As we begin celebrating the Easter Triduum, we are called to reflect on the TRUE LOVE OF JESUS expressed in service.
Sad to say, the Act of Service is neglected by many Catholics. Many Catholics have a half-hearted identity because they only believe that being a Catholic means being a Sunday mass-goer or being someone who knows the vocal prayers of the Church. We may have our favorite prayers and have even memorized most of them, but let us keep in mind that prayer is not just about uttered words.
Prayer is a relationship with God. Therefore, prayer must also be seen in our attitude in life and in our selfless service to others. In the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, the highest form of prayer, we make present the selfless and total self-giving of Christ:
“TAKE THIS ALL OF YOU AND EAT OF IT…. DRINK OF IT…. THIS IS MY BODY… THIS IS MY BLOOD… FOR YOU and FOR ALL. DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME.”
This reminds us that we should also make present in our lives the selfless love of Christ through concrete acts of service. As your priest servant, let me suggest two ways:
First, SERVE USING YOUR CHARISM.
Serving in church is not limited to assisting in liturgical celebrations. Serving the Church entails offering our charisms “for the building up of the Body of Christ” in our parish community.
Sa madaling sabi, kung saan ka magaling, kung saan ka mahusay, diyan ka maglingkod sa Panginoon. God has given you a skill, a talent—a special gift for you. And we have the responsibility to utilize them for the CHURCH. Hindi ka mahusay sa isang bagay para lang sa iyong sarili. Ikaw ay pinahusay ng DIYOS para rin sa kanyang BAYAN.
Second, SERVE WHERE THERE IS A NEED.
It is not enough to serve only where we are good at or in something we are already comfortable with. We must also respond to the needs of the Church even when they are DIFFICULT. Volunteering where there is a need is a mark of a Catholic who is leveling up his or her relationship with God.
Ikaw ba ay willing to serve God in a higher level? If yes, approach your parish priest and tell him that you are willing to serve where there is a need. Only those who love God wholeheatedly will serve his Church despite the struggles and difficulties.
Cardinal Sin’s motto reminds us that we should always have a SERVIAM disposition, which in Latin means “I WILL SERVE.” Because of the opposite disposition, NON SERVIAM - “I WILL NOT SERVE” - is that of the devil.
Dahil mahal mo ang Diyos, maglilingkod ka sa Diyos. Kahit pa mahirapan ka at masaktan ka, maglilingkod ka pa rin dahil nagmamahal ka.