Practical Christianity
I just came from a great talk over dinner with a friend from the dorm.
It was great because it wasn’t planned at all. He asked me if I wanted to go to church with him, I said yes. Not really because I felt pious at the moment, but because I can’t stand the foul odor coming from our neighbor’s piggery.
So there I was, feeling a bit awkward in a Catholic Mass, but it turned out pretty ok. I was blest at the homily of the priest and I’m touched when everyone went on to say peace at each other. I was thrilled when I imagined it happening in my own church.
We had dinner at Mang Inasal at Jaro after, and we talked for two hours or maybe more of topics from all aspects in life.
He shared about his own journey so far in life. He talked about his family. And I was amazed at his candor.
I think what surprised me the most was when he mentioned about having a personal encounter with the Jesus. It’s one thing to hear that from people from my church, but I think it’s quite another to hear it from someone like Jeff.
You know, sometimes, we have become so accustomed with church lingo and clichés that such words, though they sound religious, are actually void of meaning. It’s sad, but it’s definitely true.
So imagine my delight when I heard him speaking those very words. I’m sure those were pure words, unadulterated of the prevalent empty religiosity that plagues the Church today.
I couldn’t explain just how refreshed I am. I certainly needed those words of encouragement and insight now, especially in this crucial time for me.
I believe with all my heart that my friend’s gonna go places someday. I found in him a Christianity so authentic I’m shy when I look at my own.
All the while he might be thinking he learned a lot from the two cents worth of advice I gave him. But little does he know, I got more insight from him more than he probably did from me.
Our talk was anchored on one conclusion. Before we went home, we both acknowledge beyond a shadow of a doubt that God’s love and provision always gets us through. And that is in spite of who we are or what we’ve done.
Alleluia!
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