This Easter 2008, the Liguorian Bread Newsletter was released by the Eucharistic Minister of the Holy Communion of our parish. It became a reality as a result of some meetings in order to recruit, regain and retain its members. For these dedicated and committed men, it is important that whatever gains they had achieved, must be preserved and shared.
Reading the newsletter had given me a lot of thoughts and ideas on their concerns and longings. I was very happy to know how serious, efficient, and capable they are in the ministry. I guess, in the secular world, it is called, "professionalism". Specifically, I was touched by how they had been touched by their involvement in the church. How their work, family, recreation, and other concerns were affected by their active service in church. They came to realize that involvement in church is for everyone, does not compete with their concerns but instead support and fortify them, very enjoyable and gives you ultimate fulfillment!
Not having the time had always been on of the the reasons given why many could not actively involve themselves in active service. If this is really the reason, the answer would just be a question of the will to serve. As the saying goes, " Kung gusto, lahat paraan. Kung ayaw, lahat dahilan." (There is no way you can convince one who does not want and there's no way you can stop one who wants!").
"I am not worthy!", others would say. The answer is. "Then, who is?. This is not to say that there are no requirements anymore. It just means that before everyone, including me and my priesthood, is unworthy. But there must be a point in our lives when we try to be worthy. There must be a time when we redirect our unworthy lives to worthy lives. The question is, "are we willing to change? Are we willing to take the responsibility and give up our irresponsibility's?. With regards to the membership in the ministries, "walang masamang tinapay". Everybody who is willing and open is welcome. Here, we can notice that active membership is also the beginning of a conversion process.
Another reason is some believe that ministers themselves are sinners and that more intrigues and sins are happening in the church due to them. So why would they involve themselves in a community which maybe worse than them. It is of course an inaccurate perception but be that as it may, there is a big difference. As I have said, to be an active member means to have the will to change and be worthy. Having accepted does not mean that the member is already perfect and sinless. They still remain human, i.e. still tempted and still weak. But, their involvement had given them so much support in the Word of God they hear, the liturgy they celebrate, the graces of the sacrament of the Eucharist they receive, and the community of ministers they belong to. I believe it is not not hard to believe that it is easy to win a war with so much logistics and manpower available!
My congratulations to our ministers specially the Eucharistic Ministers of Holy Communion. To be a minister of this ministry indeed requires great responsibility if only for the fact that they share in the priest's ministry of giving holy communion to the faithful. To hold the Lord Himself and share them to others is enough to make one tremble in mystery. That maybe the reason why other men would not dare be a part of it. But that can also be a reason why they should. It is an opportunity given to every man. The beautiful truth is that they can be a part of it if they want. The decision is theirs, not the priests or Gods. Bottom line is, it is equivalent to conversion.
My prayers and support are with the Liguorian Bread staff. Through intercession of our patron, St. Alphonsus, may you touch more men who would be willing and courageous to trek the journey you have taken. A journey that maybe hard and challenging but certainly worth taking.
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