ILAW 5 - Life's Pilgrimage

It was  4:35 AM and the other two (referring to Brother Rey and Roji) start texting and asking where I'm at. So I ask the guard at the CSB Hotel to grab a pedicab for me and I head straight to the South Gate. When I reply saying that I'm on my way, Brother Rey says that we have to take a cab. In my mind I'm like why? After finding out that the DLSU Coaster left us three I couldn't help but laugh. Good thing Roji literally runs after his dad to ask if he can take us to La Salle Greenhills. So Roji grabs the wheel and takes us there in less than 30 minute, to think we didn't use EDSA but rather took the long route touring us around Makati, Mandaluyong then finally hitting Ortigas. 

The 5th Inter- Luzon Aspirants Workshop was hosted by the Lasallian Formation Center Community. It was a two day pilgrimage that basically took us up Mt. Samat in Bataan and down to the Jaime Hilario Integrated School - La Salle in Bagac. More than 30 participants composed of Brothers, Novices, Postulants and Aspirants were present to reflect on the realities of our life's journeys.

Leaving the Provincialate a couple of minutes pass six, we stop at the first gas station on the NLEX. Still on the Daniel Diet, I decide to grab a tuna fish sub while the others are enjoying their tocino and tapas. So after breakfast, we're all handed leaflets full of the towns that we pass by's history. Being the history enthusiast that I am, I read the entire thing. So the connection, we were all asked what are the significant events in our lives that were somewhat momentous or important to whom we are today. And as usual, I couldn't think of anything. So I slept the entire trip. Sorry Brother Vince.

Next stop was the church in (if my poor memory serves me right) Balanga. We were then given a brief talk from Brother Mandy about the place and a wicked short session with Brother Vince. 

As he begins speaking about how our lives are journeys that we choose to travel, he strikingly points out that sometimes the things we are disturbed by are merely an awakening. He then leaves me dumbfounded with the question of "Where is this leading you?'. That is all I actually remember with what he was saying. I guess I was too tired to function but for some reason, that was all that stuck to my mind.

So as we start the hike up towards this cross

So it may not look like a cross, but its the pole on top of the mountain.

Here it is up close. Breathtaking, right?

on Mt. Samat, I start connecting the journey with my life. Mind you, it is not at all easy to walk 7 kilometers more or less of roads that are inclining. It is not easy to walk up a mountain with the kind of extra baggage I carry. Haha. And it is not easy to think while you are physically tired. But nonetheless, I've come up with a rather good, well I think its good, generalization of my life's pilgrimage.

In life, you'll always start at the bottom. And as you work your way up towards your goal in life, you'll learn to find the road is not at all that easy. You'll eventually get there, but sometimes you will stop when you are tired to rest.

You will find difficulties or obstacles that will test your perseverance. You will run into new faces, meet new people and eventually find out that you are not alone in your journey,

but, will see that there are others that will tackle the same path that you are on. Some will come, and some will go. You either leave them behind, or find yourself being left behind. Sometimes you will be perfect all alone, other times you will need a companion.

For the struggles and all the tough terrain, you would want someone to help you. To guide you, to accompany you through the hardships.

Sometimes others will need you to shell out a little extra effort to boost their morality or to keep them going. To give them a little push to make them feel that they are not alone.

I think it should have been the other way around, right Cliff?

A little gesture of merely walking with another person may seem like nothing, but knowing that there are others that choose to walk with you can help you go a long way.

You're lucky enough to be with a group. Striving at the same pace with others is something to enjoy, something to grasp at. They know what you are feeling because you're practically walking in the same speed. Others will be tempted and will opt to take short cuts, but then will realize that when they get to the top, no matter if they're first or what, the others will be trailing behind them and eventually catch up. They have gained more wisdom by taking the long road and will appreciate every step taken. Sometimes, shortcuts are dangerous. Besides skipping the things you would've learned you could end up less prepared.

I was lucky to hike with a Brother and few friends. And in real life, I'm blessed to be walking with several. They have traveled the path that I am currently trekking. I was lucky to walk with Brother Rey during the last few kilometers of the hike.

The 6K marker.

He told me which sides of the street to take, the steeper and less traveled and less distant yet tiring route versus the more traveled and crowded wide side that could make the walk more tiring in the long run. In real life he teaches me how to approach the road less traveled and ironically is becoming difficult yet rather helping me reach my goal somehow faster.

During the beginning of the hike, we were one group.

And it is evident how others can get by faster and how others are left behind. The people that pass you are sometimes the people you catch up with. There are times when you think you won't be seeing them again in your journey, but miraculously, you see them at the end of the road. Now the goal of this hike was to reach the top, which was a thirty story high Cross. Figuratively, the hike was to reach the peak, where the cross stood, a symbol of our Saviour Jesus Christ. To join him after the long hike, tired and thirsty for rest. Upon reaching the final destination, you'll find some waiting for you, and you'll find yourself as well waiting for others.

So it doesn't really matter how you get there. Because in the long run, we'll all return to one place. You'll all be complete.

You'll all be rejoicing over a triumphant fight. You will all reunite under one God.

But if you choose to travel the road alone, it will be lonely. You can try to enjoy the magnificent view,

but you will feel that you are left behind. The struggle can turn out unbearable, and you may not have any one to turn to. People will look for you. And, people will wait for you.

I've learned that everyone will not always be there for you. You can choose to keep up with others, but when the pace is too fast, you'll find yourself weary and exhausted. So go with the flow.

Walk until your feet can bear the pain. Then rest until you are ready to continue. Who knows if someone will come along the way to accompany you.

And when you reach the top, be proud and smile. Remember to thank those who have helped you along the way. Remember the trials that you have encountered and be wise by learning from them.

To end this post I would like to share with you guys a prayer that we used before our send off:

God of our journey, we entrust our fellow pilgrims into Your loving care knowing that You are always the Faithful Traveler and Companion on our way. Grant us the courage to face the challenges of this life we chose. Continue to guide us as we journey on in this road towards the fulfillment of Your Kingdom here on earth. Amen.

So I encourage everyone to walk your paths with full faith in the Lord. Ask him to guide you and if ever you do get lost, just look for the light,

and trust me, real friends won't leave your side. They may be a few steps away at times but they will never leave you walking alone.

And thanks to the very good Adobo, the Daniel Diet was tarnished. Talk about resisting temptations! And if the Bagac Community's weighing scale is accurate, I lost three pounds from hiking up and walking down Mt. Samat!

Thanks again to the LFC Community and to the Brothers of the Bagac Community for hosting and the generous hospitality. ILAW5 rocked my socks, literally and figuratively!

Group picture before send off at Bagac

And every time activities like these end an we all have to go home and part our ways, I can't help but smile on all the good times. Thanks guys for the travel, for walking with me and for being there, and for making my journey worthwhile. Rest assured, you'll find me walking near.

 

Nice one Awe!

Live Jesus in our hearts, Forever!

Photos from Roji Enriquez, Brother Mike Valenzuela FSC, Brother Mikey Cua FSC and Joseph Daluz. Thanks.