Christus Magister Noster

“You are a very good pupil.” These are the words I often picked up from my teacher in Grade 1 then whenever I answered correctly every activity that we delivered in class.  But, those were the times that I could not acknowledge what was the actual significance of the adjective “good”. Days and years had passed, I graduated in elementary and in high school, and I got familiarized with the adjective “good”. I studied philosophy for four years but then I still wondering why most of the priests were very good formators then. Mind you, my parents never addressed me as a “good” son probably because both of them were not habituated to hear praises from their parents during their childhood years. Though they are teachers and I believe they are good teachers because their students have a high regard with them. It was passed down to my generation with the same blueprint of not praising everyone and anyone in the household. I can show only that they praise their students simply not their sons and daughter. Hahahaha… Kidding, I have become but this is genuine.  

        What is really the meaning of “good”?

I took a regency program after I finished philosophy in the seminary. When I engaged in the teaching profession, I found myself capable of turning “good”. It was because my relationship with the students deepened my faith so much in the Lord. I took good care of His youth; His students. He entrusted to me His students to become good and to set a good example to other young people in today’s world. By all means, what I did was truly evangelization and a mission. To be with young people with diverse attitudes and family background is always a challenge and at the same time a spirit-filled experience. Acknowledging their limitations and accepting their own battles and problems made me a better person as well. It simply defined my reason and purpose why I was sent to them as a teacher.  

Looking myself amidst the threat of the modern world brings me to a realization that life is always a purpose. I may for a time not ready because I am weak when it comes to qualifications. There are instances in life that you cannot take away with the notion of low self-esteem. Surroundings that never support a plan make me weak and lack in comprehension in judgment or appraisal. Why is this happening to a man who strives hard for others? I make a judgement that God wants to make us strong in every struggle we have encountered. He wants us to face them and learn from them so that we will become strong all throughout the days of our life.

          Studying theology completes my quest about saying “good” to me and to the people around me. My experience with the “good” helps me to understand better the plan of God for me. I had a good experience in teaching the youth. I had encountered good people when I was outside the portals of the seminary. I had good teachers and advisers who really helped me discern my vocation. Everything in this world is good I believe. But, everything comes from the ultimate good, Jesus Christ himself. He is the reason why I pursue theology. He is not just a good teacher but the best teacher who knocks at my heart and says; PLEASE TAKE GOOD CARE OF MY STUDENTS.