I am very humbled to be asked to share my experiences forming part of the MSSP community. First of all, I want to state that , I am human and am not some walking saint. I live and work in the market place , and have succumbed to worldly draws many times over and still do, however my positive nature has made a difference in my life and the life of others.
How did I develop this positive nature one might wonder. First of all I had the disposition of taking risks. Taking risks, with positive outcomes raises self esteem.
In the past I had joined a prayer group. Indeed that was a very positive experience. My core values started to change. The major turning point in my spiritual life was the Baptism in the Spirit. It felt like that my life’s compass has got a new magnetic force that made me change my ways, forgive people who have caused a lot of harm and learn to live in peace with oneself and with others.
We are so drawn to the Oratorju for many reasons. The welcoming spirit of the community is inspiring. However, the main reason is without doubt the powerful Sunday mass. The lighting, the music ministry, but mainly Fr Martin. His communication skills are evident in the manner he tackles difficult topics, in a deep and convincing manner.
Angela and I met Fr Martin at the residence of friends of ours, where he announced he was organising a trip to the Holy Land. We both felt a sudden impulse to join. Both of us had learnt so much on this pilgrimage, especially since we came away feeling elated at a sudden spiritual awakening.
We are so drawn to the Oratorju for many reasons. The welcoming spirit of the community is inspiring. However, the main reason is without doubt the powerful Sunday mass. The lighting, the music ministry, but mainly Fr Martin. His communication skills are evident in the manner he tackles difficult topics, in a deep and convincing manner. He prepares the homily and always draws a practical angle from the readings, that’s especially useful for the young community. His reflections are extremely meaningful, show a deep understanding of human nature, and offer sound advice on how to live in a positive way.
I must admit that before meeting This community, I used to go to Sunday Mass , and finding myself wondering off thinking about some issues far removed from the prayers. Mandane thoughts such as lunch menus, seemed to take precedence over what the celebrant was struggling to communicate. On other occasions, I found myself resolving some design conflicts related to some project that I have on my mind. I recall that on several occasions I arrived at great design solutions during mass, that seemed inspiring, actually quite ironically.
Well since I attend the Oratorju, all of this has disappeared. I listen carefully to every word, and the homilies by Father Martin keep echoing in my mind for the whole week. Many times, during our family’s Sunday lunch, I shared these to the table for discussion with all members of the family. Fr Martin’s inspiring words, have further contributed to my change in positive attitudes with all around in business and friends. Through my small routine good deeds with people around me, I could gauge that their positive experience gave me great joy and inner peace. I started experiencing a wholesome experience of Jesus our Lord and his encompassing Love and Compassion.
I would like to conclude on one of the key points of both self and spiritual development. In order to Love you must first be happy with yourself. This is what I always say to young talented professionals joining the market place. Focus on you self esteem by achieving targets, then the rest will follow and positive brings positive.