Ever since Rev. Fr. Sanji, OFM. Cap. began celebrating the 9:00 a. m. every Sunday, I am more than happy to listen to his homily.
Fr. Sanji is the type of priest, though Indian in descent, would always greet us (massgoers) in our own language (Filipino). There's not one shed of hypocrisy in him as he picks up the wireless microphone and greets us.
What I love about the way he does his homily is that he shares interesting anecdotes/stories and connects it with the Gospel. When Fr. Sanji does his homily, it's as if I'm just listening to one of my friends telling me a great story.
COLGATE'S STORY
His homily last Sunday was about William Colgate's story. It's about a young man, in the late 18th century who was inspired by a priest's homily about giving his best to God. With what little he had, this poor boy made sure he gave God 10% but when his business - toothpaste business - grew he was not stingy of giving more to God. In fact, he felt that it was unfair when he noticed that he was only giving 10% to charities etc., eventually he not only kept his pact to God about giving 10% he actually increased his personal tithes to God by sharing more of what he had. William Colgate's toothpaste is non-other than the renowned Colgate toothpaste.
HOMILY REACHES HOME
Just like William Colgate, I was very much inspired with Fr. Sanji's homily. I realized that for the past week I kept complaining that I'm tired doing my "Panata" or sacred vow to God, which is share my talents to other people. I kept telling God I have a life too. And yet when I heard, Fr. Sanji's homily I realized how minute are my worries and contributions when it comes to giving back to God and others.
Other people's faith like William Colgate did not diminished, in fact he had the audacity to realize he was giving "little" compared what God kept giving. Such eye-opening example, a person without seizing or complaints is truly inspiring.
ST. FRANCIS AND THE BIRDS
As a Franciscan, just like St. Francis, he was given so much peace and wisdom that he was profusely sharing it with other people.
Right now, I realized I'm like sister birds whom St. Francis preached/scolded at when they weren't singing. God gave them the talent to sing, St. Francis asked them why they weren't singing when God gave them the right and skill to sing.
Just like the birds whom St. Francis preached at, I forgot that God had given me more than what I deserved and yet I was so foolish enough to forget these blessing. From my own Slough of Despondency, God lifted me up and gave me not just another chance at life but so many blessings. While it's true I'm not as rich as Colgate, God made me rich in other ways.
I guess it is great that I heard this homily before Holy Week. It further reinstated my faith and realized that while God maybe considerate whether I do my sacred vow to Him or not, I should be ashamed of my own selfishness and greed. Who am I to keep all my talents under a bushel-measure, I should share the God's blessings as it was generously given to me by God in Heaven.
