Posted by The WORD in other words (2021) by Fr Florante Camancho SVD – Holy Name University, Bohol
Thursday 1st Week of Advent
The Philippine Catholic Church is about to close the 500th Anniversary celebration of the country’s Christianization. If plans go well, about 500 Filipino missionaries will travel to other shores. They aim to participate in the “Missio Dei”. This is to continue the mission of Jesus Christ, which the Father gave Him.
The Father dreams of bringing back humankind to Himself. Realizing this dream needs the Filipino tongue to proclaim the good news of salvation. It requires the Filipino hands to celebrate the sacraments and the Filipino heart to spread love in Asia and beyond!
Today’s 1st reading from Isaiah, narrates how the people of Israel will be blessed by God. But this blessing requires that they remain humble and faithful to their God.
In the gospel reading, a similar message is proclaimed: Put your trust in God, the Rock of Salvation. Build our dreams, hopes, endeavors on Him, and remain His humble instruments, His servants, now His friends!
Even after 500 years, we the Filipino people are not yet perfectly “marinated” in Christian living. Despite this, we confidently look at the future, full of hope! The work of evangelization is God’s work through the power of His Spirit.
As in the Pentecost, when weak men became dedicated apostles, we pray to the Triune God. We say, “Here we are, Lord, send us.”
One comment