Fr. Robertus' Farewell

A few days ago, I was sending out my usual mass sms wanting to make sure that all the sponsors remember that there was a meeting the coming Sunday. I was really excited because we were doing our farewell for Fr. Robert and it was also the last time we were going to see Gerald before he comes back from Thailand.

Even more exciting was that Steven would be joining us for meeting. It was almost depressing to get negative responses and the next thing I know, I was writing down the names of the sponsors we have and who will not turn up and who has not responded. I counted over and over again. I was afraid that if there were only the very few of us, then how would Steven think of us? Would he reconsider his decision to join us? Should Fr. Robert see that there were only so few of us, would he be unhappy or disappointed? I told Joy that "Today feels so gloomy."

I wanted to make sure that even though not many will be there, we would have food as promised. I called up Canadian Pizza and placed an advance order making a mental note to not over-order.

I woke up this morning feeling scared when I saw Bernard's sms saying he might not turn up. I must have called Iggy and Freddie a million times because I was afraid that they were going to oversleep. Something told me to stop and to surrender all my fears and anxiety to God. I said a short prayer asking that if it is God's will, may they be present at the meeting. Not only were they all at the meeting, Freddie made it to mass. I left the room to get Fr.'s present and came back to a bustling room. I was so touched by everyone's presence and then more people started to come in.

We did more than to meet this time. We shared. I believe that many of us, as we shared and listen to each other's sharing, there's this warm tingly feeling in our hearts because we remember that we are all significant and vital parts to this community that we have built and through the support of one another, we stand strong and ask that God continues to use us as his instruments to bring the Good News and Good Lord to his chosen ones.

Dear friends, what I am sharing is that, when we let go and let God be in control, He will not forsake us. Instead, He will bless us aplenty and continue to love us unconditionally. Like Joy has shared, our purpose to love is something that's struck me in Fr. William's teaching last week and I'm learning to see Christ in everyone and to love. It is definitely not easy. But I really do love you all! One day, I wish that this love we share will be our instrument of evangelism with non-believers looking at us and go, "see how they love one another."

I hope that you all had an enriching afternoon as I did. (:


With many love.