Prophetic Call By: Gilbert S. Billena

There were times I was told by my brothers in the student Friary that I had to observe extra care and I will not go alone in the far places, and some of them would even tease me that I will not live longer due to my involvement in the justice related advocacies with people’s organizations. Admittedly, as a young seminarian who aspires to live a longer life, I felt fear upon hearing the testimonies of the victims and seeing in the news many incidents that occurring almost every day.

In my age now I have the option or temptation of just enjoying the comforts and privileges in religious life. But Alleluia! I felt that my motivation is growing even more, especially with the richness of the prophetic tradition of my Order. I came to realize that the challenge to be an integrated person is to undergo the process of searching the presence of God in the midst of the people. However, this effort will not be accomplished overnight. It has to go through a lifelong process. Thus, I never forget the words I uttered during my first profession, “Narinig at nadama ko ang daing at panaghoy ng aking naghihikahos na mga kapatid bunga ng pagsasamantala at di makatarungang sistema ng ating lipunan…” The said profession formula always reminds me of the call of the Gentle whisper: The people’s agony, cries, fears and anguish. Then, here I am, realizing my vulnerability. That I am also stalked with fear and I cried out. Maybe, the greatest temptation for this fear is to hide in my comfort zones.

The chronic economic and political crisis: graft and corruption, homelessness, massive unemployment, and the growing hunger of the Filipino people have engulfed the country now. As young students, do we have to close our eyes and ears and tell ourselves… wala akong pakialam?( Why do I care?)

In the process of the Carmelite formation program, we immersed ourselves in the lives of Indigenous Filipino People, Farmers and Workers and other sectors. This is not just an academic enterprise but a venue to learn and be evangelized by the poor. As Gustavo puts it “ we drink from the wellspring of the poor”

The reality that I experienced during and after my immersion is a seed of hope that I have to nurture. This is the commitment to the struggle of the poor. Can I do that? Maybe yes or maybe not. But as long as I keep the promises I made in my first profession, which is to listen to the cry and anguish of the poor, I will continue raise my little voice .....MAKIBAKA ‘WAG MATAKOT!