Surprising Grace

Our guest writer this week is Valerie Tan. ***** I believe that many of us ask ourselves - what can I do to make my life more fulfilling? How can I be happier? And some of us may think that the answer lies in taking decisive steps to discern and effect a change in our external circumstances. For instance, a switch in careers, re-establishing ourselves in a different country, ending or beginning new relationships, etc. I fully believe that there are times when God calls us to step into new territory. There are times when He leads us to new terrains and new experiences, as a part of our journey to be more fully human, more fully His children. There are indeed times when He will thus call us to take decisive action to move on from where we are, to move us closer to Him. Yet, there are also times when He says - wait. Just as it can be challenging to take a step into the unknown in order to move into new places that we are called to, it can also be challenging to sit on your

A few weeks ago, the day after Christmas, one of my friends was telling me about her celebrations and ended off saying, “My heart is full!” I smiled on hearing that. What a lovely way to describe the overflowing blessings of a grateful heart! I’m sure the end of the last year brought similar sentiments to many people. I always enjoy our FCJ community’s celebration of Christmas here in Manila as it gives us many opportunities to share joy and special moments with people around us. This year, there was plenty of joy to be had in the smiling faces, cheerful sounds and delicious smells of the season, but what touched me most was several encounters we had that revealed a little of the wonder and vulnerability of humanity. One of these encounters took place when our community went carolling in a hospital with some of the young people with whom we work. Our objective was to bring some joy and sympathy to those patients and their families who had to spend the Christmas season in hospita

This reflection by Afra fcJ was inspired by the FCJ Constitutions, #276. I can only change myself….      What I cannot accept about others           reveals aspects of me that I haven’t fully accepted      What annoys me about others and my surroundings           speaks of disharmony inside me that calls out for balance      What triggers my disproportionate behaviours           points to brokenness within me that needs healing      What inspires me about others           awakens my deep desires      and what are my deep desires           but God’s desires in me, and for me? I can only change myself. The time for conversion is today,      is now. I don’t have to wait for tomorrow      because there is always something I can change about myself today … now. Conversion is continual;      it is always now. It does take awareness It does need humility, and gentleness      to change myself only      and to do it now and always. (I look at my Beloved, and my B