Most people hide their age or their birth year. They are just afraid to confront the truth that they are not getting any younger. But that is an unpleasant fact, and I am so happy that God gave me fifty-two years to enjoy his blessings. Well, of course, there were those problems that I encountered in my life, but I do not really count them. They can just add more stress and bad feelings for me. Counting all the blessings and being thankful for them is the best that I can do, at least, to keep my sanity.
If I have reasons to regret my existence into this world, I have even more reasons to celebrate my life because I know that God loves me so dearly. First, he gave me a family who really loves me unconditionally. My dad and mom were gone and so is my youngest sister. But when they were still alive, they loved me even during those times that I was not worthy of their love. My living sisters, Margie and Malou, continue to love me even more because I am already suffering some of the adverse effects of abusing my physical self. Just for the gift of my family, there is nothing more I can ask from God.
He also gave me dependable and trustworthy friends who are always there ready to give me a hand when I am down. I have some friends within the clergy, and I have some other friends, who never look at my bad side and untamed anger, but they are just there always ready to dampen my back so I would not be pushed against the wall. Thank you, my dear friends, for accepting me into your lives even during the times when I was in my darkest moments. You are an ember of hope so I can continue to rise again from all my failures. Most of these friends are also my generous benefactors and they give me, at least my basic needs. A small amount to support my medical bills and all other personal needs is what it takes to keep me going, a tap on my back. Rest-assured of my constant prayers for all of you.
The gift of priesthood is another thing of which I am so grateful. I just cannot imagine my life if I were not a priest. I am not a perfect priest and I am not even a perfect person. But it does not bother me anymore because I believe that God will always help me get past all my imperfections. He will not choose me if I am not fit for this noble vocation. I always do what must be done as a priest, though not perfect, but all the efforts are there to make it less and less imperfect.
I will be turning fifty-two years old this coming July 26,2024. I am asking you to continue praying for me to overcome all the material enticements and worldly allurements because I just want to be that simple priest patterned to the priesthood of Christ, the Good Shepherd, who gave his life as a ransom for man’s sinfulness. Let us always pray for one another!