Last August, YLDC promoted a program in southern Laos!
Generosity
“Ask for nothing, refuse for nothing.” -St. Francis de Sales
I remember this quote mentioned by a priest years ago during our promotions.
This is an important reminder for every missionary as we meet people from any location.
From August 12 to 25, 2020, we promoted our program in the Diocese of Thakhek and Pakse in southern Laos.
It was indeed a great journey with many interesting lessons. What touched me the most was the generosity and hospitality of the people we met.
Visits by alumni
Whenever we visit the homes of the elders, there is always food and a warm welcome from their families.
We even had to eat three lunches once because every house we visited prepared food for us.
We ate with gratitude for the abundant blessings God had prepared.
Given the state of their homes, I know they didn't have much but with their generous hearts, they offered the best they could to their visitors.
Through these visits, the team hopes to discover the impact of the program in their lives and how they have applied the learnings in their daily lives.
At the same time, to better understand their current situation so that we can better support them and travel with them.
It is inspiring to hear how our elders have grown and become more responsible in building their lives.
Mass in the village of Huaymood
During our promotional trip, we were invited to participate in the celebration of the Assumption, one of the important events of the Lao Catholic Church.
In Laos, Catholics are a minority.
They have what they called Catholic villages. These are the few villages that have Catholic families and a chapel built.
The little chapel was full of people.
I was struck during the offertory where the villagers offered simple things like 2 kilos of rice, boiled corn, scrambled or boiled eggs with chili sauce, etc.
These are the foods they grow or find in the forest. They are small things but they were willing to offer them to God.
After Mass, we ate the offering together in this chapel.
There was more than enough food for the visitors and villagers.
“Generosity gives abundantly.”
These two (2) significant moments reminded me of the parable of “ The Widow’s Offering” ( Mark 12:41-44). She offered only two (2) coins but she put in all she had.
These experiences made me ask myself, “How much am I surrendering to the Lord?”
Surely I do not have the heart of this widow. I fear I have enough money to provide for the material needs.
Many times I told myself to find a better job outside and stop being a full-time pastor.
Until now, this desire creeps into me, I would like to prepare a better future for my own family.
Serving him certainly involves less material wealth and comfort of life. It can sometimes be too difficult.
How much of myself can I give him?
How long can I endure?
Of course, it's uncertain, but at the moment, I'm staying faithful.
"No one is so poor that he has nothing to give, and no one is so rich that he has nothing to receive." Pope John Paul II
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