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IT was a very dramatic evening. We had just concluded
Holy Mass on Maundy Thursday in the church of the Nazarene, where we
hold daily Mass.
There was a procession to the
Adoration Chapel 200 meters away where staff and residents prayed
for one hour.
As can be seen from the journals
of the residents written before they slept that night, something
deep and meaningful happened in that chapel.
God was at work touching hard
hearts and rendering them tender and open to change.
“You truly touched my heart
today,” wrote Frederick. “Sometimes I ask myself why all of this
is happening in my life, but I have realized that it does not matter
because I know you have a plan for me.
I want to say sorry for
forgetting about you. Sorry for my sins. But, most of all, I want to
thank you. Thank you for still being there to forgive me. Thank you
for washing away my sins; for sacrificing your own life for me.
“I will never again forget your
sacrifice. Never again shall I turn my back on you. I felt your love
tonight and it is truly a miracle for me. I thank you for that.
Thank you for loving me without
hesitation and for giving me a chance to live again. I just want you
to know that I love you.”
When I read the journal of Skip,
I got emotional. Perhaps it is because I know his history and it
isn’t very nice.
“When I looked at you today,
when I saw you nailed to the brick wall of the chapel I couldn’t
stop looking at your face.
I know that look, Lord. I have
worn it for so long. You looked so tired, Lord. I have looked like
you, Lord. I have been so tired that I wanted to give up.
There were so many times when the
fire in my heart went out.
“Lord, I have felt that look.
When I stared at you, I couldn’t help but feel one with you. I
don’t think I have ever felt so close to you. I don’t think I
have ever felt so close to you as I did this night.
While others cried I smiled. I
had a grin because I am finally getting to know you. I am beginning
to understand that you know what it is to feel the way I do. For so
many years, I lived the look you had while you were about to fade
away.
I lived that for so many years.
The only thing was you felt mercy in your heart while I felt anger
and pain.
“At least, Lord, I don’t find
you so hard to reach anymore. When I saw you today, I felt us get
closer. Thank you for letting that happen.
“Lord, I am so grateful that
you have saved me so many times. I don’t know why, but I trust in
your plan for me. Thank you.
“Lord, I will try not to lose
faith in you like I’ve done before, but I know that we shared the
same heavy face. Thank you, my friend.”
If you have problems about
drugs, alcohol and behavior/attitude call my office at 820-6107 or
825-1771 or e-mail me at gvcbuenca@vasia.com or write me at P.O.
Box 2099 MCPO, Makati City.
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