God is in charge

I HAVE SPENT a whole day with the members of the Caceres Lay Institute for Mission (CLAIM) at La Playa (Stella Maris Renewal Center), Tigaon, Camarines Sur in order to have a day of prayer, reflection, and sharing.  I was struck by the lay missionaries' simplicity of faith yet profound experiences of God in their lives in spite of the big and small trials.  What gave me much joy was how they saw their trials in 2009, especially with regard to their personal, family, and professional lives, as moments of growth, conversion, and call to become better Christian persons.

One of the CLAIM members shared about her friend who had a motorcycle accident with a very slim chance to survive due to fractures and severe head concussions. She could not give any amount to help her friend's family for the expenses because she did not have enough money to spare.  Convinced that God would help, she gave her rosary bead and urged her friend to hold it while praying to God for his powerful assistance.  When she returned to visit her friend again after a few days, she was surprised to know that she survived the accident and was released from the hospital.

Another member shared about her family that was going through a very tough time.  Her husband left her and her children for another woman.  It was difficult to be both a mother and father for her children.  Besides, the monthly amortization of the house was weighing down on her for she could barely make both ends meet from her salary.  With a total surrender of faith, however, she asked God for a buyer of her house.  After a few months, the house was bought for a good price.  She was able to build a house for her children and her mother in a property away from the city but owned by her family.  Her children have been doing well in school in spite of everything.

One of the members had a difficult time with her health in 2009.  She was diagnosed with a rare disease that would entail a series of medical tests and also expensive medicines.  Her body did not respond well to the medicines prescribed by the doctor.  In fact, she experienced the terrible side effects of the medicine.  She was told not to stop taking the medicine because it could be fatal.  When she could not endure the headaches and other side effects any longer, she prayed to God through the intercession of INA, Our Lady of Penafrancia, to ease her suffering and if God would want it, heal her.  She stopped taking the medicine. She has been feeling much better now.

It is 2010.  More trials are coming.  We need not worry.  God is in charge!