Fullness of Life

MATTHEW 8:23-27

And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, "Save, Lord; we are perishing." And he said to them, "Why are you afraid, O men of little faith?" Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, "What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?"

{}{}{}{}{}{}{}

"Why are you afraid?"

In our journey towards offering our lives to Christ, God may have been telling us to brave storms, walk on the water and do a leap of faith in order that we encounter Him fully.

Just like how the apostles, in their failure to count on the saving Presence of Jesus. Even if storms are to weaken our resolve in following Him, are we courageous enough to count on Him? Trust in Him? Pray to Him?

What makes us hesitate to confidently walk on the water? What would make us fall?

Lord, help us to fully experience You, and to trust in Your Saving Grace. Amen.

{}{}{}{}{}{}{}

One of my favorite songs, this song captures my desire to fully experience Him and acknowledge Him as the Fullness of my life.

Pagsibol
Himig Heswita - Jesuit Music Ministry
(with my unauthorized English translation from the Filipino original)

Bawat huni ng ibon sa pagihip ng amihan
In every song that birds sing as the wind blows northward
wangis mo'y aking natatanaw
Your face I see
Pagdampi ng umaga sa nanlamig kong kalamnan
As the morning shines on my shivering being
init mo'y pangarap kong hagkan
I hope and long for your warmth to kiss

Panginoon ikaw ang kasibulan ng buhay
Lord, you are from which life grows forth
puso'y dalisay kailanpaman
a heart so pure, forevermore
ipahintulot mong ako'y mapahandusay
may you grant that I may fall in ecstacy
sa sumasaibayong kaginhawahan
in the deep repose that you offer

Nangungulilang malay binulungan ng tinig mo
A greaving soul that has heard your whisper
nagdulot ng katiwasayan
has given inner peace
paghahanap katwiran nilusaw mo sa simbuyong
The search for justice you have melted in its passion
karilagan ng pagmamahal
such beautiful love!

Panginoon ikaw ang kasibulan ng buhay
Lord, you are from which life grows forth
puso'y dalisay kailanpaman
a heart so pure, forevermore
ipahintulot mong ako'y mapahandusay
may you grant that I may fall in ecstacy
sa sumasaibayong kaginhawahan
in the deep repose that you offer

dalangin pa sana'y mapagtanto kong tunay
May I too get to know truly
kaganapan ng buhay ko'y ikaw lamang
that you alone are the fullness of my life



{}{}{}{}{}{}{}

Saint Ignatius of Loyola, pray for us.

{}{}{}{}{}{}{}

photo credits: http://revprs.blogspot.com/2007/07/jesus-calms-storm.html, http://archives.zinester.com/90798/76033/107750_sprout.jpg