Mercy and Grace

Often, we think mercy and grace are the same. While they are closely related, they differ in what is given and the recipient’s worthiness. Mercy is God not giving us what we deserve, while grace is God giving us something we do not deserve. The perfect example is the story of the prodigal son. Simply put, mercy is the father’s forgiveness to the prodigal son, while grace is the father’s feast to his prodigal son.

When he was still a deacon, most of his talks focused on God’s mercy and grace. This theme remained unchanged throughout his ordination and the GKK Thanksgiving Mass.

Fr. Ritzchild John S. Cariaga’s transformative journey began in 2006 with his attendance at the National Youth Day, where he decided to dedicate more of himself to the Lord. This commitment was further sealed in 2008 when he chose not to continue his second year in Engineering. He responded to the yearning of his restless heart to give more of himself to the Lord. During his Thanksgiving speech, he said, “naa ko sa inyong atubangan sa kalooy sa Ginoo. Ang kalooy ra gyud sa Ginoo, mao ni ang nagapahinumdom kanako kay makasasala gyud kong dako. Nagsalig ra gyud ko sa grasya ug kalooy sa Ginoo, ug wala nay lain pa. And I ask you to continue to pray for me as I start my priestly ministry. Kung asa man ko ilabay sa Ginoo, dawaton nako kung asa man ko niya ibutang.”

In one of his interviews, he reminisced about his seminary experience, highlighting the significance of brotherhood and community. These experiences were crucial in helping him discover, accept and harness his full potential. His Lola Daisy and Ate Ruby Vilog were significant influences; they taught him how to pray fervently and understand his faith in such a way a young boy would understand. His parents had the greatest impact on his faith, especially through their regular attendance at Sunday Mass in San Pablo Parish.

He views challenges as opportunities for introspection, focusing on how he will handle himself while remaining reliant on God’s mercy and compassion to stay true to his ministry.

With a heart full of gratitude, Fr. Dandan, along with the entire community, gives thanks to God for the grace of his ordination to the priesthood. Reliant on God’s mercy and compassion, may we continue to pray for him and the other priests, that they may stay true to their ministry. (Karen V. Sison)