That Goodness in me

That Goodness in me
By FHEIL KARL FAILMA| STO. ROSARIO-MALITA

I have been an Altar Server in our parish at Sto. Rosario – Malita, for the last 7 years. I became the president in this organization and still active at this time. As expected, it is part of my commitment to serve during daily and Sunday masses, participate in some parish activities, engage in spiritual involvements and the like. It seems that as I am counting my age with this ministry, everything that I am doing is becoming an obligation, not a service. I could not feel anymore that burning desire for Jesus since for me, I will be only doing what is asked of me. I began to question if I am really that worthy enough to be called as servant of God both in words and actions. Then there came an incident where I could say that God woke me up and made me realize that Goodness in me.

During the Holy Week celebration, all Altar Servers were asked to assist the laity in doing the Feeding Program and Medical Mission for the elders and persons with disabilities. As part of the ministry, I was ‘obliged’ to participate in the said event. There, I felt that I was not with myself anymore for I was doing service without thinking of myself. I even missed my breakfast and lunch. It was selfless.

At the end of the day, I realized that I gave glory to my God. Truly, God used me to become a radiant of His goodness.

It is better to give than to receive
By JOHN PAUL BENEDICT AVES|COR JESU COLLEGE

THE spark within that ignites when one makes another smile is beyond heartwarming. It is in that moment that we realize the true value of giving.

Early this year, selected high school students from Cor Jesu College visited Bagongbuhay Elem. School, Brgy. Igpit, Digos City to engage with the school’s adopted community.

I was blessed enough to belong to the group.

The small school is a moving scene to witness. Away from the busy city, pupils lack the basic pencil and paper to use and classrooms are not as inviting as they should be to children. Just imagine the classic Filipino rural school. The sight may be as familiar to you as it was to me, but viewing it in television and being in it are two extremely different things. I witnessed their material need, I saw how poor they were, I smelled the foulness of their second home, I knew the many things they lacked but despite these all, the strongest force I felt was their warm and contented hearts. That even how sour their daily life may be, they were still happier with all they don’t have than me with all that I have. As we distributed school supplies to them, their smiles that we ourselves saw gave more than any payment could ever give. What a single sight gave me belittled everything we gave them. They taught me a lesson that no book we gave could ever teach. A smile made me realize how unimportant material things are and that even the possession of every precious stone in the world can never provide the happiness that giving will. The poor children may not know it, but their rich smile made me understand why Christ said “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).