Posted by The WORD in other words (2006) by Fr Oscar Alunday SVD, Philippines Northern SVD Province
Monday 6th Week in Ordinary Time
Ama Basilio is loved by the whole community of Talipan in the mountains of Abra province. Everyday he would ring the chapel bell at six o’clock in the evening. The sound of the bell called the people home from the ricefields and invited them to pray the Angelus, and to reflect on how the Word of God became man in Jesus.
This man is Christ the wonder worker, the healing preacher, the one who drove away the demons and forgave sins, the one who brought back the dead to life, the one who suffered and died and rose again as Savior and Redeemer. The Angelus summed up the simple faith of Ama Basilio and the Talipan villagers.
Though Basilio was tested a lot in his personal life with so many trials like childlessness and lingering physical illness, he was never discouraged. “The devil got discouraged with me because I never lost hope and I never asked signs from heaven during temptations. The Lord never abandoned me!” This is Basilio’s profession of his fidelity to Kabunyan God who is ever present in his life.
His piety and daily works of mercy and compassion for people in the community earned him the name “Apo Basilion nanakman” (the good elder Basilio or the saint elder Basilio). He gathered the people for Sunday services and Rosary in the absence of the priest. He was one of the most respected Eucharistic Minister and Pastoral Leader in the parish. Because of his good example, the other lay leaders in the parish continue to minister not only in their village but also in other villages ….leaving their boats behind and going to the other shore … and living the gospel in their outreach to people.
In my ministry, do I lead people to critical reflection about life or is my ministry leading people to endless arguments of “seeking signs from heaven”? How do I live the faith amidst an environment that thrives on questions and problems? How can I become a living sign of God’s active involvement in peoples’ lives?
