Nothing is small in love

Source: NewCity Philippines

Jessie Alberto (in the middle) from Parañaque, a Focolare Youth, shares how he practices the art of loving on the job, while serving the nation

At the age of seven, I first attended a Mariapolis, a three to four day summer gathering of the Focolare. As a small boy I remember how we learned the points of the art of loving like taking the initiative in loving, making ourselves one with our neighbour, and seeing Christ in every neighbour. Now that I am grown-up, I try to practice the art of loving at home, at school, and even now in my work with the government.

I work for the Government’s communications department. It’s not an easy job, as I have to mingle and relate with different kinds of people, like people who need help, as well as people who are top brass, with high positions in the government. The art of loving has helped me to look at and treat everyone equally, because I believe that Christ is in each one I meet.

I am also involved in the EDSA People Power Commission, a commission which aims to revive the spirit of the People Power Revolution which took place in EDSA back in February 1986. The challenges at work are quite daunting, as we try to keep alive the Spirit of EDSA, of Ninoy Aquino, whose 30^th death anniversary we celebrate on 21^st August. We don’t do things only here in Manila, but in the provinces. So the work is quite demanding as we make a lot of visits to rural areas.

These are some of the programmes that we do: notebook making, feeding program, cleaning the environment and many other social projects.

One time we went to Zamboanga in order to provide boats for students who have to travel by boat to go to school. When we arrived in the area with the boats for them, I saw how the faces of the people lit up, especially the children. This also brought me a special joy and happiness. I realized then that serving the nation is also serving Christ in every Filipino who is in need.

Last year, we went to Davao Oriental in order to get footages of those who were affected by the typhoon Pablo. We were transported by helicopter. From the helicopter I saw the huge damage wrought by the typhoon.

Seeing whole villages destroyed was really disheartening. I felt helpless in front of this massive destruction that I asked myself how I could help in this great calamity. I really felt sad and helpless.

Then I noticed that there were many Non-Government Agencies (NGOs) which had come to provide assistance and help to the typhoon victims and distribute relief goods. There were doctors, nurses, and government soldiers.

To my surprise, they had come from Manila and from other faraway places, like me. This was a real consolation for me as I felt and saw the spirit of community, of bayanihan, brotherhood and nationhood really at work in those moments.

I was there to get some video footages of the devastation, but I also felt that I could still do something out of love even in simple ways. So I resolved to listen to and talk with each person and their families with much respect and charity, even if I had difficulty speaking the native Visayan language. I listened to their stories, their complaints and their needs.

My group was even moved to share lunch with them. I always remember a phrase that I learned from the Movement: nothing is small if it is done out of love.

I am really grateful to God for this life of love and unity, for not only can I work for the government and serve our nation, but most of all I can also love Jesus in every neighbour.

Jessie Alberto