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| FOTO, teologi Manila |
“Guide me, Lord. Guide me again, as you did before”
Looking at my journey, I can say that it was a
difficult time for me to decide about what I could do after finishing high
school. It was at this time that the Xaverian missionaries came to our school
for vocation campaign, looking for those who would like to join religious life.
That happened twelve years ago, in 2003 when I decided to enter the Xaverian
Congregation, saying to myself: let me try. In fact, there was no initial
preparation such as recollection, retreat for discernment, accompaniment or
spiritual direction. I had no idea what would have been the consequences of my
choice. I never imagined to have done philosophical and theological studies for
a long time; have been in a foreign country such as The Philippines where I
live now together with brothers from many countries, living with a kind of
“uncertainty” about where I would be sent after finishing my formation. There
are still many other consequences.
Looking back at these experiences, the choice and its
consequences, it seems to me that God has taken seriously my “experiment” of
living in the seminary. What comforts me is that He has been faithful to me all
along my journey. He has brought me to green pastures in Xaverian Family. He
has comforted me with his staff through the formators in the communities. He
has been surprising me with joy through the beauty of the International
Community. Even though I walk through the darkest valley of my daily struggles,
He is always with me. Yes, God calls me to experience His love endures forever.
Looking at the man hanging on the cross on this day of
my total consecration to God, to our congregation and to the mission, I
remember the day I joined the Xaverian Family, especially a loving figure – St.
Guido Maria Conforti. For many times along the journey, St. Guido’s experience
with Jesus on the Cross has inspired me to look at Jesus’ total dedication to
God’s will as a moment of consecration. Today I empty myself hoping that He
fulfills it again and again as He did before.
Looking forward to whatever will happen in the future
with all the consequences, I am open to all the possibilities with trust in God
who has been faithful to me; with hope to serve the people whom I will be sent
to. Today, I offer to Him my prayer, “Guide me, Lord. Guide me again, as you did before.”
Justin Hibur SX
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