by Andrei Cabigao and Patricia Zafe
Along with the seventh day of the 27th Family Rosary Crusade, the Church also celebrated the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of the poor, who embraced poverty and simplicity in his life.
Rev. Fr. Jan Brian Samson, the mass presider, consistently reminded the attendees to be like St. Francis - to accept the reality of life and to devote themselves to being instruments of peace.
Fr. Samson claimed that it is innate in us, human beings, to save and protect ourselves from any possible danger and distress. In a similar manner, we often portray reality as something distressing and hard to accept. Because of this, we tend to avoid life instances that may cause us hassle, discomfort, and pain such as helping a stranger in need or fighting for what is just, especially when we are faced against stronger foes. However, Fr. Samson firmly believes that acceptance is greater than avoidance. He explained that it is through accepting these hardships that we can attain true happiness in life.
He emphasized that the only thing that Catholics must avoid is sin.
Fr. Samson also contemplated on the life of Mary who never abandoned her Son amid false accusation and severe persecution against Him. No one benefits from avoidance, instead, it only worsens the gap from the needy to those who can provide.
“Hindi lahat ng pag-iwas ay nakapagpapaganda ng ating buhay,” Fr. Samson said.
Dominicans can enjoy the beauty of life and also accept its opposite. We are built to be tough from adversaries in life, to fully accept the aftermath of events, and to act responsibly on the consequences that may result from our mistakes and shortcomings. Embracing the difficulties in life will not only make us stronger, but will also bring us closer to our provider and savior, Jesus Christ.
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