My Journey

We are back in each other’s arms! Yes, I am filled with so much joy.  There is no other way but HIS way.  I rebel many times…proud and impatient.  I sulked in one corner in self-pity; found myself fighting the wrong battle.  But my LOVER has never given up on me.  I refused HIS love, "shoo" HIM away.  At times, I question HIS decisions, challenging HIM even as if I know any better when I find myself confronting HIM.  Finally, I’ve grown weary, almost dying if now of that distant light that has caught my sight….It has dawned on me that I haven’t lost everything.  In fact, I have everything–MY LOVE.

My LOVER opened HIS arms wide and hugged me tight.  HE whispered lovingly, "it’s done, sweety.  I love you always."  I’m clothed with radiance like a beautiful bride and I can stay forever locked up in HIS arms.  But my LOVER is real and practical.  We must work.  HE approves of my decision to get involve in those activities where HE is needed.  Truly, when one is in-love, the person is so high that he/she can fly  and move mountains.  Will this lead to marriage?  HE has been proposing but I remain defiant.  I feel that I don’t deserve to have HIM as my groom.  All that I desire for now after our blissful reunion is to stay close to HIM, assist HIM in HIS endeavor, introduce HIM to those who don’t know HIM yet.

I can feel the stir of the Spirit within me as I see the road before us.  It is not all smooth and wide but who care?  I feel secure and courageous in the knowledge that HE loves me always.  HE means the world to me and with that I will persist in sharing my life for HIS glory…

(The following was written during the Holy Week Recollection 2008 at the LRC Hall, Ateneo de Zamboanga University.)

Since I came to Ateneo ten years ago, retreats and recollections have been a part of my life.  I have an almost perfect attendance in these activities.  For me, it is a spiritual journey that enables me to go back to the realities of my existence.  I regain my sanity, as I put it.  In many of the retreats I attended, Father Chambers was the retreat master. He is quite effective, I should say, because I never fail to bring back home so many graces for which Fr. Chambers was the instrument.  At one point, on the occasion of my birthday during Black Saturday, he offered me to God and blessed me. 

It is his way of asking us to sing and highlight a phrase or word that has struck us to open each session.  He’s a good story teller.  It’s fun listening to all his anecdotes; in each of these anecdotes is a life’s lesson everyone can relate to…To conclude the retreat, he would make us list down the TOP TEN GIFTS we have received according to the degree of their importance.  His message–count your blessings; the secret of happiness….

Last year (2007), he was not our retreat master  but was the main celebrant during the celebration of the institution of the Holy Eucharist, Good Friday service, Easter Vigil, and Easter Mass.  We had a good laugh after the Easter Vigil mass because he "complained" of big ants "attacking" on him during the blessing of the fire.  He thought he accidentally stepped on an ant hill.  Despite of this, he appeared like he was not distracted at all during the entire ceremony though he forgot to sing the Gloria and the second reading! :)  We easily forgave me for that.  Besides, who could resist Fr. Chambers who is ever charming and smiling. :) 

Fr. Chambers is, indeed, a manifestation of Christ’s resurrection.  He has made a difference in my life–in my spiritual life…I’ve known God better through him.