Max was invited to take part in the #OYPHopehasaName challenge for the week on Peace and share his testimony on his experience below!
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by Maximus Tan, illustration by Annemarie Lim
Peace Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic?
In our current times, due to the COVID-19 situation, many of us have been cooped up at home and maybe for some of us, we lack a conducive environment to study or to work. For me, I had a cousin who told me that she was struggling to study at home because there were many distractions and she had no one to hold her accountable when left to her own devices. As her exams are drawing near, I decided to invite her to study together with me on a few occasions.
Peace Through Presence
Initially, I thought I was being present for the sake of my cousin to help her focus on her studies. What I did not notice was how God was also working in my life on those occasions. In my own reflection, I’ve come to realize that there was also peace in my heart, knowing that I’m not alone on this journey of pursuing this virtue of excellence. Also, by availing myself to my cousin, the Lord revealed to me the importance of being present. That through our presence, there is love and with love comes peace! Just like how in the Eucharist, in the presence of God, we know that God Loves us.
Mother Teresa says: “When you look at the Crucifix, you understand how much Jesus loved you then; when you look at the Sacred Host, you understand how much Jesus loves you now.”
As we are all created in the image and likeness of God, so too, does our presence exude love.
All in all, it is through the generosity of God that in me being present, in giving, that I have gained a peace which only Christ can give.
