Fr. Chito Tagle, the new Archbishop of Manila

Bishop Luis Antonio "Chito" Tagle has recently been appointed the Archbishop of Manila. People who have approached me are always excited when they invite me to his talks and they have reason to be. I've heard him and he has a very nice and humorous way of expressing his reflections that makes you reflect too.

I thought I'd share his talk in the 49th International Eucharistic Congress in Quebec, Canada titled "The Eucharist, the life of Christ in our lives." It is a very good reflection especially his own sharing of his own experiences...







I was particularly drawn to his insight on how the Roman Centurion was a model of adoration. How he watched Christ suffer from the hands of the high priest till His death on the Cross... giving His life in obedience to the Father and for the love of the people including those who betrayed him. He watched Christ as part of his duty as a soldier... he did not care how he suffered after all the people condemned him to die as a criminal and he has seen a lot of those being nailed on the cross... but Christ continued to carry his cross with complaining... forgiving those who wronged him... bearing the pain and suffering even if He could not feel the presence of His Father but surrendering everything to Him... all because of LOVE! The centurion saw this and could not help but contemplate on the truth that in the end exclaimed "Truly, this man was the Son of God." (Mark 15:39)

Like the Roman soldier I should always contemplate on the love of Christ despite all the noise, pain, hate and injustice happening around me because there is so much goodness and love in so many people that surrounds me after all. Likewise, I hope that being able to carry my crosses without complaining will also make others reflect on Christ's love. I know that so many people care for me and would want me to overcome my sickness yet there are others too who don't really know me. I hope that when they see me cheerful, hopeful and open to God's action in my life, they too would be able to say that "truly she is a daughter of God" and maybe get inspired too.

I believe such happened today because after the mass, a lady approached me and smiled as she touched my arms and said "God bless you!" Maybe she was happy to see a bald lady in bandana who should be sick yet was joyfully participating and celebrating the Eucharist...