Sometimes we meet people by chance, then become friends or acquaintances. Often, we have met someone so special to bring enlightenment and guide our way— our spiritual path.
With that particular person, I am referring to a Priest who is our Religious leader with a higher level of holiness. Someone who guides us on our moral actions and the one we seek blessings as God's chosen disciple.
That was a sunny day at the beachfront restaurant a few weeks ago, September 17, when I had a pleasant conversation with our Parish Priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish Lomboy, Rev. Father Everett Jeffrey Estrella. He has served the Parish since July 2018 and will continue his Religious mission for the next few years. A great mission and service to the Parish and the faithful community.
I was with my parents and shared a meal with Fr. Estrella. It was lunch at our favorite restaurant overlooking the horizon, where the blue sky meets the sea. The gentle waves and the sea breeze were relaxing, and the conversation had a deeper meaning.
I had some aha moments before, but this time it came from our Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Estrella. And whenever I have an aha moment, I cherish it and live through its meaning and significance.
What was that conversation about? It's about present and future living. It's about following our dreams and desires and making them come true. What struck me most was when he said that sometimes we don't get what we want in life because we have too much belief in our human capacity and don't back it up with Divine intervention through our most profound faith and prayer.
Yes, we pray, but how come some of our wishes are not granted. It may be in the process. It may just be a delayed answer, or our intention may not be the best for us and not by God's will.
He then revealed that when other people so dear to us are praying for us, God may hear it out loud. God always hears our heart's desires and intentions. For instance, we may be the recipient of the good deeds of our parents. That's like spiritual merit. When our parents pray for us, God truly listens. Our parents' deepest love always saves us.
From that moment, I have considered my parents' sacrifices and everything I have achieved because I believe they have prayed for me.
That was a soulful conversation. The message was simple but challenging: keep doing good things, and good things will come to you. We plant seeds of goodness, nurture them and cultivate them until we reap a fruitful reward.
Our community is blessed to have Rev. Fr. Everett Jeffrey Estrella. He touches the lives of the faithful and deserves the utmost reverence. He is a Divine gift to us, and we are most grateful for his love and compassion for everyone. He may leave the Parish in a few years, but his excellent service and good memories remain in our hearts forever.
© 2019 Del Cusay
Our community is blessed to have Rev. Fr. Everett Jeffrey Estrella. He touches the lives of the faithful and deserves the utmost reverence. He is a Divine gift to us, and we are most grateful for his love and compassion for everyone. He may leave the Parish in a few years, but his excellent service and good memories remain in our hearts forever.
© 2019 Del Cusay
