FAITH FOOTPRINT

I first read this quote at the bulletin board of Delgado Bldg. when I was working at Fil-japan Shipping Corporation:

” I shall pass this way but once; any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show – let me not defer nor neglect it,for I shall not pass this way again. “

It really made a great impact on me. I have been trying to do good already, but this one says any kindness that I can show. Single and just graduated from an elite college for girls, I had the tendency to be a snob to people I do not know or like. I remember those who do not know the real me branding me as “masungit” (mean), “suplada” (snobbish) and unreachable.

Those who like me would tell you I am the sweetest person there is. In fact, they would not believe you if I was described as one of those three. Truth of the matter is, I was and still am capable of both. In fact, we all are.

It all boils down to a matter of choice. I remember my parents accommodating everybody who ask for their help, beggars would find a place in our table, vendors would be invited to eat in our house. I grew up in that environment, but still my “collegiala” status would get the better of me. Honestly, I thought I was better than most people. I had too many suitors, most of who didn’t even have the chance to say something and the answer’s been a big NO already. I had seamen on-the-job trainee suitors but I would not even consider them. I felt they were not good enough for me. One of them is a sea captain now.

The most important things of this life, I have learned the hard way. God has been teaching me things through trials, sufferings and blessings. There is always a time and a reason for everything. We may not understand the reasons, but surely, it is for our own good.

It was later on in my walk with Christ that I realize how wrong I was. No one is better than anybody. We are all equal in God’s eyes. He created all of us, the same sun and moon shine and the rains fall on the good and the bad. That is how much God loves everybody. He offer the same saving grace to each and everyone.

I have learned that our education, position, social stature, wealth, fame and fortune are God’s gifts to us, never to be used to look down on people, but to help and show God’s love and mercy towards others. Apart from God, we are nothing. We are only able to do things because God allows us to. The job that we have is God-given. All the money we have, the cars, properties, businesses, they are all from God. Yet, we are very stingy when we have to give back to God through church offerings and helping other people. We do not realize that what we have do not really belong to us. We are just stewards, caretakers.

What is more important, my friends is doing what the Lord wants. There may not be angels appearing before us today, but we have the bible as our guide. It is very clear that sacrifices and offerings are not what God desires, but obedience.

Today’s reading tells us about Joseph, the husband of Mary and the earthly father of Jesus. He, a carpenter, an ordinary person, was chosen to be the father of God. A man of a lesser stature and faith would have backed out and left Mary, Mary would have been stoned to death as that was the punishment she deserved according to the laws of that time. Jesus would not have been born.

My friends, the Lord does not choose educated, famous and wealthy people for special missions. He always chose the unknowns, because He looks not at the appearance as man does, but He looks at the heart. David was a young, unassuming shepherd. God made him a king. Abraham was chosen to be the Father of many nations, because of his obedience to God, which was credited to him as righteousness. Those were their faith footprints.

With this, I want to leave you all a challenge and a question. Any good that you can do, do it now. For we may not pass this way again. What is your faith footprint?

Father God, we thank you for our faith models like Abraham, David and Joseph, Pope John Paul II, Mother Teresa. Help us to realize that you choose ordinary people to do extraordinary things for your kingdom and I can do something as well. Teach me, mold me, guide me, let your Spirit lead me to the truth. Amen.

Meditation: Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a

Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary.
Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.

Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.
When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph,
but before they lived together,
she was found with child through the Holy Spirit.
Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man,
yet unwilling to expose her to shame,
decided to divorce her quietly.
Such was his intention when, behold,
the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said,
“Joseph, son of David,
do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.
For it is through the Holy Spirit
that this child has been conceived in her.
She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus,
because he will save his people from their sins.”
When Joseph awoke,
he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him

–that in all things God may be glorified