Canaya, Maricar CorinaLLB ISeptember 21, 2014

How are we living our lives ad majorem dei gloriam: how do we live, how do we serve, and how are we extending the luminous presence of God in the world?

What is a life worth living for without its purpose? What is a great life without living it greater? What have I done for the greater glory of our Creator? This may be the right question to ask for me in asking how am I living my life by the principle of ADMG.Oftentimes we associate great lives with material things, socioeconomic status and monetary values. We value more on tangible things, knowing that it will lose in a snap. But how about purpose? Do we live and act with purpose?In living our lives for the greater glory of God, we give ourselves wholly to Him. We find everything: our experience, our transitory things, our possessions and obligations and our journey, as our offering to God. But even if we live with purpose, we should live greater and less mediocrity. Whenever I hear AMDG, I always remember this person whom I met years ago names Sir Al. You would really think of him as a very friendly man. He likes to smile and make jokes to people. This man would make you feel comfortable even in your first contact. But what I liked about him is he exerts effort in everything: in learning, teaching, knowing people and being a better person. He is a very compassionate person, especially with the indigenous tribes, interreligious dialogue and the youth. Almost every month, he creates programs for his advocacies. What reminds me of ADMG in him is how his passion translates so much in everything that he does. Sir Al is never tired of going to depressed communities and tries to impart knowledge, whether in education, skills training or environment protection. At times, he would go to Lake Sebu or in other parts of South Cotabato just so he could conduct programs. He usually brings his students and other friends in his advocacies for them to see the other side of the world. And he makes sure that his younger companions can learn a lot from what he did, and they may re-echo this in their communities. I learned a lot from being with him in two months that we were together in a scholarship grant. His passion never calls for mediocrity; rather he does everything because he believes all his actions are his offering to God. Sir Al always thought once we give something so great, we receive something greater. And the feeling of serving, fulfilment and joy is his reward.When we love, serve and extend Gods luminous presence, we share it with other people. Our acts with ourselves and with others are great ways for us to spread Gods love and presence. I always believe in the maxim you are what you do. Our relations with others are reflections of who we are. If we find everything in Gods presence and we treat everything with just, care and significant, we live ourselves for the greater glory of God. Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam.

Thank you, Corine. [A-]