By Suzanne Fernandes –
A personal testimony
A catechist of nine years, teaching was always a passion. However, since my mother almost bedridden, with Parkinson’s disease, I had given up Sunday School the previous year, as it was tedious to balance both. Another academic year was about to start, my help agreed to come on alternate Sundays, for a higher salary. I weighed my options of returning to ministry, or taking time off for knowing my Lord better through his Word.
Ministry of the Word (MOW) program had been on my mind for sometime, but it had already begun. My co-parishioner, who had enrolled, encouraged me to speak to Fr Roland – Director of MOW, who allowed my late enrollment. (Jeremiah 29:11 For surely I know the plans I have for you). With the formalities done, Bible in hand I attended my first two Sundays. It seemed like a back to school experience… badges, attendance, time-table, homework assignments, exam schedule.
My Grace is Sufficient for You
Then began the roller-coaster ride, the arduous charting assignments had to be blended with everyday work and home routines. During this time I developed a venous ulcer on my leg, which to my horror began to bleed, resulting in endless waiting at the Doctor’s clinic for dressing, numerous tests, and strong medication. By the third Sunday, I could barely walk, and had to be excused. What had I got myself into? Cannot say I was not warned about persecutions… Would I have to give up? Intercessions from the group, from family members, and parishioners helped me recover my resolve, and resume class after two Sundays break, the doctor’s visits continued for two months. Yet his grace is sufficient for me (2 Cor 12:9 My grace is sufficient for you for power is made perfect in weakness)
I Am With You
Work life turned uphill, relationships at home turned distracting and hostile. His promise to be with me (Is 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you), just strengthened my resolve. Each and every spare moment went in completing assignments, but there never seemed to be enough time. The Old Testament scripture was vast and new, why hadn’t I at least read it before? I chided myself.
To Delve Deeper into God’s Word
In March of the 1st academic year, very unexpectedly, I lost my mother. Suddenly I seemed alone in the world. My closest friend, whom I shared all of life’s joys and sorrows, was no more. The emptiness pushed me to delve deeper into his Word to escape the emptiness, or was this his plan – I mused. (Isaiah 49:15b-16a I will not forget you, see I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands) Knowing the consequence of a loss of a mother, my divine and eternal father in his infinite love had already taken care before the situation arose.
Was Jesus Asleep in My Boat During the Storm?
The second year with New Testament scripture seemed a little easier, a study of our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, and the fulfillment of the entire scripture. (Colossians 1:15a He is the image of the invisible God)
The next year came Probation. I was assigned the Gospel of Mathew. Perusing commentaries and other sources seemed an endless task. Relationships at office and at home turned even more hostile. Physically, too I began to feel the strain, with my health waning. Was Jesus asleep in my boat during the storm? Finally I completed the dossier, but was in for yet another setback – my guide, Fr Warner wanted the dossier simplified. This was it, I am not going to make it. Bordering almost on despair, amid tears and cries for help (Mathew 8:25 “Lord save us ! we’re going to drown”), I modified the dossier and got the necessary approval.
You of Little Faith Why Are You Afraid?
Armed with the approval, I set about arranging the sessions. Not a very easy task, managed to convince my Parish priest and the Prayer group leader to allow me to conduct my sessions in the Prayer Group. But two sessions had to be cancelled for Diwali vacation and parish feast novena and program. Then another jolt, the fifth session would have to be rescheduled because of Christmas Choir recital in the parish. Preparing for my teaching on Miracles of Jesus, I heard Jesus say to me like he did to the disciples in Mathew 8:25 “You of little faith, why are you so afraid”.
Finally I made it, the final session done, my evaluation papers in my hand, elated I submitted my report. The race was completed… his grace has seen me through… (2 Timothy 4:7b I have finished the race, I have kept the faith) But then my heart felt a pang, is this the end of …no I promised myself just the beginning of many more evangelization sessions, a time to give others the gift of an experience of God…
Suzanne Fernandes is from Our Lady of Dolours Parish, Wadala – Mumbai, She has worked in lay ministry as a Catechist, a Salesian Co-operator, and for animating Eucharistic adoration / Charismatic prayer service. She recently completed her Ministry of the Word program from the Goregaon Seminary.