“The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say: Behold a man that is a glutton and a wine drinker, a friend of publicans and sinners. And wisdom is justified by her children” – Matthew 11:19
Human nature is unfathomable; capable of the greatest sacrifice for others or ideals, and the worst acts of inhumanity. It’s life-giving, however, to remember examples like Virgin Lucia, who renounced all material power for her convictions, even giving her life for them. Such examples are the most difficult to follow. “Oh God, I cannot understand your ways, but I must worship them.” (Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers)
I lost my father when I was eight, and at fifteen I met the Xaverian Brothers at the San Francisco Xavier school in Carmen Pampa, Bolivia.
The father figure I lacked was present in each of the Brothers I met. I wanted to be one of them. I also wanted to be a construction engineer, yet God had other plans. Following His plan, and influenced by the Xaverian Brothers, I became an educator, contributing to the construction of lives, a much more difficult job, and a much more comforting one! I humbly feel like an instrument in God’s plan. “God is not obliged to give an account to anyone even if He wants to use a sinner.” (Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers)
Lord, in this gracious time of waiting, give me strength to follow the work of your glorious plan. May my actions always reflect your desires. Amen.
Andrés Pardo-Asllani