As the priest-coordinator of the Ecology Desk of the Archdiocese of Manila, I became very much involved in knowing and assessing the condition of the environment not only in Metro Manila but also in other parts of the world. The issue of climate change and global warming was not particular to any nation but to every nation. It was a concern of all. My position and interest helped me discover that the world was already approaching its tipping point for an ecological disaster. Global warming had already taken place and had been greatly affecting world climate.
Moved by the urgency of the situation, my staff together with some concerned persons planned and held a climate change conference for the archdiocese. The conference was attended mainly by representatives from parishes in Manila and some from other parts of the country especially those that were affected. It was a successful conference in the sense that the participants vowed to create an ecological ministry in their own places to propagate the advocacy. It was nice to know that many are concerned and ready to act to address the situation. This led me to strive to learn more about the issue. Through surfing in the net, I discovered that there had already been so many conferences and meetings about it. Practically, the whole world is already at it. One important conference coming is the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change which will be held in Bali, Indonesia on December 3 to 14. Upon knowing it, I decided that I should go. To make the long story short, I was able to get an accreditation from the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers who are official observers of the UN.
Unfortunately, because of the importance of the event, the flights and accommodations in Bali suddenly became difficult. About ten thousand delegates were expected to attend.. I tried so hard to get my flight and accommodations set, but in vain. It was discernment time for me. There might not be another chance like this. At the same time, I was faced with a lot of things as pastor of a parish that was preparing for the Advent and Christmas season. In view of these significant situations, I decided not to go. Was it a case of not seizing the opportunity? Maybe. Might be. I will never know.
Early this morning, I was watching a movie entitled, "Shadows In The Sun". It was the story of a young writer from London sent by his editor to encourage a literary titan to write again. The literary titan kept on rejecting his invitations but the young writer would not give up. At one point, he was challenged by the literary titan that he would write again and sign a contract if the young writer will kiss his ass! The young writer was taken aback by the challenge. He declined it. He was chided by the literary titan that it was an opportunity missed. Less than a second of "shame" could have ended his difficulty. On second thought, the young writer finally agreed. The literary titan however told him that he already had his chance and the offer had expired! It was a case of missed opportunity. The other part of the movie also dealt with the issue. It gives a lesson on the importance of the "now" and the courage to seize it.
But, I am glad that there was one opportunity in my life that I did not miss. That was when God called me to become one of His priests. It was not an easy decision, but He guided me and inspired me to say "Yes". It was very similar to the invitation to Mary to become the mother of God. It was a case when you just have to trust God in spite of the difficult challenges given by the situation. Opportunities missed are opportunities lost. How we wish we could seize every opportunity. But our limitations as human beings always challenges our determination and faith. We just hope we will have the will to make decisions, whether missing or seizing, based on our faith in God. In that way, all decisions will be worthy, responsible, and definite. I am glad, I did not miss this one on my vocation.
Moved by the urgency of the situation, my staff together with some concerned persons planned and held a climate change conference for the archdiocese. The conference was attended mainly by representatives from parishes in Manila and some from other parts of the country especially those that were affected. It was a successful conference in the sense that the participants vowed to create an ecological ministry in their own places to propagate the advocacy. It was nice to know that many are concerned and ready to act to address the situation. This led me to strive to learn more about the issue. Through surfing in the net, I discovered that there had already been so many conferences and meetings about it. Practically, the whole world is already at it. One important conference coming is the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change which will be held in Bali, Indonesia on December 3 to 14. Upon knowing it, I decided that I should go. To make the long story short, I was able to get an accreditation from the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers who are official observers of the UN.
Unfortunately, because of the importance of the event, the flights and accommodations in Bali suddenly became difficult. About ten thousand delegates were expected to attend.. I tried so hard to get my flight and accommodations set, but in vain. It was discernment time for me. There might not be another chance like this. At the same time, I was faced with a lot of things as pastor of a parish that was preparing for the Advent and Christmas season. In view of these significant situations, I decided not to go. Was it a case of not seizing the opportunity? Maybe. Might be. I will never know.
Early this morning, I was watching a movie entitled, "Shadows In The Sun". It was the story of a young writer from London sent by his editor to encourage a literary titan to write again. The literary titan kept on rejecting his invitations but the young writer would not give up. At one point, he was challenged by the literary titan that he would write again and sign a contract if the young writer will kiss his ass! The young writer was taken aback by the challenge. He declined it. He was chided by the literary titan that it was an opportunity missed. Less than a second of "shame" could have ended his difficulty. On second thought, the young writer finally agreed. The literary titan however told him that he already had his chance and the offer had expired! It was a case of missed opportunity. The other part of the movie also dealt with the issue. It gives a lesson on the importance of the "now" and the courage to seize it.
But, I am glad that there was one opportunity in my life that I did not miss. That was when God called me to become one of His priests. It was not an easy decision, but He guided me and inspired me to say "Yes". It was very similar to the invitation to Mary to become the mother of God. It was a case when you just have to trust God in spite of the difficult challenges given by the situation. Opportunities missed are opportunities lost. How we wish we could seize every opportunity. But our limitations as human beings always challenges our determination and faith. We just hope we will have the will to make decisions, whether missing or seizing, based on our faith in God. In that way, all decisions will be worthy, responsible, and definite. I am glad, I did not miss this one on my vocation.
(Note: As it happened, I was still able to the Conference. Whereas at this time things were not falling into place, three days before the event, everything fell into place.)
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