By Ricky Cuenca
Mama Mary’s response ushered in the fulfillment of the promise of our salvation in Christ and taught us all the virtues of true stewardship, obedience, humility and gratitude.
Mama Mary’s’ obedience, her unequivocal Yes to the plan of God, speaks of total submission to His will. It is in this context that I understand the historical YES of members of the Couples for Christ in submitting to God’s plan for CFC in building the church of the home and the church of the poor through on fire evangelization. In Mary’s acceptance of God’s plan, I also understand my YES responses to events in CFC. I said Yes when I completed the Christian Life Program with the signing of the covenant. I said Yes to His call to become a missionary not only in the Philippines but in Canada. Later on, I said Yes to the calling of ANCOP, (Answering the Cry of the Poor). In the wake of the trials and challenges of the storms that hit our community in 2007 and 2009, I responded with a Yes to become USA Country Coordinator and as ANCOP CEO.
My latest Yes, and perhaps my most difficult one, is in response to the call to be CFC Chairman. This Yes meant leaving a comfortable and secure life in Canada and coming home to the Philippines to accept the challenges of on-fire evangelization, nurturing pastoral care and active work with the poor. It is not the kind of Yes that means you are now willing to be trampled upon or to merely flow into every event to please people but the unequivocal YES to God’s plan and purpose in life. It is the kind of YES that gives peace of mind, passion and fulfillment in submitting to the will of God, to my purpose in life. It is a quiet YES but a firm one with a strong belief in God’s plan.
Mary’s obedience in the Annunciation became a strong model of stewardship in my life and in the many circumstances of choice and decision making.
Humility is another virtue I learned from Mama Mary in the Annunciation. Her response, “I am the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to Thy word” is pure humility. Going back to the historical response of members of CFC to God’s plan for CFC, I witnessed the many trials and purification when members in all humility accepted the painful transformation process to stay in CFC, upholding its vision and mission of family renewal, global evangelization and work with the poor. My conviction to stay in CFC is a humbling process brought on by the realization that it is not about me, it is not about my allegiance to certain personalities but it is about God’s plan for CFC to be families in the Holy Spirit renewing the face of the earth and to bring glad tidings to the poor. I realized that Mary’s humility is anchored on being attuned to the will of God. Her submission to God’s plan is fully alive, fluid, trusting and joyful. In CFC, I am happy to be an instrument of God’s plan.
The virtue of gratitude is clearly a manifestation of Mary’s belief in God’s plan of salvation. In her simplicity and grace, Mary responded in awe and, with a grateful heart, took on her role as Mother of God.
Again, in witnessing the historical process of transition and transformation in CFC, the virtue of thanksgiving is amplified. Praising God and worshipping in thanksgiving is integral to our CFC culture. In our household meetings, general assemblies and teachings, thanksgiving is part and parcel of our adoration. Because of a formation process anchored in thanksgiving, members have a natural response to be grateful, and to always give thanks even in sorrow and pain.
Events are experienced as lessons learned and opportunities for growth to draw closer together in Christ and for Christ. I am grateful to God for leading me to CFC. Like Mary, I respond with awesome gratitude and say, Thank you Lord for the gift of life in CFC.
Like Mama Mary in the Annunciation, let us celebrate God’s love for our community as loving shepherds of care and beloved disciples of Christ constantly affirming our submission to God’s plan. Let us live this New Year of 2012 practicing the virtues of obedience, humility and gratitude.
To you dear Mother, we entrust CFC. Bring Jesus to us. Take us to Jesus. We hope for the day of unity, oneness and peace in our CFC community. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Masagana at mapayapang bagong taon, from my heart to yours!
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