THE DEFINING MOMENT OF MY LIFE

THE DEFINING MOMENT

OF MY LIFE

Br. Zaldy Norba, SSS

For our next award in the Theology Department. The second dean’s lister award goes to…Zaldy B. Norba. Was I dreaming? Is this true I asked my classmate Dominic, who is my neighbor that time during the graduation ceremony? He said, yes, classmate, you made it! You are the second dean’s lister awardee. I thought I was only dreaming that time. It surprised me to hear my name being called by the dean of the Theology Department, Rev. Fr. Joel Jason. Walking along the aisle of San Carlos Seminary Chapel, I felt so proud of how God made a difference in my life. I was full of joy! I was so overwhelmed that despite the joy I wanted to cry because I wish my parents were there to witness this moment, this defining moment in my life.

Indeed, that was a defining moment in my life because God has made me realize His unconditional love. God was victorious during that day. He lifted up the lowly. I felt that I was like the Virgin Mary who wanted to sing the Magnificat because of the joy that I can not contain in my heart. Yet, I know on the other hand that this victory, this unconditionallove is more than this award, is more than this piece of paper. This love motivated me to be patient with myself in studying my lessons.

This love encouraged me to believe in God that no matter what happens He is there for me in all cases and circumstances of life. More than these experiences, I have realized that this love is a total submission to the will of God. I remember that before my comprehensive oral and written examinations, I went to the convent of Pink Sisters, to the convent of Carmelite Sisters asking them to pray for me and my panelists. Not only that, I went to Baclaran Church and to Quiapo Church to pray and ask God for the same favors. And God made His way. Indeed, He will make a way when there seems to be no way. Now, here is God giving me the fruits of my prayer, not because I deserve the award but simply because He loves me. This is the moment! This is the moment that God has given me this gift, this award of being second in the dean’s list. This moment is actually God’s moment, the moment of revealing His love for me. To God be the glory, Forever.