VIRIDITAS: SOUL GREENING
Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP
Hawaii Catholic Herald
Many say that the New Year is a magical time to start afresh and pursue new dreams. It is an exceptional opportunity to bring newness to perspective and to forget the pain of the old year, especially the past one that brought death to people, caused many to lose their jobs, and brought many to struggle with illness, loneliness, depression and burnout.
I conditioned myself that, in this New Year, I would be ready to move forward with hope and optimism. However, all my excitement in welcoming the new beginning was dampened by the news of the latest coronavirus variants. Uncertainty emerged again and made me ask myself, “When will this pandemic end? Will there be another lockdown in the church; stricter rules of social distancing imposed? Do I need to spend more time in my room? When will it be safe to travel and visit my family? Do I need to worry and be afraid?” The answer is “Yes.” But, not to become paranoid and to lose my faith, hope and the ability to love.
Living with the pandemic for almost a year, I re-learned some lessons I would like to share.
On Sept. 19, 1846, Our Blessed Virgin Mother appeared at La Salette, France, to some fearful children. She invited them near saying, “Come near my children, do not be afraid …” As a priest, I am reminded that I have a companion in life. The message of our Blessed Mother gives me courage to not be afraid in my ministry.
The Blessed Mother’s message also reminds me to let my faith in God rule my heart and to keep it burning so as not to be afraid, especially during this time of pandemic. I believe that I should take this coronavirus seriously listening to experts; following precautions like wearing a face mask and shield; washing and sanitizing my hands properly and frequently; and properly distancing myself.
God takes care of us and does not change. He is the same faithful God before the pandemic and will be the same God after. This truth alone should strengthen me not to give in to fear and succumb to its negative effects on my family, community and spiritual life. Since God is the same yesterday, today and forever, let’s choose faith over fear.
Every day, I pray to God asking for his wisdom to free me from the paralysis of fear. Prayer can cure our anxiety. As St. Paul said, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)
Our Lady of La Salette asked the children, Maximin and Melanie, “Do you say your prayers well, my children?” They answered, “Not too well, Madame; hardly at all.” Our Blessed Mother said to them, “Ah, my children, it is important to pray at night and in the morning, and whenever you can, pray more.”
As we continue to live in this new year, still with the pandemic, the greatest gift we can give our families and communities are to be witnesses of our faith in God. Let us not allow the pandemic to stop us from proclaiming the good news to all.
Father Adondee Arellano is a member of the Missionaries of La Salette from San Mateo, Isabela, in the Philippines. He is 22 years professed and 17 years ordained. He has been ministering in the Diocese of Honolulu for 12 years and is now assigned at St. Joseph Church in Waipahu.