Unusual Channel
By Ma. Renette B. Uy

What makes me human

I have always believed in the phrase, “nobody is perfect!” There is only one thing that will make me change that belief being human and all is when I start to ponder and tell myself, “I should be perfect” but only in the eyes of GOD. Tall order for me because it's not that easy but for my GOD, HE only deserves a perfect person in me so I should try to be one every day. At the moment, I know I can't be one for I have to go through a lot to say I am perfect in HIS eyes. When I make a mistake, it is so easy for me to say sometimes, if not most of the time, “Its okay, I'm only human!”

And so, what makes me human? I still get upset when jeepneys don't use signal lights and stop in the middle of the street just to pick up passengers. When cashiers in department stores or supermarkets chitchat while there is a long line of customers waiting for their turn to pay. I still get upset when I give instructions and it is not followed or done. I still get upset when I see a scheming person who tries to scheme bad things on people, use them and manipulate them to put others on a bad light. I still get upset with dirty and bad smelling places. With corrupt politicians; with employers who take advantage of their employees; with unannounced brownouts and blackouts. Most especially, I really get upset with friends who take advantage of their other friends and turn into “snake in the grass” by betraying the trust and goodness shown to them. What do I do when I am upset about all these things? Oh well, honestly now, it's apparent when I am upset but I don't say anything anymore unlike before when I would really give the person concerned a piece of my mind. I try so hard not to be nasty and confrontational. I'd say I am more tamed as it is because I would think twice before opening my mouth. In other words, I am more considerate of other people's feelings compared to before. I was bad, huh? Human nature? Some excuse, I'd say!

It is difficult sometimes to practice “control” when I get upset because it is easier to say “I am just human” rather than controlling myself to hurt other people's feelings. I believe somehow, I was able to tame my tongue and feelings and think twice or many times before committing a mistake. I know now that it is not an excuse to say, “I am just human or its human nature”. I should try instead to be more like Christ, ever patient and good. I know also that it is not that easy but everyday I keep trying to be like one. In this light, it is better sometimes to just keep quiet and let things slide rather than say something nasty and regret it afterwards.

In a different perspective, when I was writing this article, I was also watching, shifting channels from EWTN and CNN, wanting to know what is happening to our beloved Pope. It is a sad and happy moment. It is sad because I know that he is already leaving us and happy because I also know that he will be joining GOD in heaven and his journey here on earth is over. Our beloved Pope is a “perfect” example of God's witness to all the goodness here on earth. He is the greatest Pope ever to sit in Rome. He took seriously what GOD commanded to HIS disciples when HE said, “go forth and spread the good news about ME”. He was the only Pope who reached out to all the nations, far and wide, different religion and all, not only through faith that he was GOD's messenger to earth but he physically reached out. He went out of his way to go to different countries that needed his blessings especially reaching out to the youth of the different nations. He encouraged charity amongst us and preached the greatest commandment of GOD, that is, “love thy neighbors”. He is the true epitome of a “perfect” human suffering and a man always in the state of grace. I had that experience several years back when he went to our country and I felt that overwhelming grace. It was one of my holiest and unforgettable experiences despite just seeing him from afar. I felt the Holy Spirit present in him that it brought tears to my eyes. He was the great shepherd of the Lord.

If you read in my last week's article, I asked myself if I am ready for GOD's offer of eternal life. Indeed, I am. I know that my life here on earth is temporary and as I live each day, encountering human weaknesses and frailties, trying to survive it and trying to be “perfect” in the eyes of GOD at the same time, I have come to realize that it is not that easy to do but knowing that I am trying my best everyday is a step to improve my spirituality. I will try to be more compassionate and stay away from human weaknesses as possible. That is my way of saying I am indeed ready!

“Give me a fruitful error anytime, full of seeds, bursting with its own corrections.”

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The BLD Jaro District will have its second live-in Youth Encounter Weekend this coming April 22-24, 2005 at the St. Clements Retreat House. We are inviting all parents to encourage their children ages 15 to 19 years old to join this unforgettable encounter experience.