One of the greatest gifts our religious vocation offers us is brotherhood. Often, I may take this gift for granted, but if ever I enter into reflection and ask myself what is it that brings me life while I am here in Fiji, I would easily say: it is my brothers and the brotherhood we share. The diversity of personalities, cultures and different forms of expressing our faith and love for one another is by far one of the greatest life experiences this vocation has given me.
Did you know that Fijian people have very sensitive ears and that any kind of loud
balloon popping sound or sounds of that sort will cause a shrill of “delightful” words to be tossed in the air? Pop a balloon next time you’re in Fiji, you won’t regret the experience. Also did you know that you must never challenge a particular Samoan to a drink, or a particular Tongan brother to a kava session or either to acts of service? You will surely lose and they will out do you each time and do it with joy in their hearts. These are just a few cultures I’ve grown to love through my brothers. I cannot even come to express how grateful I am to have met each one of them as all have added joy and blessings to my life.
As I reflected deeper on my experience with the brothers, I realised that yes, they bring life through their culture and gifts, but the main source of their life comes from their faith. They truly have Christ with them. The love that they have for their family and friends when in need, the service and help of any kind, the way they are willing to jump up and help, the hospitality and detailed hard work they put in to pleasing guests or the community, all these acts of service are nothing short of being Christ-like. It is faith in action; it is love and it is every day. I see it through my brothers here in Fiji. My brothers and the cultures of the Pacific have hearts of service and hearts that give. You can hear the giving of their hearts when they sing at Mass or at the social nights especially during karaoke night too. The brotherhood teaches daily to give back and to value contribution in ways fit to our gifts and person. It also reminds us keep Christ in the centre of our lives for when Christ is the source of our giving, we will inevitably give life to others and on this Christian journey, that’s what it is all about!
Daniel Estrada sscc
01/04/2021