Do you believe in the saying, “Two heads are better than one”? - Daily Reflections February 6,2014

MISSION PARTNERS

 

I once embarked on a backpacking tour of Europe after a pilgrimage with my good friend, Fr. Allan Samonte. We ate only one meal a day so we could stretch the little money we had. Part of the plan was to stay for a few days in Assisi, St. Francis being Fr. Allan’s favorite saint and myself being a professed member of the Secular Franciscan Order. For some reason, we were not able to book accommodations in Assisi. We were still travelling by train at sunset. Worried that we would not have a place to stay that cold late October night, I told Fr. Allan to think of the disciples sent by Jesus. Some houses rejected them, but surely they found a place to stay.

       I surveyed the train looking for a Pinoy who could help us. I chanced upon a Pinay-looking nun and asked her, “Are you a Filipina?” With eyes opened wide and a face beaming with a huge smile, she shouted, “Father Erick!” Learning about our predicament, she readily called up her Mother Abbess. Voila! We had a place to stay for as long as we wanted — a beautiful monastery whose nuns served the best pasta in the world. Their hospitality was a source of joy, and Fr. Allan’s company a source of strength.

       The Twelve were on mission with the most minimal provisions. While they were urged to stay in the house that would welcome them, the Lord did not discount the possibility of them being pushed away. But whatever troubles they had to face proved to be manageable at the thought that they had a companion. No wonder then that Jesus sent them two by two. While the thought of Jesus entrusting them with this important mission surely empowered them and prepared them for the worst, a companion sharing the mission became another source of strength and inspiration.

       No doubt that in the absence of provisions, the Lord’s grace made it possible for them to overcome hunger, cold and even rejection. That’s the power of Jesus’ affirmation, coupled with the power of sincere friendship and companionship. Fr. Erick Y. Santos, OFS

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Do you believe in the saying, “Two heads are better than one”?

 

Lord Jesus, may I not be alone in fulfilling Your mission for me. Send me a partner.