IT’S amazing to think about the power of God in our lives, how he has gifted humanity with intelligence, strength, and artistic ability. It’s marvelous to see young people growing in wisdom and experience. It is even more fascinating to see how people persevere, how they are able to overcome the sufferings and challenges of life.
When we find ourselves doubting the presence of God in this world and in our lives, we should become aware of the varied ways on how God has gifted humanity and how people are able to manage their lives despite their difficulties and struggles.
As a professor of Homiletics, I have been amazed by the gifts of intelligence, faith, perseverance and zeal of my students. Reading their homilies and final papers has strengthened my belief in God in his power to inspire young men to serve as priests and to grant them with wisdom and love for their vocation.
Perhaps, parents and other teachers have had similar sentiments. Watching their children grow in size and wisdom is a fascinating experience, especially with the eyes of faith. Witnessing their achievements in school, particularly during graduations, inspire them and make them grateful to God for His providence and guidance.
As we celebrate Pentecost Sunday this weekend, let us bring into our prayers remembrances of God’s power in our lives through the Holy Spirit. When we feel discouraged, lonely, or depressed, remembering God’s manifestations of his love, assistance, compassion, and generosity helps to strengthen our faith and to reawaken our spirit to live fully and passionately.
Our challenge is to keep on living, growing, working, giving, and following our dreams. At some periods in our lives we may feel tired or anxious, but we must keep trusting God that he has plans for us and that he has reasons for allowing us to go through pains and trials.
The other day, a woman asked me if it is true that God does not give us problems or difficulties that we couldn’t handle and solve. Even before I answered this person, I could already see her confirmation of this belief. “Of course,” I said, “God will always be there to help us.”
This insight fits well with the theme of our annual parish fiesta, “Moving on to a New Era of Faith.” We have seen how God has been present in the history of our parish, how he has granted us with the ability to keep it alive and strong through the leadership and generosity of many people. The God of the Past, the Present and the Future will not abandon us, his people, as long as we continue to believe in his power. He continues to move our hearts and to imbue our minds and spirits with knowledge, wisdom, courage and zeal to preserve and to inspire faith and to spread love in communities and the world.
Happy Fiesta! May it be a day to remember the ever-powerful ways of how God has helped us to lead a life of hard work, faith, devotion to our families, and love for our Church! May the Holy Spirit inspire us to see every person’s giftedness and willingness to serve God and His people!
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Reverend Rodel G. Balagtas attended St. John Seminary in Camarillo, California and earned his Doctor of Ministry in Preaching from Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, Missouri. For twenty years, he has been in the parish ministry of large multi-cultural communities. Since 2002, he has been the pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Los Angeles. Please email Fr. Rodel at [email protected].
