Sowing the Seeds…

From the early childhood, I used to play the game of sowing the seeds with some lovely actions.
Even though the game is simple but meaningful to me.

All of us are very familiar with the parable of the sower in the gospel of Mathew chapter 13. However, it plays a special part in me as I pass through the rice fields every day on my way from the community to the school where I serve. The greeness of the rice fields is pleasant to see and brings hope to a bright future. In the same way, the parable of the sower urges me to embrace and to share the Good News wherever I am.

Every year, there are two important activities for the youth and children in Chiayi diocese: one is called “Angel’s Camp” for children from grade three to six; the other one is named “Training for Future Leader” for senior high school students and the first year university students. All these training camps are carefully prepared according to the theme of the World Youth Day. A special character of these camps is open for everyone, regardless of his or her religion/belief and it often attracts about 50% of non-Catholics. For me, it is a good opportunity to share our catholic faith values with other young generation.

During the Angel’s camp, one of the activities in which I like the most is “Learning the Bible Verses” with children. Every day, children have from four to six Bible verses to learn by heart, and then they can go to read it aloud to priests, religious sisters/brothers and get stamped on their booklet. By the end of the camp, the more stamps they have the better gifts they will receive in exchange for their hard work. As you know, the children can memorize the Bible Verses in an instance! By doing this, the word of God is sown in the life of children and God will take care of it.
At the moment, I am serving in Yongnian School which is one of the seven Catholic High school in Chiayi diocese. I often start with a Biblical passage and some reflection during school staff meetings or sharing during Advent/Lenten seasons at the school assembly as well as blessings’ ritual for students. In conclusion, I deeply believe that the Word of God gives Light and Strength for me. Therefore, I try my best to live and share God’s Word, the Good News, to all the people whom I am in contact with.

Maria Minh Trang RNDM