Walk Humbly: The Unlikely Tale of a Coor-Gen

Let me share with you my unlikely, if not miraculous, tale that catapults me into the most-coveted post of MUKHA AD, the Coordinator General. I need to unveil a little secret. Actually, I was not the first choice of the group; not even the second one. Br. Jestoni Porras, OP was the man chosen to be the voice of MUKHA AD. Unfortunately, after several weeks in the office, he decided to step down for several valid reasons. Then, in briskly haste, the electoral body once again convened and elected another brother. Yet again, for several valid causes, he could not accept the most desirous office in the universe. Now, it seemed that the electoral body would not have much choice left. My name was the last possibility. Thus, without any necessity of gravity’s force, it fell on my lap.

Before I continue, let me insert this little confession. I have to admit that among the five apostolic groups in the Studentate, MUKHA AD is my last pick. The reason is so simple yet so fundamental: I don’t want to give up my whole Sundays for this apostolate. I believed that after the backbreaking weekdays, I deserve my Sabbath, my Lord’s day. But, God seems to play a little joke on me. Before I entered my second year in Coristado, Fr. Rodel Cancansio, OP asked me to join MUKHA AD. I was caught unguarded, but luckily, I came out with a powerful excuse: “Father, I could not speak Filipino yet”. Then, I requested to stay for another year in KAPATID. He gave his nod and I was saved by the bell. However, before I proceeded to my third year in Coristado, the same person approached me bringing the same demand. I knew that I was running out of luck. With a bitter smile, I said yes and whispered in my heart, “This too will pass.”

Together with Br. Mark Ampis and Jessilito Pelimer, we were part of Batch 23. I think none of us really took the MUKHA AD formation seriously. I marked my first year stay in MUKHA AD with notable number of absences. I even failed to attend the culmination activity and graduation rite. Please, don’t ask me where I place my graduation certificate! Here comes the second year. Originally, I was elected as the Doctrinal animator. Happily, I accepted the post because I knew I could commit more absences.

However, God was not yet done with His joke on me. In the most bizarre circumstances, what I did not like most became a reality. I wished to be out of MUKHA AD, but God has just made me the first person who opens the MAD office, the last one who closes its door and someone who stands in between (a taste of being a security guard!). I desired to be invisible and be seated at the back every meeting and session, but God has thrown me into the place where every eye would gaze at, sometimes subjected to criticism, frustrations, and gossips (a foretaste of being a celebrity!). I dreamed of escaping responsibilities, but God has bestowed on me one of the greatest responsibilities in the galaxy: from critical decision making to floor-waxing the MAD office (at least, I know why they called the coordinator “general”, like in general service).

 As I walk through my life in MUKHA AD, I am gradually humbled. My vulnerability is exposed and my weakness is unmasked. I am not capable, prepared and fit for the job. However, here comes the miracle: God’s joke is much more superior to the best of human wisdom. Or, in the words of St. Paul in his letter to the Corinthians, “God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom (1 Cor 1:25).” When things seem to fall apart, there are always brothers or lay friends who come to my rescue. When I am falling, the built-in support-system of MUKHA AD catches me. When I lose sight, the inner structure sheds its light. It is slowly revealed that it is not about me, but God doing wonders in every young heart. Note that it is just one month in the post, and things have gone beyond my wildest imaginations. Honestly, I am really excited to see the jokes God has prepared for me and for you, my dear MUKHA ADers. Let us celebrate and walk humbly with Him as we laugh at His jokes on us.

Would you like to share your MUKHA AD experience, too? Please send your articles, literary pieces, photos (with caption), or art work to mukhaad[at]gmail[dot]com.