Fr. Nasataya reminds Dominican faithful: Do not take things for granted

via Saif Gaddiel Medina, Vice President for Finance, and Hannah Aizon, Junior Staffer

"Why do we only appreciate people once they are gone?"

On the 8th day of the 32nd Family Rosary Crusade (FRC), the Dominican faithful reflected on a reading from the book of Matthew.

In Matthew 21:33-43, the faithful is reminded about the Parable of the Wicked Tenants in which it tells that God gives people everything they need and patiently waits for them to do good with it, but if people act like they own it all and reject Jesus, those blessings will be given to others who will do the right thing.

In Rev. Fr. Juanito S. Nasataya, Sch. P.’s homily, he asked Dominicans greet each other and say “Salamat at narito ka” (Thank you that you are here). He reminded the Dominicans that they should start their day with a simple greeting to express a gesture that they are there no matter what happens.

“Lahat ng binigay sa atin ng Diyos ay pansamantala at minsan, ang likas nating hilig ay ipagmalaki ito,” Rev. Fr. Nasataya stated.

(Everything God has given us is temporary, and sometimes, our default is to brag about it.)

As God gives everyone with unique talents and blessings, Rev. Fr. Nasataya also reminded Dominicans that they should be grateful about what they currently have. Because at times, most people forget to be thankful and they tend to compare themselves to others.

“'Pag manok ang ulam, manok na naman? Kung kaya nagsalita ang manok [tapos] ang ulam ay tao, tao na naman? We must [be] grateful kung ano ang mayroon sa hapagkainan,” (When it's chicken again in the table, we say chicken again? What if the chickens do the same, a human again? We must [be] grateful with whatever we have at the table) he said, emphasizing that we can only appreciate a person or a thing once they are gone.

Along with this, Dominicans were also reminded that Jesus was the first who loved humans unconditionally. Fr. Nasataya exclaimed that a love that is sufficient and honest—why would anyone look for someone else when He is enough?

He also added that his favorite Dominican motto is ‘Be a blessing to others’.

“Yung malayo ka pa lang masaya ka nang nilalapitan ng mga tao, that’s a blessing. Sana matuto tayo maging blessing sa isa’t isa,” Rev. Fr. Nasataya explained.

(Even though you are simply about to come, people are happy to approach you, that's a blessing. I hope we can learn to be a blessing to others).

The priest also said to the parents that despite how busy they are, they should not forget to give their most important time to their children. Then, he reminded the Dominicans that they should enjoy every single moment of life and should prioritize their studies.

Through his homily, the Dominican faithful were reminded that the Holy Rosary binds families together so that they do not part ways.

Today's homily also highlighted that God gave people everything they need and He is patiently waiting for them to do good with it.#