When I was still working in the Philippines, Elmer and I shared funny mission stories. He come along with us if he was not able to caught up the daily boat schedule going to Mindoro. We had a great time with this young and enthusiastic SVD missionary (that time kasi freshman pa lang sya). He came with some colleagues; Kiko , Jason... etc. ( I don't remember some names). Elmer used to be very malambing to us with my brod (Fr. Glen Deuna,SVD) that's why I treated him as my own young brod already.
When I left Philippines last 2002, I lost connection with my brod seminarians temporarily, but when I had my vacation last 2006 I saw Elmer & kiko when I visited and had my slept-over in the seminary dormitory. That's the last time I saw them together.
Elmer was assigned to Hungary for his theological studies and...Kiko? di ko na po alam!....Surprisingly, I saw the write-up of Elmer about "Old Lady & Eucharist". I was moved to tears when I read it because that is the story I am into right now. In almost 7 years working here, I experienced deep sorrow and spiritual poverty. There were times that I woke up in the middle of the night crying looking for a crucifix and mass (Eucharistic celeb.). What I did was to cut-out papers and formed it as crucifix for the meantime. By the way, crucifix is prohibited here!.
I feel alone without Christ in the Holy Eucharist. It sounds weird to some, but it is true!. Read his story:
Elmer(Right) with seminarians from Budapest and China.
I noticed an old lady who was left behind after a Sunday Bible service in one of the barrios of our parish. She was teary-eyed. I approached her and asked if there was something wrong. I was surprised to hear her answer: “Hindi ako nakapag-komunyon kasi hindi pa ako nakapag-kumpisal.” What added to her sadness was the fact that that day was very significant for her because she was celebrating her birthday.
I sat beside her and intently embraced her. That was my immediate reaction hoping to make her comfortable. I assumed that she was aware that I do not have the faculty of hearing confession. And so I asked her to see the priest at once. Her tears flowed all the more. That was the only word I left her. She knew I could not stay longer because of my other scheduled services. I felt helpless and so I turned my back silently to proceed to my next schedule of Bible service in another barrio. I kept that in my heart and continued pondering. I had enough time to reflect because it was a long trip to reach my second area. It was four rides away.
The experience made me appreciate all the more the value of the Holy Eucharist and the reverence of the holy sacrifice deserves. Holy Eucharist is being celebrated everyday as part of our spiritual nourishment. Unfortunately, there were times when it becomes very ordinary in the daily structure. For some, it is of great importance like the old lady who has the rare chance of celebrating the liturgy. Unfortunately, it is not even a mass, it is just a Bible service. It made me grateful for the opportunity of receiving the Lord in the most Holy Sacrifice.
No one could underestimate the power of the Holy Eucharist. It could even transform people. God sanctifies the sacrifice being offered. We are just made instruments to facilitate the sacrifice. I thank God for the experience. I may not be teary-eyed like the old lady but there must be an inner longing for Christ and be disposed to receive Him in a worthy spirit. God deserves a well-prepared dwelling place in us. I should exert more effort to make my soul, mind and heart worthy of the transforming grace that flows in the Holy Eucharist.
Posted by Hatid-Diwa: at 4:38 AM 1 comments (Story was taken from Hatid Diwa)
Goodluck to you Mer & God always be with you! I will pray for your perseverance. .
nakakamiss naman itong si elmer...di na nagpaparamdam sa amin. hehehe