Saturday, July 18, 2009
A Sunday Story
A story retold from this Sunday morning's sermon, a real life event.
Upon his ordination, Fr. Iggy's workload was like any other priest in Singapore. He had to travel to perform his duties outside the church, to hospitals, homes, households and any other place. Accordingly he enrolled for car driving instructions.
When the test arrived he was as anxious and nervous as any other candidate; and having worked hard and prayed that it was for God's work he was anticipating to pass at the first attempt. Yet he failed. He felt exasperated and forsaken.
However, as it turned out, there was a silver lining in that dark cloud. On the occasions that he needed transport, there was always someone to give him a lift, or a taxi was at hand; and the rapport with the church members became very forthcoming.
He persevered for a second test; and this time to ensure his success he asked the congregation to pray for him, in case God had not been aware of his need. But he failed a second time, and this time he was devastated. He complained to God, he whined that God was not paving his path to do His work.
And there was a time he was unable to get a taxi when coming out of a hospital; every taxi zoomed off upon seeing him; and he had thought that God was punishing him, making him walked. He complained all the more. But later it occurred to him that there was an explanation why the taxis avoided him, he was wearing his priestly white cassock in the month of The Hungry Ghosts.
Then there was the time he needed transport suddenly, but none was available. It was hot and humid in the afternoon. He crossed the road after waiting for some time; and then to his surprise a taxi came and stopped for him. And that was when it became clear to him that he should have been faithful that God always has His plans laid out.
As it unfolded, the taxi driver had a series of ill-fortune and was at his wit's end; and he had told God, that if He really care, to send him a priest. Now, who could foresee God's hand ! The priest and the taxi driver were brought together on a hot humid afternoon, each with his own problem; and together, one had his work made lighter and the other his life straightened.
The theme of the sermon was providence.
Have a nice day.
Ron
Upon his ordination, Fr. Iggy's workload was like any other priest in Singapore. He had to travel to perform his duties outside the church, to hospitals, homes, households and any other place. Accordingly he enrolled for car driving instructions.
When the test arrived he was as anxious and nervous as any other candidate; and having worked hard and prayed that it was for God's work he was anticipating to pass at the first attempt. Yet he failed. He felt exasperated and forsaken.
However, as it turned out, there was a silver lining in that dark cloud. On the occasions that he needed transport, there was always someone to give him a lift, or a taxi was at hand; and the rapport with the church members became very forthcoming.
He persevered for a second test; and this time to ensure his success he asked the congregation to pray for him, in case God had not been aware of his need. But he failed a second time, and this time he was devastated. He complained to God, he whined that God was not paving his path to do His work.
And there was a time he was unable to get a taxi when coming out of a hospital; every taxi zoomed off upon seeing him; and he had thought that God was punishing him, making him walked. He complained all the more. But later it occurred to him that there was an explanation why the taxis avoided him, he was wearing his priestly white cassock in the month of The Hungry Ghosts.
Then there was the time he needed transport suddenly, but none was available. It was hot and humid in the afternoon. He crossed the road after waiting for some time; and then to his surprise a taxi came and stopped for him. And that was when it became clear to him that he should have been faithful that God always has His plans laid out.
As it unfolded, the taxi driver had a series of ill-fortune and was at his wit's end; and he had told God, that if He really care, to send him a priest. Now, who could foresee God's hand ! The priest and the taxi driver were brought together on a hot humid afternoon, each with his own problem; and together, one had his work made lighter and the other his life straightened.
The theme of the sermon was providence.
Have a nice day.
Ron
# posted by chunmu @ 11:52 PM 
