Aling Candi
A Reflection
Sometimes some persons come into your life and become like an actual grace through whom God manifests Himself and talks to your heart. Aling Candi is one such person. I opened the door for her after we had attended the Santacruzan fellowship at the church hall. She was the last of her group of three friends to get out, the other two had walked ahead to their car. I talked with Aling Candi behind me on my way to my own car parked in front of the chapel. Then she said, "May I hold on to your arm? My companions have gone ahead of me, and they usually take my arm as I find difficulty walking." Looking back, I saw she moved slowly and with a slight limp. Offering my arm, I said, "Sure, hold on tight, so you won't trip." The path to the car of her companions was just a little more than a hundred steps and during the time we slowly walked together, we talked about a few things. A passing car asked who would be taking her home and offered to do so. But her two companions were already waiting for her. She was profuse in her thanks as I opened the door of the car for her and she got settled in the front passenger seat. It is one thing to help others like when you give a dollar or two to a beggar in front of St. Matthew's Cathedral, or a bag of canned goods to the food pantry, but it is another thing if one who is weak and helpless asks you, a stronger one, to hold on to as she walks a little distance because she needs you at that particular moment in time. As you walk with her, mindful of her weakness and her need, you feel good that you have been of help. We are all weak and helpless creatures of God. Our weakness takes many forms -- physical, or spiritual, or monetary, among others. Our Faith teaches us that God is always present to help us. God sent His dearly beloved Son so He could walk with us and help us on our way to the Father.
We are all travelers on this path called life. We become in some way like Jesus when we offer to others a helping hand so that they might not fall. As a matter of fact, we are all needful of one another. It is true: "No man is an island" and no man travels alone. We need one another. Aling Candi was there with me at that particular place and time. I did help her, and I knew she was very appreciative of the little that I did for her. But deep in my heart I realized that she was a God-sent to me, to reach me and that what He wants me (and all of us) to do may sink deeper in my mind and heart.
I did help Aling Candi. But I know that it was she who helped me more . . . much much more.#
First John 3:17 “But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?”
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10
