Matangtubig Experience

Note: My reflection on our half day exposure to Barrio Matangtubig in Quezon City as our output in our discussion about CHURCH in our Catechism Class (This will be publish at Tambuli Newsletter - a newsletter of the Daughters of Sacred Heart - Philippine Region) 

 What is Church?
 This is the main question that we should ask during our stay in Matangtubig Community. It's a wonderful experience asking the people about their opinion regarding church. I had with me Tavite as my partner in that activity and with Ate in our side guiding us in our interview. We focus our attention to the fathers in the community. During my convervation and trying to see the depth meaning of church I am amazed with their answer. Church is Jesus, Church is healer, Church as a Teacher, Church as the provider. This are answers that based from their own experiences of healing, teaching and providing food. Church is Jesus that is show by the people surround us. Church is always in our side in our daily household chores, in our way of living. Church works, church loves us – This is according to the group of mothers that we asked. Church is somehow a reationship. If we are regularly visiting our church, the relationship will become intimate and we can't recognize the church if were not use to visit or have time to talk and pray. Church for me is a church were we understand one another. A laughter that is genuine. A group of people who binds together eventhough there is a differences but we are bind because of the church, helping one another with the common good. Church is a church of the poor and I need to inculcate how the poor should gave an utmost care and love. Matangtubig experience is an experience that will remain whenever the life I will face afterwards. Reggie O. Cruz Seminarian