More Than Something

Something makes it to be something not of nothing because of the essence of being something. How do we define essence in itself? The chair exists for its essence as a chair and its ”chairness” for that fact, metaphysically.

In our Gospel today, Jesus gives authority to Peter to build God’s church. In the same way, we are called by God to be part and active witness of His Holy Church which refers to us, the faithful, not the structure per se. We are one in the salvific mission of the Church. We are salt of the earth. We are called to listen to the Holy Spirit in leading and guiding the Church in its mission.

Like the chair, we are who we are called to serve the Lord because of our role, mission and commitment of service. This makes us special. It was meant for us to be pastor, to be a shepherd of the faithful, to be steward of everything, of many things, of all God’s creation including humanity.

Like the chair, it is not a mere object. With its essence and its capacity to exist then and there, it is more than something, something that cannot be fathomed with our naked perceptions. It is more than to what we expect it to be as it is. In our dire struggles of making essence and meaning for our lives, we can find ourselves that our service and commitment in proclaiming the Good News is of great significant.   

Like the chair, it becomes the subject. It is not a mere combination of materials like wood, concrete nails and others to form a chair but in its essence of being such. Subject is of significant value. It is as it is in form, whole, complete, existed. In our mission, it may define who we are, what and why we live. But the way we everyday live, gives the real meaning of our being “the subject” – that exists, fulfilled, truly human, servant of God. Being the subject, the challenge to put God first is at hand. This is to be firmed in our belief, in our faith, in our aspiration to be with Him as our goal.

Like the chair, it is beyond chair. It uses is not merely to serve as chair, but can be used in many other ways. Still, its “chairness” continues to overflow as an act, being there, inert and no other can bereft and take away from it. In our journey as Lingkod, we are not just a community of the faithful, of servants of the Lord, of missionaries of goodness, for we are tangible manifestations of God’s greatness fighting, pursuing, imitating Christ in the midst of darkness. We are true witness of His goodness, mercy and compassion. We are active doers of our faith and commitment.

This is another day after a day of meeting and sharing life with brothers and sisters in Lingkod ng Panginoon. Truly indeed, a prolific encounter with God had happened which manifested in the presence and act of love, kindness, faithfulness and humility.

Today, I presented not about a lousy chair but full of supercilious meaning. This upholds the great responsibility as servants expected from us and even more than something. In our mission, let be together believe, work it out and celebrate.

Kudos Lingkod ng Panginoon.