NEW BEGINNINGS

2012 is a new year and a new beginning.  It brings new spirit in the SCAP Team especially with the present National Secretariat.  There are a number of new things that the team has agreed to BEGIN doing.  One of which is to start the week with a Community Prayer following the theme of the month that the team has reflected on.  (The team has always tried to do this but failed to be faithful – hence, to be serious about it is already a new beginning).  The team has agreed to take turns in preparing the prayer session and reflection on Tuesdays.  “New Beginnings” is the theme for January.

My turn has come today …

Opening Chant:                                AMA SA MGA KAMAY MO

                                                Ama sa mga kamay mo, habilin ko ang buhay ko

                                                Ama sa mga kamay mo, habilin ko ang buhay ko

Contemplation (Gospel of Saint John):   “AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS” – The team was led to contemplate on the scene of the “Foot of the Cross” where Jesus was entrusting to Mary his disciples.  (Do I see myself in the scenario? Who am I in the scene? What was it like? How was I feeling?)                               

                Sharing of Personal Reflection – the fruits of one’s contemplation.

                Sharing of My Insights and Reflection on the theme…

                Closing Chant:                   DIYOS PABALINGIN MO AKING ISIP SA YO

                                                                Diyos pabalingin mo, aking isip sa yo

                                                                Ikaw’y tanglaw ko na di lumilimot

                                                                Sa ‘ki’y tumutulong at nag-aaruga

                                                                Di ko man batid ang isip mo

                                                                Ang landas ko’y batid mong lubos

There is no new beginning without CHANGE taking place.  The Cross is an invitation to die to one’s self in order to completely and fully enjoy a new beginning.  Dying to one’s self means changing the old ways – from being a sinner to becoming a faithful lover, from having shortcomings to stretching patience and understanding, and from being enslaved by weaknesses to becoming free to do what good and just.

There are three images I always imagine in the scene at the foot of the cross: Jesus, Mary and the Cross.  They speak loud and strong messages to me.  Jesus tells about my IDENTITY as a Child of God.  He brings me close to Our Father.  Mary reflects my MISSION to listen and to obey God’s calling to tell the world of His Love.  While the Cross challenges me take serious part in EVANGELIZATION especially among the youth and students.   Where is John?  He is US!  We are JOHN whom Jesus has entrusted to Mary.  Hence like him, we are encouraged to be faithful in our Mission to LOVE.

With this I connect my reflection remembering the Feastday of Saint John Bosco.  He is my inspiration in doing and making my ordinary youth ministry extra-ordinarily well.  Like him, I believe that the youth only deserves the best.  The youth must be helped to dream, to believe in dream and to work for that dream.  No great or big dreams that one cannot achieve.  It is okay if it is just a small dream.  What is important is that “WE LIVE THE DREAM!”

The scene at the foot of the cross is the fulfillment of a dream – OUR SALVATION!

HAPPY FEASTDAY OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO!