Obtaining Interior Joy Through Serving Others

Las Piñas City -- It is Gaudete Sunday, the Sunday of rejoicing. The rose-colored candle of the Advent wreath is lit as we are all encouraged to be glad and happy because the Lord is always near and is always coming to those who have the eyes of living faith (Phil, 4:4-5).

There is a Chinese saying that goes: “If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.” Interior joy is found in living a life of service for others. After all, we can sum up the Gospels on just five fingers: “You-did-it-to-me” (Matthew 25:31-46). Jesus disguises himself in the needy in our midst. We have an opportunity to be with Jesus 24 hours a day by caring and giving back.

As personal advocacy, I have been conducting values education class and soup kitchen ministry for underprivileged children at Talon 5, Las Piñas City for two years now. The service is done entirely by volunteers, who freely offer their time in cooking and serving meals and is sustained through cash and food donations from generous sponsors. This effort directly benefits more than 50 children.

Today is a moment of pure joy. Through the commitment and generosity of friends, we conducted a Christmas party for the children to nourish them both physically and spiritually. We distributed 5 kilos of rice provision per family, grocery packs, toys, snack bags, clothes, Rosaries, Catechism Books, and Holy Bibles to the children and their families. The children and their families went home full tank and happy while the donors went home joyful and blessed!
Thank you to our incredible sponsors for all their contribution: Corazon Evangelista, Ric and Malou Campilan, Mary Amadee and Mary Charity Taguinod, Mila Basilio, Carmen Gabriel, Angelica Tan-Piscos, Abrea Tan, Emma Tan, Holly Ann Arevalo, Isam Deocareza, Katrina Veran, Maelin Magpily, Mayrene Pascua, Melinda Adexer-Quijano, Wendy Tan de Belen, Joie lee Cano-Mui, Thesa Maria, Dianne Fajardo, Cherry Solis, Melay Ambayec, and Monica Mesina. Our small efforts, combined, made a world of difference!

Special thanks to all who helped in more ways than one throughout 2017: Tess Astrero, Fr Joseph Raymund Biliran, Fr. Jo Sarigumba, Gold Berbano, Vangie Ramirez and family, Rommel and Cecil de los Reyes, MJ and Rico Montesines, Baby Herrera, Maria Fe Nieva, Shamira Suarez, Blue Yumol, Ms. Hazel dela Cruz, Jacqueline Aguirre-Bulao, Anthony and Camille Sacramed, The Virata sisters of Imus: CJ, Cherry, Jill and Ciara; Engr. Rowena Sevilleno, Col. Elmer and Mrs. Irene Quiros, Mary Rose Garcia-Benedicto, Janice Tan, May dela Cruz, Gladys Salazar, Sier Salazar, Cristina Areola and Rosamhia Lunas. Your work for God does not go unnoticed.

God is your exceedingly great reward. Wishing y'all a Merry Christmas.