God in Everyday Life

God in Everyday Life

by Sunhee Kim

Columban lay missionary from Korea

I recently began my new ministry in Our Lady of Remedies parish in Malate, Manila. Although I am familiar with this parish, having visited it on many occasions, it feels different now that it has become my area of mission. Now, I ask people how they’re doing when before I used to merely greet them casually, and take a closer look at the places I passed by which I never gave a second thought before. This is my first time to work in a Columban parish so I was looking forward to it. 

I went to the Adoration chapel not long after I arrived in Malate. For me, the Adoration chapel is a place to visit with a special purpose. Here, people would come as if it is part of their normal routine.

Parishioners in the Adoration Chapel of Malate Parish

In retrospect, I first learned what an Adoration chapel is as a middle school student in Korea when one was built in my parish. A notice of the dress code, and what kind of clothes should be avoided when visiting the Adoration chapel, was posted in the parish. There were strict visiting hours for security reasons. I was reminded repeatedly about the sanctity of this place and the proper etiquette to follow. That’s why the people I met that day at the Adoration chapel in Malate were quite a novelty to me, not only due to their familiarity, but also because of their casualty in appearance and manners.

They meet God in their own natural way during the course of their daily life regardless of social status, appearance and careers. They know as well as I do, that the Lord does not see our outer appearance but rather our inner selves. As simple and obvious as that may be, I often overlook it. Sometimes I am negligent in my prayer life under the excuse of being busy. I have learned, however, from observing the faith practices of the people I meet in my ministry that they can pray wherever they are by not separating the places for prayer and their daily life. With my viewpoints slowly changing through the various opportunities to learn and grow, I have become a little freer now and more flexible. I look forward to seeing what more awaits me in my new ministry. I believe it will be an inspiring and meaningful journey with good people. 

My Lord, open my heart, Amen.

Our Lady of Remedies Church, Malate, Manila