Rev. Fr. Cesar F. Acuin, OFMCap. is the Parish Priest and Rector of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes Quezon City
Today, I am drawn to meditate on relationship and service, and above them all, on love, without which all relationships would be fruitless.
What comes clearly to my mind, especially this Good Friday, is when Jesus said I love you to each and everyone of us when He stretched out His arms on the cross and died – a love that is pure and selfless.
Before that, He was washing the feet of His disciples and told them to follow Him in this symbolic act of love. To this day, this call to love in humble service is followed by His present-day followers.
Furthermore, our Blessed Mother Mary when she showed herself to various people in various times and places, would tell them how she loves us. Her constant message of prayer, penance, and conversion is a reminder of her love because it will lead all of us to salvation.
Others – it is a word that matters. Service finds itself truly meaningful when the self is lost and the “other” emerges. Mother Teresa served those who did not mean anything to other people. For her there is joy in giving a service which makes people feel human, truly persons in the image of God. This kind of service makes other people feel important and loved by God.
Let us take this to heart. Let us aim not for power, nor fame, not self-love but for a humble service that fosters a true relationship with others that come from the heart.
#NSOLLPH
