of Christianity in our country.   The recollection aimed to deepen their reflection of this theme and relate it to the meaning of Lent. 

To jump up the activity, each participant was given 5 small pieces of paper and were asked to write five of the most precious gifts they have received in their life. These could be be material things, relationships, experiences, character, etc.   Then, one-by-one, they were requested to give any of their treasured gifts to the poor, to the church, to the people of other religions, and to the mission.  

It was interesting to note that most of them were willing to give and share their precious gifts, even their own family, their own lives, and their own faith to others.  Although it was just a kind of a game, but they showed how generous they are as a people.

During the recollection, the participants began with the insight that today, with the idea of “being deserving of something you receive” or “of being entitled”, not many of us have really appreciated our gifts. Some would even lose their sense of surprise, even their gratitude and joy. However, a gift is something one does not expect, even something one does not merit, yet freely given according to the desire of the giver. Indeed, we are all gifted at an unexpected moment. So, one wonders!

But this year, the parishioners of Balabagan reflected that they cannot only be grateful and joyful but should be awed by the gift of Christianity which the nation received 500 years ago.   At a closer look, it is not just faith that they received but the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  

At the closest and last look, it is neither just the faith nor the Gospel that they received: It is Jesus Himself!   Thus, the celebration is not just about them; it is about Jesus.  They do not only see the gifts, but the Giver.

Moreover, during this Lenten Season, the parishioners are reminded of the greatest gift of salvation that they have received from Jesus, through His passion, death, and resurrection!   He has reconciled the people back to the Father!  They are saved from the darkness of sin!   They have become people of the Light!  This is truly a gift that brings genuine joy to all believers, like the parishioners of Balabagan!

The parishioners then reflected on the meaning of the centennial Logo, and on their mission as lay people.   Most importantly, they echoed that they are called to build Christian families. They put into their hearts and minds that the Vatican Council II calls the laity to develop their own family spirituality and to make their families schools of holiness and defense of family values.

As we ended every recollection in different communities in Balabagan, they were asked to offer the remaining piece of their treasured gift to the altar, in front of Jesus’ cross.  Without hesitation, they gracefully offered their last gift, showing their generosity as a people.  The members of the mission team could attest to this during their three-month stay in Balabagan.  They have experienced how the people welcomed them, and shared their time, talent, and material goods in all mission activities.  The team especially witnessed the kind hearts and helping hands of simple people, despite their underprivileged conditions.  No wonder, Jesus loves the poor, and reserves for them the Kingdom of God!