BE NOT AFRAID… Reflection for August 7, 2005
We have a lot of fears in our life… Nung bata ako takot ako sa dilim, takot ako sa multo (hanggang ngayon naman ganun pa rin.. hehehe), takot ako sa masasamang-loob, takot ako sa sinturon ng tatay ko, takot ako sa titser kong mabagsik nung grade 2 ako… Nung nagbinata ako, takot akong mapahiya sa mga kaklase ko, takot akong makakuha ng failing grade, takot akong manligaw, takot akong mawalan ng allowance… Ngayong may edad na ako, takot na akong tumanda, takot na akong magkasakit, takot na akong magtiwala sa iba… oo, kung minsan takot na rin akong magmahal… I realized that these fears make me more human, more vulnerable, more "ako" with all my weaknesses and short comings. The good news is that Somebody was there to assure me… "Take courage, it is, do not be afraid!" Akala ko, ngayong pari na ako ligtas na ako sa mga "storms in life" ko… hindi pala! There are times I feel the pressures in life… in being faithful to my vows, in being radical in my commitment, in being a good and holy priest. Yes, like Peter, I fail. I started to sink… But i always find the hand of God stretching out towards me and telling me: " Oh you of little faith, why did you doubt?" Lord, help me to always put my trust in you… help me to remember that you are always at my side… ready to stretch your hand… to take me out from water of failures and unfaithfulness!
