Friday, December 12, 2014.

The athmosphere of the OASIS, was like some days before. It was cold and misty for the sun was still hiding somewhere. The temperature outside was around 7- 8⁰C but it became colder because of the wind. However, all the participants of the OASIS seem to be warm because of the spirit that was moving inside.

We began our day sharp at 07.45 by morning prayer led by Bro. Emmanuel from Malawi. In conection with our pilgrimage to the historical places of our founders we did yesterday, he reminded us that we are also sent two by two, just as our founders. Despite of their differences, they worked together as a fulfillment of what Jesus did when he sent his disciples. Two by two, we are also sent by Jesus to build a better community in our world today.

The morning session was a retrospection on the pilgrimage, led by Br. Johan Muijtens. After short introduction, we were asked to go into two groups, Bahasa speaking dan English speaking, to be connected again to our pilgrimage by watching a “congregational” film. We have already watched that film on Wednesday evening before pilgrimage. Yet, we felt something different when we do it after the pilgrimage. While following the life story and struggle of our founders, I felt that the connection with them grow stronger. It triggered some inspirations as if our founders spoke and gave a personal message to me.

This is the personal message I got from our founders: TO BE GOOD AND TO DO GOOD AND NEVER TO LOSE SIGHT OF THE POOR”

For the second session, Br. Johan invited us to reflect on “God’s Dream for Me”. He gave us very interesting presentation that help us to be aware of God’s love which is unconditional that sometime we have just taken for granted. As a result,  in the encounter of my daily life, it easy for me to became bitter, or unforgiving, or feeling a victim when the bad thing happened. It is difficult for me to submit myself in God’s love although he has a very special dream to me. Br. Johan explained that God’s primary dream is about what kind of a person I become, the kind of relationship  I have with Him. He wants my happiness in being loving, kind,  courageous,  honest, living with integrity. And this is the reason why God always work  for good for those who love Him (cfr. Rom 8:28). That’s just like an invitation from God I need to respond,because that dream would never happened, otherwise.

As the beginning of afternoon session, we were given some questions for personal reflection.  By these questions, I was invited to be aware of my gifts and challenges that I have received from my family, tradition, life-situation, including from my membership of the Congregation. And what  interenting was, I also invited to discover the message of my limitations and the challenges I now meet. It was very interesting to reflect on that. The fruit of our reflections will be a sharing matter in a contemplative dialogue group.

This is my personal impression after sharing:

“Through contemplative dialogue, I am helped to listen attentively to the sharing of my fellow brothers. This kind of dialogue that we do several time during the OASIS gives me some new insight that emerge from the sharing of the brothers. This dialogue creates a grateful feeling in my heart that bring about courage to share what I have despite my limitation in expressing myself in English. I do belief that the universal language, that is love, will overcome my limitation and make us become more and more united. I am aware that I am loved by my brothers, friends, colleagues, and family. And all that I have come from GOD for he is LOVE.”

I am grateful for today’s experiences. And before we concluded the day, two brothers from Malawi took us to Malawi. They gave us a wonderful experience of Malawi by showing the beautiful sight of Malawi, their traditional costume and music, also dancing and singing. They also provided a special corn snack dan groundnut to be enjoyed by all the “visitors”. They also gave us some special gifts from Malawi, for example the “Nali”, that is special hot chili pepper sauce, National Flag for each provinces, and also keyholder. Two tumbs up for the two Malawian brothers who really became a good representation of their country and definitely of FIC.

By. Bro. Leo. paryoto