A generous lector

“Do you wish to discover the mysteries of God? Ask a man, who for the love of God, lives in evangelical poverty with joy. He knows the mysteries of God better than the wisest theologian in the world.” – St. Albert the Great

Dear KNOT,

When I read the adage above, I remember the beggar I came across two years ago. As I could still recall, it was Christmas Season and coincidentally The Year of the Poor when I first met this beggar.

It was already late at noon after I serve as a lector in our parish. It was very sunny so I opened my umbrella and then decided to go to my Auntie’s place at Doña Pilar to eat lunch.

As I was passing by the parish gates, I saw an old, skinny, untidy man in his ragged clothes sitting at the sidewalk eating his lunch. He caught my glance thus, I smiled at him and greeted him “Merry Christmas”.

He grinned back at me and responded the same. It came to my mind then that since it was Christmas, why not I give him something to eat. I saw a kakanin store ahead and so I bought him two packs of special puto cheese. I then headed back to his place to give it to him.

“Merry Christmas!”

While I handed over my gift, I could see his eyes were filled with joy as he received it. And to my surprise, he grasped his scapulars on his chest and started praising, “Salamat Papa Jesus, salamat Mama Mary, salamat Papa Joseph! Salamat kaayo!” (Thank you Papa Jesus, Mama Mary and Papa Joseph. Thank you very much!)

He then set aside the food I gave near his sack, and said with all gestures, “Ako dili parehas uban manglimos masuko kung dili hatag. Dili ko parehas Badjao luwa kung dili hatag. Hulat lang ko kung naa hatag. Ampo lang ko Papa Jesus, Mama Mary, Papa Joseph.” (I am not like those beggars who spit at you like the Badjao whenever you don’t give something. I just wait and pray to Papa Jesus, Mama Mary and Papa Joseph.)

Though he was stuttering, he still continued sincerely, “Dawat ko kwarta dili pugos para palit tambal inom. Tukar ako sakit walay kaon. Kini (referring to the plate on his lap full of rice with toyo and fried fish) gikan dira sa kumbento. Salamat Papa Joseph aning pagkaon.” (I receive money but I don’t force people to give me some. I then use it to buy my medicines. And if I don’t eat, I’ll be unsound. In fact, I just get this food from the convent. Thank you Papa Joseph for this food.)

I was deeply moved on how grateful he was as he said such in humility that I almost cried.

“Salamat kaayo ani. Si Papa Jesus na bahala sa imu.” (Thank you very much. I let Jesus repay you for this.)

I was truly happy and blessed that I couldn’t help but to smile as I bid farewell to him. At the back of my mind then, I should be the one to thank him for inspiring me so much.

I wondered that time as to why I had such an encounter with this man in a peaceful and quiet moment where nobody was present but only me and him. As I reminisced, that was the time when I was deeply troubled by my problems and longed for something that hadn’t been granted yet.

I reflected on the scenario and realized that God manifested through this man. As Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you (Mt. 7:7). Until now you have not asked for anything in my name; ask and you will receive, so that your happiness may be complete (Jn. 16:24)”

For this man has been patiently and faithfully believing that God provides everything that he needs as he prayed and asked with all his heart. And in humility, he received Thy graces with gladness and gratitude. I supposed that this man had just taught me how it is to ask our Heavenly Father on what we need, believe that we have received, and thank Him for everything He has done.

As I met this man again recently at the same parish, I noticed that he was carrying with him a Black Nazarene and proudly said that it was given to him by a lady. He was also so enthusiastic to recognize his so-called “Daddys”, like Fr. Jerry Burr, who from time to time give alms to him. And just like before, he fervently shared his experiences and words of wisdom as I attended on him.

Though this old, skinny, untidy man may be poor materially, weak physically, demoted socially, but I could say he is rich spiritually and blessed accordingly. – Laichie L. Cañas

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Salamat Laichie for the story. ‘Til next kwentuhan higala. Tune in to KNOT via DXGN 89.9 Spirit FM everyday.