A Journey of Faith into the Mission

Apr 16, 2015 | MOJ

My journey into this noble congregation, the Messengers of Justice, started three years ago on May 20, 2013. It was a “journey” of faith because I did not understand many things, initially, especially the teaching of our founder that we had to embrace suffering as collaborators in his mission. Since my natural disposition was to avoid suffering, I struggled to accept this counsel. However, my struggles and doubts gave way after listening to our founder’s teaching and sharing of his own life experiences. He spoke of how God called him to start a new religious congregation in the Church based upon a wondrous spirituality/charism.   
 
I found myself drawn to the spirituality rooted in the “suffering servant” prophecy of Isaiah 53:7-10 and in the writings of St. Paul in Philippians 2:6-11, where Christ “emptied himself” in obedience to His Father. Today, I have come to appreciate the teaching of our father founder and his strong faith in God, Who called him to establish a mission to serve and care for the poor and marginalized widows and orphans. As a member of this mission, my whole life is that of a servant. Each day, I make sure I am at the service of my masters (the widows and orphans) in union with the Spirit of the Suffering Servant of Yahweh.
 
One cannot understand or live fully the teaching of our spirituality unless it is put into action. Presently, I am the coordinator of the Compassionate Home School. Our children are between the ages of 2 and 14. When a sickness occurs among them, I do not sleep. On normal days, I monitor them, attend to their basic needs, and ensure they are feeling okay. I see myself as a mother with many children to care for each passing day!  We educate them academically and morally, with a view to also teach them practical agricultural skills.

Excursions are now possible with the arrival of the HEAL Mini Bus! Two weeks ago, I drove our children to the children’s park in Owerri for a picnic. For most, this was the first outing they ever made into the city.  One student said:
I am thankful for this experience of nature and the city where many things can be learned. I also thank our father founder who, in his infinite care, provides us with good things such as the new bus, which facilitated this journey.   —Peter Elohor (JSS 3)
I am most fulfilled living and serving as a caring mother to these children.  St. Paul writes in Romans 8 that nothing will separate us from the love of God.  So, nothing will separate me from the spirituality and charism of this mission, which is the “water and blood” flowing from the wellspring of Divine Compassion, pierced with the lance! My life is in union with the Suffering Servant, the Good Shepherd, who calls us to use our talents to cast the fire of Divine compassion upon the earth!
 

In Mary, Our Mother Enabler,

Sr. Ann Okweji, MOJ

Home School Coordinator