Very recently, I came across my Papa’s (my dad’s father) prayer book. My grandparents passed away when I was very, very young. Papa passed away when my dad was 8 years old. Mama (my paternal grandmother) passed away soon after my 1st birthday. As for my maternal grandparents, Tatay (Lolo) passed away when I was 4, and Nanay, when I was 10 years of age. I’ve always wondered what they would say about me becoming a missionary if they were here. Despite the wondering, I have never felt like the ever left my side.
When I was in Israel, my spiritual director – Father Carlos – once told me that God uses all of our encounters and situations we experience to lead us towards our vocation; our specific call and choice to a greater holiness. And I believe finding Papa’s prayer book at the very beginning of this year is a part of these encounters. As I flipped through the pages, I found bookmarks on specific teachings relate-able to the questions I currently ask, or topics I have been curious about. But what really allowed me to feel Papa’s affirmation was through how God spoke in his prayer, which I later found at the very back of the book:
O God, Whose love never faileth.
Let me be aware of Thy Presence and obedient to Thy will.
Strengthen and increase my admiration
For honest dealing and clean thinking,
So as to live that I can stand unashamed and unafraid
Before my fellow men, my loved ones and Thee.
Encourage me in my endeavor
To live above the common level of life.
Protect those in whose love I live.
Make me choose the harder right
Instead of the easier wrong,
And never so be content with the half truth
When the whole can be won.
Help me to keep myself physically strong,
Mentally awake and morally straight.
Give me the will do the work of a man
And to accept my share of responsibilities
With a strong heart and a cheerful mind.
Let my mind remind me daily
Of the name of the family of which I am a part.
If I am inclined to doubt, steady my heart.
If I am tempted, make me strong to resist;
If I should miss the mark, give me courage to try again.
Guide me with the light of truth
And keep before me the life of Him
By whose example and help I trust
To obtain the answer to my prayers,
Jesus Christ, Our Lord,
AMEN.
Thank You, Lord, for blessing me with a God-fearing family. For a family that has always lead me to a greater understanding of what it truly takes to simply just love more… each and every time.
Holy Family, pray for us.
St. Francis, pray for us.
TOTUS TUUS.