Privileged 17Aug2010

"The privilege." This was the central theme of the gospel and the homily last Sunday on the Feast of the Assumption. Although I do not do much written reflections on the homily or on the bible, especially not recently, this one I was able to relate to. 

Mary's was the acceptance to carry Christ, the son of God and future savior, in her womb. A task, a young woman, virgin at that and with no husband to help her would find so heavy and so limiting given that she had to become a mother soon after. A mother not just of any child, but of one who has been set to serve as a savior and would therefore need extra nurturing and care. A task that perhaps most young woman her age would shun away from yet, with Mary not only did she accept but in her acceptance came her recognition of it being a privilege.

I am no Mary (my friends can laugh in agreement, yes) and I am no Saint (most definitely). Motherhood has not really been a dream or a vision of a future I see of me; although I adore my nephews, nieces and younger cousins and treat them as my own. The burden to carry a child in my womb freaks me out, just a bit. So this is definitely not about the state that Mama Mary assumed, this is about seeing the privilege.

There was a US TV show sometime last year called "Privileged." It was about very rich young girls who could afford anything they wanted and can go do anything that their hearts' desire. I am very much privileged, but not in a way that those girls in the TV show were. Mine is the privilege is to serve and to be where I am.

It took me about a month and a half to fully discern about taking my current new job.I start first with the fact that I have a new job and before I started this one yesterday, I didn't have a job for a month which meant no remuneration. Logistical arrangements and financial considerations had to be thought about carefully before an agreement was made.

Being Jobless - Not earning is not exactly the best situation especially during these times. But I find/found myself always being "okay" with not earning for a time. I was indeed privileged to be living with my sister Tetet, not worrying about rent and paying utilities as she never pressured me when I ought to give my share (But I share ha! hahaha). My grandmother was also sick during that month and it was a privilege to be able to take care of her - to take care of somebody who has been taking care of us ever since we were born. (although I'd rather have her healthy all the time).

Making a Choice - I believe that not many people are given the chance to serve and do the tasks that they've always put great value in. Most of the time and with most people, you choose jobs that can mostly aid financial concerns. Some do not have the privilege to say NO or To leave their current jobs for fear that nothing will else will come and the need to feed hungry mouths is ever present. I had choices too, before finally taking this job and for that I was and am most thankful.

I never really saw it much as a privilege, I thought I was lucky and thankful but privileged not exactly, to be working back for ESSC and generally the people of my JVP area in Bendum, Bukidnon. I have confidence in my experience and skills and that doing this work is more for the career path and future I am planning. But upon reflecting last Sunday, I saw it more as a privilege. I am much privileged to have been allowed to do this work and am privileged by the community/ies we will be serving to do this work for and with them.

The privilege comes with great challenges - but the awareness of the gift that is being able to do what it is that I do should be able to aid me in responding to all the responsibilities I have to fulfill.