Christmas message of Rev. Fr. Joebert I. Villasis, Rector of Sto. Nino Seminary during the DAIGON CONCERT 2005 dubbed as, MAGUS INTRA NOS (The Tale of the Reluctant Magus} held on December 13,2005 at the Sto. Nino Seminary, Poblacion, Numancia, Aklan.
We may observe that our country is steadily embroiled in more serious problems as the year advances. The endless bickering and the exchanges of tirades among our political leaders, in effect, have left our country in a quagmire of unattended and unresolved pressing concerns. There are more poor people now as there were in spite of the visible indication that our country is moving forward economically. There is business everywhere from Nay Juanita’s banana cue stand to the Gaisano Mall.
Business and residential edifices keep on sprouting from every corner. Roads are crowded with brand new vehicles and vintage ones as well. People are busy with life as they move around locally or globally to earn a living. From all indications, there seems to be no reason why poverty is still a factual predicament of this country.
What holds us from moving forward? The resurfacing of former Election Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano has once again heightened the question of legitimacy of the president and the credibility of the 2004 Presidential elections. The problem of credibility has even stretched to and affected the result of the recently concluded SEA Games. Why do we have such worries? Why do people perceive us as crooks and cheats? Or is it only a case of it takes one to know one?
Our presentation tonight is an eye-opener. It depicts the kind of attitude we have when confronted with tasks and responsibilities. We are reluctant to do our best…not only for ourselves, for our family, let alone for our country! We are very reluctant to be messengers and witnesses of honesty, integrity, trustworthiness, justice, truth, compassion and reconciliation. We are reluctant to become good neighbors and good Samaritans to those who are in need. We don’t want to be shortchanged. The more reluctant we become, the more we isolate ourselves and become helpless in trying and urging moments. Tonight, we are challenged to accept our responsibilities and perform our duties with love as our Lord Jesus courageously and with all humility took our human flesh to save us from the mess of sin and evil. He knows our weaknesses yet He trusted and gave us second chances. He saves us because He loves us. Only in love can we change, grow and achieve peace and happiness.
May the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ being in us a rebirth not only in our hopes and dreams but also a rebirth in doing what is best for each and every one of us in the spirit of total self-giving, trust and love!
To all our friends, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for your continuous support to the seminary. Your generous contribution has helped us improve and upgrade not only our facilities but has also equipped our seminary formators, faculty and staff, and personnel with the necessary skills in addressing the priestly program and formation. You are our collaborators in this noble responsibility. Your help is an enormous lift to our task. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you so much.
And may I remind you once again, that whatever situations there may be, let us never forget that there is always a magus within us; a heart of gold, a will of incense and a strength of frankincense. If we feel it within our hearts, then, there will always be Christmas. Kahit ano man ang mangyari, tuloy pa rin ang Pasko!
To give homage to our baby Jesus, let us now light our candles and offer our gifts…MALIGAYANG PASKO PO! /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com
We may observe that our country is steadily embroiled in more serious problems as the year advances. The endless bickering and the exchanges of tirades among our political leaders, in effect, have left our country in a quagmire of unattended and unresolved pressing concerns. There are more poor people now as there were in spite of the visible indication that our country is moving forward economically. There is business everywhere from Nay Juanita’s banana cue stand to the Gaisano Mall.
Business and residential edifices keep on sprouting from every corner. Roads are crowded with brand new vehicles and vintage ones as well. People are busy with life as they move around locally or globally to earn a living. From all indications, there seems to be no reason why poverty is still a factual predicament of this country.
What holds us from moving forward? The resurfacing of former Election Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano has once again heightened the question of legitimacy of the president and the credibility of the 2004 Presidential elections. The problem of credibility has even stretched to and affected the result of the recently concluded SEA Games. Why do we have such worries? Why do people perceive us as crooks and cheats? Or is it only a case of it takes one to know one?
Our presentation tonight is an eye-opener. It depicts the kind of attitude we have when confronted with tasks and responsibilities. We are reluctant to do our best…not only for ourselves, for our family, let alone for our country! We are very reluctant to be messengers and witnesses of honesty, integrity, trustworthiness, justice, truth, compassion and reconciliation. We are reluctant to become good neighbors and good Samaritans to those who are in need. We don’t want to be shortchanged. The more reluctant we become, the more we isolate ourselves and become helpless in trying and urging moments. Tonight, we are challenged to accept our responsibilities and perform our duties with love as our Lord Jesus courageously and with all humility took our human flesh to save us from the mess of sin and evil. He knows our weaknesses yet He trusted and gave us second chances. He saves us because He loves us. Only in love can we change, grow and achieve peace and happiness.
May the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ being in us a rebirth not only in our hopes and dreams but also a rebirth in doing what is best for each and every one of us in the spirit of total self-giving, trust and love!
To all our friends, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for your continuous support to the seminary. Your generous contribution has helped us improve and upgrade not only our facilities but has also equipped our seminary formators, faculty and staff, and personnel with the necessary skills in addressing the priestly program and formation. You are our collaborators in this noble responsibility. Your help is an enormous lift to our task. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you so much.
And may I remind you once again, that whatever situations there may be, let us never forget that there is always a magus within us; a heart of gold, a will of incense and a strength of frankincense. If we feel it within our hearts, then, there will always be Christmas. Kahit ano man ang mangyari, tuloy pa rin ang Pasko!
To give homage to our baby Jesus, let us now light our candles and offer our gifts…MALIGAYANG PASKO PO! /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com
1 comment:
thank you for publishing this message. best regards
Post a Comment