God Rewards

Good deeds and pastoral works are often rewarded. The reward comes, but in most instances at unexpected times.

In the lives of the couple Oscar and Miriam Batucan, it came in the form of the Benerementi medal given by Pope Benedict XVI late in 2009.  On the other hand, the couple Cyril and Rose Bas have conceived a baby that they had prayed for in the seven years of their marriage.

Coming from Cebu City, the Batucans migrated to New Zealand more than 20 years ago. They went through the usual route of struggling to find the job worthy of their profession and experiences; and at the same time raising children with the desire to inculcate in them Filipino values and faith in God. Devotees of the Sto Nino de Cebu, they organized a Sinulog Fiesta in 1994 with the intent of strengthening camaraderie and faith in God among Filipino migrants. They became lay ministers in St Patrick’s and St Benedict parishes in Auckland and joined the singing group, Voice of God.

They did not stop at helping the priests in church activities; but extended their hands in assistance to newly arrived migrants who seek jobs, giving them leads to employment, providing spiritual guidance, sharing words of encouragement.  On January 22, a thanksgiving party was held for the lovely couple and many of those who were given a chance to speak on the microphone told of how the couple helped them in their early years and inspired them to become devotees of the Holy Child Jesus. The attendees overflowing in St Benedict’s Social Hall was a testament of the worthiness of the Batucans in receiving Papal recognition.

A young couple Cyril and Rose Bas left high-paying jobs in the Philippines, to start a new life in New Zealand and a desire to have a child. When Cyril arrived he looked for a religious community to join – first TawagAwit (for he loved music) with Rose who came later.  They also became active with Couples for Christ-Foundation for Family & Life (to enrich their marriage life).

It is rather amazing how they cope up with their busy careers and still find time to serve God. And they do to the best of their capabilities. The couple are now household heads in CFC-FFL and the chapter coordinators of TawagAwit in St Mary’s Parish, Northcote. We at TawagAwit prayed that God would gift them with a child and I told them in 2008 that they’d have one by December. But we did not receive any good news by that time. A few days ago, the couple announced to us that Rose was 7-weeks pregnant. It was in December not 2008, but 2009 that the baby was conceived! We all rejoiced upon hearing the news.

Life’s basic rule is that rewards are results of wise behaviour. “Righteous people will be rewarded for their own righteous behaviour.” (Ezekiel 18:20) It may come in the form of tangible like good earning or intangible like inner peace. “How joyful are those who fear the Lord...You will enjoy the fruit of your labour. How joyful and prosperous you will be!...Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees as they sit around your table. That is the Lord’s blessing for those who fear him.” (Psalm 128-1-4)

If you feel you have not received God’s reward, be patient.  He will reward you in His own time, in His own mysterious way. “If we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.” (Hebrews 3:14)

by Mel Libre