The WORD in Other Words by Brother Eugenio Orog SVD (Philippines) for Wednesday 2nd Week of Easter
There was once a very poor lad. His parents could not send him to school. Yet, he believed that education is a way out of poverty and God destined him for it. He left ho,e and became a working student. He finished a degree and was gainfully employed. In short, he was a success in his own right.
But before that, he had to hurdle many challenges, for instance, the maltreatment he got from some of his masters, just like the prophet Elijah who was maltreated by Queen Jezebel (1Kg 9:1-13).
He also suffered loneliness like Jeremiah (Jer 29: 10-14).
But most of all he suffered insecurity and low self-esteem like Moses who refused the command of Yahweh to lead the Chosen People out of Egypt because he was poor in speech. He rather volunteered his brother Aaron (Ex 10:10-15).Yet despite this, God knows what we are capable of (Ps 139).
Back to the poor lad, he felt empty and meaningless despite what he achieved. In short, he was in crisis.
Through counseling and spiritual direction he underwent conversion; he realized that indeed titles and achievements are only means to an end. As he unshackled himself from these, he experienced a greater freedom and joy, no longer always in pursuit for self-gratification but instead a life in Jesus who is the fullness of life.
The gospel proclaims: “God so loved the world he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” St. Paul adds: “For I am certain that nothing can separate us from His love: neither death nor life…” (Rom 8:38)
– Bro. Eugenio A. Orog, SVD (CKMS, QC)
