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.
