Moments of prayer and grace are the highlights of our everyday lives. Here are some of my most treasured ones that I am excited to share with you.
Fr. Marty’s visitation
I received a glorious surprise visit from Fr. Marty, a newly ordained priest friend who recently came to Manila. He took time out from his busy schedule to come to my home to say a special healing Mass for my dearest friend Liza, who is undergoing treatment for cancer, and my continued remission. His homily was a gentle reminder of childlike faith and a personal story that touched each one of us.
“About five years ago, my sister was diagnosed in Manila with an aggressive case of colon cancer. Our family was devastated. She needed surgery and treatment. So she did her research and discovered a suitable doctor in Singapore. The problem was, her husband had just lost his job in the United States. I was a seminarian based in California then and felt so desperate when I heard the news. All I could do in my helplessness was to turn to God and just pray,” Fr. Marty said.
After some time, God surprised Fr. Marty. He received news from his brother-in-law that events took on some unexpected turn. Out of the blue, a friend suddenly called and asked if his brother-in-law would be interested in a job, and if he accepted, would he consider being based in Singapore? The young priest fell to his knees so humbled by this answered prayer. And he thought, all he could do was “just pray.”
Oh, praying for someone with childlike faith really works, simply because God said so. From then on, his sister received all the treatment she needed. It’s been five years now and she is on remission. As for us, Fr. Marty’s visit was indeed a strong yet gentle reminder — just keep on praying.
A date with God
My youngest sister Yvonne, who heads the faith and spirituality committee of the Assumption Family Council, organized eight mini-recollections, which she fondly calls “Eight Dates with God.” One every first Friday of the month.
The first encounter was held last Aug. 7 at the Assumption Chapel. Fr. Gerson Ortiz, a Venezuelan missionary priest from the Verbum Dei congregation, spoke about the joy of the Eucharist. What struck me the most was a story he shared about his own mother. His father has been very sick and in crisis as he is going through an emotional imbalance. His mother is caring for him 24/7.
When he called up his family at home in Venezuela, his siblings expressed how difficult it was to care for their dad. When he asked his mother, “How is Dad?”, she cheerfully said, “Your dad needs all our love now. He needs to feel our love.”
His mom continued: “I have a story to tell you, my son. An ugly lady came to our home and wanted to enter. But as she wanted to enter, I immediately called on Jesus. And I said to Him, ‘Sadness wants to enter our house. Please, I pray, turn her away because there is no room for sadness here’.”
Fr. Gerson was simply awed by his mother’s spirit as he listened to her on the phone wondering, where is all her joy coming from? Her joy is coming from her relationship with our Lord, strengthened by prayer, faithful service and a devotion to the Holy Eucharist. Though we may not be exempt from experiencing life’s challenges, we are assured of our Lord’s presence, hence we are never alone.
Sister Annunciata’s 79th birthday
Some members of our CLAY prayer circle recently celebrated the 79th birthday of Sister Annunciata Malvar R.A. in my home. She was our Theology teacher in Assumption College. My classmates and I are so fond of her because she never fails to greet us with excitement even after all these years. At her ripe age, she overflows with wisdom as well as a visible spirit of awe and wonder for all things good and beautiful. It was such a treat to see her savoring every bit of baked salmon, cottage pie, veggie burgers, mushroom pasta with much gusto and gratitude. She also thanked my yaya Josie, who lovingly cooked the meal we shared.
At around 8 p.m., as we were gathered around the table, Pat Herras and her mom, Tita Josie, received news of a fire near their Parañaque home, so they rushed off to assist their neighbors. Immediately after they left the table, Sister Annunciata said, “Let us say a prayer for our Lord to assist them as well as all the victims.”
After we said our prayer, she smiled and said, “ Let me tell you a story where I learned to pray in times like these. Forty years ago, there was a huge explosion at the Rockwell depot across Bel-Air Village in Makati. I happened to be with a group of people. What they did I will always remember, for they immediately bowed their heads in a prayer of protection for the residents affected by this catastrophe.” Sister Annunciata paused.
Then my hair stood when our CLAY leader Inez Polotan, seated across me, spoke up: “Oh, Sister, that was my family! I will never forget that traumatic day because it was right before my 18th birthday. Our home on Amapola street in Bel-Air across Rockwell was newly renovated then. The day before my debut, the whole house was decorated and we were all excited. Suddenly our home was rocked by a loud explosion without warning, we were all so scared. When we realized what was happening, my mom, sisters and I had to scamper out of our home by jumping over the wall. My father came home from work and sat helplessly in the Bel-Air Park as he was not allowed to go into the dangerous vicinity of Amapola street. My family and I were scattered all over in horror as we fled. Many bystanders and neighbors were hurt. Others died. Later, another big explosion came and burned our entire house down. It was so painful. But God is so merciful. My whole family was spared that day. With the help of kind people, we were able to make an appeal and in God’s time, we received money enough to build a brand-new home. Thank you to God and all those who prayed for us.”
Listening to our dear Inez who affirmed Sister Annunciata’s sharing, I knew this was no coincidence but God’s doing. I feel so grateful that Inez was saved. And that through her life of joyful service, she continues to share with us such precious moments of prayer and grace.
(Would love to hear from you at miladayjewels@yahoo.com.)