Pay It Forward

 This is Sunday and while I was sharing with my wife my previous friendships with people especially when I was in the US then I met an American African  friend. This guy was a family man and he used to sell newspapers on the streets in Hyde Park, Chicago. On my way to school I usually passed by his area. As the days went by, I was fortunate to know some details of his life as well as he knew also a part of me.

When he was still on his teens, he lost his left arm on an accident and while coping with this unfortunate situation, it took him a while to accept and own such a condition. Later on, he got married and at that time that I met him, he had three lovely children already. After my program, I went home and a day before I leave the States for home, I left all my winter clothes with him (2 travelling bags). As I did it, he expressed his genuine joy and surprise. Yes they were just material possessions but what was essential for him was my gesture of sharing those items.

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Anyway, that experience allowed me to explicitly share  goodness to somebody without counting any something in return. As I thought of the experience, I was sharing what is called pay it forward to my friend the blessings that I believed from God and from people. In our life, there are countless times that we become recipients of others’ kindness and when we are in the situation to do it for others, hope that we will  not hesitate to grab the opportunity to endow joy for others.

Life after all is a blessing and as such, it is also fitting to positively share it with others most notably to our family, loved ones and for others even for those who are unloveable, deprived, left behind and those who are losing faith in life. What a feeling of JOY when we are able to “pay it forward”  to them.

Be Passionate in Your Faith Journey

In life, there are various priorities that will take your attention. They could be health, friends, family, love, career, sports etc. However what could be your primary priority, just be sure that your heart goes with it. On the other hand, among the relationships that you embrace, one that stands out is your relationship with God. Yes, your faith journey plays a very significant role in your life. 

At times, due to your busy schedules, you tend to disregard and just ignore your relationship with God negating on the process its importance in your life. Our God has been the most loving person in our life and He never fails in guiding us into the right path. Your journey therefore into His kingdom will be your own way of showing to Him how grateful you are for His goodness.

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Thus, treasure the most every opportunity to be near Him. Show your passion in this journey and let no one or nothing interfere this chapter of your life each day. After all, your life is but a passing gift that is ought to be shared hence hold on to what is not temporary- that is your faith journey leading to a more personal relationship with God.

 

What A Blessing Indeed

Hello 2014….farewell 2013….yet indeed if we recall back during the course of 2013, we can claim that we have received bountiful graces and they manifested the greatness of God’s love for each one of us. If we are just aware of how blessed each one of us by every good thing that comes into our life, then we can always have reasons to be positive in the coming days.

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The variations of our blessings may come in small and in big textures yet in totality, we then will be inspired to do and extend good deeds to others. The most essential blessings will come in our good health, abundance, healthy relationships with our loved ones, and others. God above has been so generous to us and in spite of all our limitations, He always welcome us into His fold.

Thus in this new year 2014, let us also express our gratitude to Him above by being generous with others these blessings. When we share whatever good thing that we receive with our neighbours, we will also feel real and genuine happiness deep inside our hearts.

In conclusion, let all of these goodness that we constantly welcome each single day become as means to improve further our relationship with others. Generosity leads us into a stronger relationship with Him Above.

Community of Believers

 Just finished hearing the celebration of the Holy Eucharist this morning and as I listened to the homily of our parish priest, Fr. Vincent, I was struck by what he mentioned about the feast that we have in the Church today. We remember celebrate this day the feast of the Holy Family and he shared that for a community to progress, certain guidelines need to be practiced and be observed diligently. Moreover, it takes each member to participate actively and positively so that the community will encounter progress and growth.

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Indeed it becomes a constant challenge for each of us as you and me go back to our respective communities. We are called to share without any condition our talents, resources, lending ears and hearts to our fellow brothers and sisters. On the other hand, there are elected leaders in our communities and they ought to be supported and positively journeyed with. Each one is an essential part of the whole community and without the effort of each member, it would never attain its ideals and goals.

Therefore, may we always be aware of the respective role that we own in our community. And no single role is less important nor be neglected since each one plays a specific part for the benefit of everyone.

A Reflection: The Destruction of Sodom

 I was scanning my reflection guide till I came out with this reading from Genesis 18-19- The Destruction of Sodom- 

” The derstruction of Sodom and the rescue of Lot demonstrates the justice of God’s judgement. God punishes the evil and saves the righteous. The fate of Lot’s wife will serve as a reminder to Abraham and his descendants that it is foolish to disobey the word of God.” Source- The Illustrated Family Bible, Illustrated by: Peter Dennis

Obviously, one important responsibility that we owe to God is similar to that of Lot and his descendants.  We are called to follow God’s will all the time. Doing what is right and avoiding to wrong others is part of our everyday challenge.

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Indeed it is but challenging for us since as human as we are, it is but natural for us to be affected, slightly or intensely, by what is happening around us. The events we encounter everyday either help or unhelp us in our goal of becoming better persons.

Lot’s faith sets as an example to us on how we can also stand firm in our faith and love for God after all, we all know that indeed, He is a very loving God.