Go Beyond Borders.

This was Father Raymond Arre's message during his homily this afternoon (21st of January). He talked about boundaries - those invisible "lines" we're not supposed to cross.

The Gospel today is from Mark 3:1-6. It's about a man with a withered hand who was healed by Jesus on the day of the Sabbath (which the Pharisees regard as unlawful).

Jesus tells us that sometimes, we have to cross boundaries, get out of our comfort zones, stretch our arms and reach out to our brothers and sisters in need.

I remember the International Missions Ministry of our community - "Beyond Borders". And I admire every single missionary who devotes his/her time and talent and treasure in service to others for the greater glory of God. I look up to those who go to the ends of the earth, mindful of the risks they have to take and obstacles they have to overcome, hopeful that the Lord will bless and protect them, and determined to proclaim God's kingdom and to testify to His love and mercy and goodness. (I can't be among them yet, but I would love to be one of them. Soon - if God says so.)

As I reflect on Father Raymond's homily, I came to realize one thing: Life isn't just black or white. There exists gray.

There are rules. But there are exceptions. There are "in-betweens." It's not always a matter of "right" or "wrong."

It's not wrong to follow conventions, it's not wrong to stick to the rules, it's not wrong to continue with the traditions, with what we're used to (and taught to) do, BUT, we have to ask ourselves: "Have we grown? Have we developed a deeper sense of maturity?"

While there is danger in crossing the line (going beyond the boundaries), there is also a risk of having a stagnant (not growing, not developing) life in "not crossing the line."

Which do we prefer? To succeed in doing nothing? Or to fail in doing something?

May we not always choose to be "safe", rather, may we be risk-takers, eager to discover new shores, learn new crafts, and be brave enough to respond to God's call and go where He leads us.

Father Raymond ended his homily with these words:
God is telling us, "Know your boundaries, but also learn to stretch your hands, your hearts, and your minds so that you can come closer to Me."

Those words reminded me of one of my favorite songs in the community. I have always loved to sing this:

And I will climb this mountain
And I'll step off the shore
And I have chosen to follow
To be by Your side forevermore...

Set your boundaries. But be bold enough to extend your territories. Never stop growing. Never stop learning. Live, not just exist. :)

Again, God bless everyone! ^_^ Until next post. :)