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From Missionari Saveriani, by Fr. Mark Marangone, s.x.March 2011
The story is told of a man who, one day, met a group of children
playing outside in the yard. Seeing them, this man started to do cartwheels,
made faces, and made the children laugh. A mother of one of the children
observed the event from the window of her room. She quickly encouraged her son
to stay close to him. “This is a holy man – she said to her son - Go to him.”
That man asked the child: “What would you like to do in life?” “I don’t know” –
that feeble voice answered. And then, with a sure voice, the child said: “I like
to play.” That man replied: “Then, go and play with the Lord! If you succeed at
playing with the Lord, you’ll do the greatest thing you’ve ever done. Everyone
thinks that God is serious and boring. Go on, son, play with the Lord. He will
be your greatest friend in the game of life.”
Earlier on in my life I learned about the Xaverian Missionaries, and their
dedication to the missions and their service among the unfortunate of the world.
I loved soccer, and every week I used to play soccer with my classmates after
school. The story of that holy man who invites us to “play with the Lord” comes
to mind as I reflect on my journey to the priesthood and missionary life.
I spent the last 13 years of my life “playing” with God in a parish of Bogotā,
in Colombia. Together with 3 other young Xaverians, we accompanied the people of
parish of “The Incarnation” in a journey of Christian and missionary growth, so
that it would become a more unified family in God’s unconditional love and
mercy, following the project laid out by the diocese of Engativā.
Life at Incarnation Parish in Bogotā
It was indeed an “interesting challenge” for me. I had to learn how to be a
pastor of a Christian community, trying to encourage each member of the parish
to take on responsibilities towards the parish so that it might become a
“family” to everyone, going beyond borders. We have encouraged missionary and
vocation activities with the hope that some young person would respond to the
invitation of Christ to follow him in consecrated missionary life. Something has
moved in this direction, even though only God knows the final results. It is the
Lord who “calls to work in his vineyard.”
The Christian community has grown by leaps and bounds, with about 2000 people
attending the 6 Sunday masses we hold in the main building. Many members have
offered their services in the various ministries within the parish, with about
15 groups of dedicated Christian faithful. I have also witnessed a deeper sense
of commitment in their Christian life, even though there is always space for
improvement.
Since that Sept. 17 2001 when the parish was handed over to the Xaverians, we
have seen the generous and positive answer of the people in the various
activities of the parish, according to the needs and the discernment done by
them. It all facilitated our commitment to work together, so that we could build
the church and the parish center, begun in 1998. Through raffles and festivals,
pilgrimages and banquets, we hope that the entire complex will be finished by
the end of 2011.
Of course, our ministry does not focus only on buildings and structures, but on
the people. Time will be needed to improve the “quality of Christian life;” yet
we have seen some positive signs in this direction, and we thank the Lord for
the many small deeds that reveal the presence of God and his work in our lives.
Small deeds for Jesus
What are these deeds? Well, a sign of reconciliation from someone who has been
offended or has witness the violent killing of a family member; a word of
encouragement towards someone who is going through a very delicate time in her
life; an hour spent with an elderly or a lonely person; the sharing of a
sandwich with children who do not have anything to eat; a cup of tea or
chocolate to those who feel sick or cold…
And more: an hour together with children of the streets, to keep them safe and
away from the dangers of the street; a morning spent at the doctor with someone
who did not have the means of transportation; a visit to the nearest hospital;
confession with the sick at home; communion to a discouraged and forgotten
elder; the anointing of the sick to a person in his hospice bed, as strength for
the “holy journey” from this earth.
These are indeed small deeds which we will not read on the front pages of
newspapers, and they won’t make the evening news. Yet, they help the “growth” of
the Christian community, and its “sense of family.” They are small actions which
remind us of the presence of Jesus in our midst, and they speak loudly that the
Lord is present in our midst, who loves us unconditionally. These are small
“daily miracles” which reveal a large and missionary heart; deeds of love which
mirror our journey towards a holy life.
Coming back to the United States
I waited a few months in Italy to receive once again the Visa for the USA, where
I already spent about 12 years of my life prior to my Colombia experience.
I’m thankful for this opportunity, and for the generous love and prayers that I
have received through the years. I wish you well, joy and blessings on each and
everyone of you who have followed my mission journey thus far. Let’s continue to
support each other in prayer and accomplish small deeds for the kingdom. Let’s
pray that even more young people will promptly answer the call of Jesus to
dedicate themselves for the service of the Gospel and the mission of the Church.
Let the following prayer be ours:
“Lord, help me to be a friend to everyone,
who waits without becoming tired,
who welcomes with goodness,
who gives with love,
who listens with care,
who gives thanks with joy.
Help me to be a sure presence,
someone to trust in time of need;
someone who offers a refreshing friendship,
and shines with joyous peace,
your peace, o Lord.
Make me welcoming and available,
especially toward the week and defenseless,
so that, beyond extraordinary deeds,
I may help those around me
and be close to you, o Lord,
filled with tenderness and love. Amen.”
