8th Day of Simbang Gabi December 23, 2014

Nick Vujicic was born without four limbs. As a child, he struggled mentally and emotionally as well as physically, but eventually came to terms with his disability and at the age of seventeen, started his own non-profit organization, Life Without Limbs. In 2005, Vujicic was nominated for the Young Australian of the Year Award. My dear friends, I think it was very difficult for Nick’s parents to see him in his situation. But I appreciate their courage to let Nick live despite his physical disability. Nick’s story is a living testament that we cannot judge a child’s future until we see him/her grow. In our Gospel, Luke 1: 57-66, it is mentioned that people who heard about the birth of John the Baptist asked, “What then will this child be?” This question should be asked not only about John but also about every child in this world. It means that people recognize in each child the capacity or potential in the process of “becoming”. It also means that parents, by asking such question, are becoming aware of their role in the life of the child. If they shall not teach their child the ways of God, the devil shall make the child learn its evil ways. Moreover, it means that the child should know what to do with his/her life and do not blame his/her parents for his/her misfortunes. Amen.