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This year's nomination
was held very differently as compared to the previous year. My Committee
wanted an open discernment concept and thus, we welcomed anyone
who is willing to serve the Arts FCG, or they might be hesitant
about serving or simply, confused about where they should serve.
All in all, anyone who goes for the discernment retreat is praying
about where they should serve God for the following year. It does
not mean that everyone in the retreat will be in the new committee.
Anyone who thinks that they are called to serve elsewhere is free
to turn down the nomination for the Arts FCG.
Thus, eventually, a
final number of ten people stayed for the discernment retreat. Along
with the newbies, the oldies were praying with them and for them.
That the newbies will be blessed with the wisdom to see God's plan
for them and to accept His ways.
After a six hours closed-door
discernment, 5 people decided to stay. Their faces were filled with
such resolution, such certainty. They were so sure that they want
to be in the new comm., despite all the odds that might hold them
back. These 5 people have their own personal commitments, their
personal worries and fears but then, they decided to take a BIG
leap of faith in God to entrust their lives in His lives. They just
decided to stay and to give themselves to God through the Arts Community.
On the other hand, the
other 5 people discovered what God wants of them. Some have discovered
that it is time to serve God in their families. Some have decided
that it is time to return to their parish. Some have discovered
that perhaps God wants them elsewhere. Yet, these people had something
to give. It was just that they realized that God was calling them
elsewhere and they, in turn, had to take a leap of courage to say
"no" to joining the Arts Committee. They wanted to give
themselves to where God wants them.
So, at LT12, where the
commissioning mass was held, it brought back nostalgia. Memories
of last year's commissioning mass returned. I was like the new committee,
all raring to go. And now, the whole truth is… I felt numb
about stepping down.
Don't get me wrong.
I am not saying that the serving in the Arts Community had totally
no effect on me. In fact, serving has enriched my journey with God
tremendously. Serving has also slapped me with some hard truths.
All in all, I had walked with Jesus on a road that is so worn out
because I had walked with Him many times. Of course, there were
times I walked along and left Jesus behind.
The Newbies have so
much to give. And I mean, sooooooooooooo much. And it really amazes
me how much they badly want to give to the Arts Community. Thank
God for them! I see in them a renewed faith in God, a greater understanding
in the Almighty One and a greater love for Him.
"Each must do as
already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves
a cheerful giver. Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant
for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you
may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written: "He
scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures
forever."
2 Corinthians 9:7-9
To the newbies, I thank
God for all of you. The journey ahead will not be an easy one but
neither would it be a difficult one. For nothing is impossible to
God. The most beautiful thing about God is He does not expect anything
from us. All He wants from us is to love Him.
Offer your lives to Him.
Serve Him by doing what God wants you to do. Serve Him because you
love Him and not because, you are obligated to do so for the Arts
Community. In the meantime, support one another through prayer.
Be there for one another so that, through prayer, you will build
the foundation of the Body of Christ. The foundation is your committee,
strong in faith and in friendship.
So, newbies, the baton
is now passed on to you guys. Serve God well okay? And as for us,
the "slackers" in the Arts Community, let us continue
to support them in any way we can, big, small or medium. For all
that we do, we love God and we want to give Him all the Glory.
What
do you think of the article? Got something else to share? come to
the forums!
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