Daily Reflections - October 31,2012

FROM EAST AND WEST, FROM NORTH AND SOUTH

 

For all its humble beginnings, the Kingdom of God, a reality that is now shared albeit partially, by the visible institutional Church on Earth, really is meant to be all-encompassing, all-inclusive, and universal in scope.

During the World Youth Day (WYD) 1995 in Manila, I was so happy to have been a part of the history-making event when Blessed Pope John Paul II presided at the WYD Mass at the Luneta for close to five million people. It was indeed something that only young people could do — up on one’s feet overnight, and a whole day more, squeezed tightly in the midst of an undulating sea of humanity, unable to move about, to even do so much as relieve oneself, or eat or drink.

It was all worth it. I saw people from the east and the west, from the north and the south, all rubbing elbows and shoulders together at one monumental and historical event for three days in a row. It was a memorable, unique and unrepeatable event. It was the epitome of what being Church was all about, a gathering from all corners of the Earth, a convocation by God for all peoples and nations, all proclaiming one faith, one Lord, one Baptism, under the one Shepherd, the Vicar of Christ on earth, the Pope.

We face tough times during our watch. The world, the Church, civil societies and even entire nations are seriously polarized for many reasons. Division mars the evasive unity that was the object of Christ’s High Priestly prayer just before He was led to death.

But time and again, the Lord sends us strong messages that make His vision an achievable reality. Yes, WYD ‘95 was proof positive of this. It is possible, and up to all of us to achieve.Fr. Chito Dimaranan, SDB

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Do you pray for the unity of all faithful in the name of Jesus?

 

Jesus, You promised to be with us until the end of time. May Your presence in this life unite all people from all corners of the world.