Jesus in a slum
Following Christ is the most difficult, the most demanding, endeavor here on earth. As our teacher told us, no one among us has fully embraced the Christian life.
While reflecting on the gospel of Saint Mark as well as on my recent experience in a squatter colony, I said to myself that my teacher was right in his remark. I am not fully embracing the ways and teachings of Jesus. Apart from taking up my own cross and venturing into an unknown and unfamiliar world, I also need to observe, if not live, the demands of Jesus.
In Mark 10:17-30, a rich man asked Jesus how to gain eternal life. In response, Jesus said: Go sell everything you have, give it to the poor, and follow me. And you will have your treasure in heaven. To make the long story short, the rich man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
Last October, Kuya Pepe brought me to Navotas Fish Port as part of my apostolate program. Before then I already had an idea of where we were going because Yaying had described it to me during a conversation. I was aware of what the situation was at the fish port; I had been told that there, one could really see, feel and be grieved by the poverty in our country.
“How unfortunate” were the first words that crossed my mind when we walked into the area. I didn’t know what odor it was that assailed my nose, whether from dead and decaying animals, stagnant water from the drainage, or rotting garbage that were dumped just anywhere. My heart broke upon seeing children in such a miserable situation. I kept wondering how I could help them.
The plight of the poor people living in the area reminded me of what Jesus said to the rich man in the gospel: Go sell everything that you own and give it to the poor. My skeptical mind came up with a question: Where is God in this situation? But that question suddenly shifted to a more realistic inquiry: Where am I in the people’s miserable situation? Where am I in their quest for a better life?
If Jesus were present, walking in the area and talking to me, He would surely offer me the same invitation He gave the rich man.
I am socially conscious—the reason I can easily understand what Jesus wants to happen in uttering those words. He wants to do away with my greed and open my heart to the objective of giving importance to the poor and marginalized sectors of our society. I don’t need to become a Bible scholar to be able to interpret what message Jesus wants me to understand. I just have to look around me and I will surely see Jesus’ invitation.
His message is very clear: It is not good to live a miserable life here on earth. The text emphasizes the seriousness of giving attention to the poor. What really matters is what I do to the least of my brothers and sisters. Following Him will be useless if I am dumb and blind to the suffering of the poor. The story calls me to a real sense of responsibility for the poor and the oppressed. And all this is in reference to Jesus’ judgment and standards for anyone to become His follower.
I am now aware of how hard it is to follow the footsteps of Christ. He offers an invitation but I need to comply with the demand that He imposes. In the present situation, I try to ask myself if I am truly living the Christian way. If I am, I need to follow and become a disciple of Jesus. This religious experience at the fish port has helped me to view things in multiple perspectives. I have realized that it’s not only in comfortable moments that one can feel and see the presence of God. Even in the worst situations, God is also present. He touches my heart in a very uncomfortable situation.
My religious experience with the people in the squatter area strengthened not only my vocation but also my whole being. I found Jesus in a slum.
Arfie John Maghanoy Gultia, 29, is a member of the Missionaries of Jesus.
