Hari ini Selasa, 1 Maret, 2010

We had a very fruitful lunch with the Bishop Msgr. Vincentius Sutikno Wisaksono, Bapak Uskup Surabaya. One can feel a father's concern for his children whenever he talks with his priests. He reminds me of Christ who is the good shepherd always watching over his flock, not to meddle with their affairs but rather to guide them and offer genuine love and concern. I particularly like his sense of humor which goes beyond the boundaries of language and goes out in his facial expression and general aura. He is the kind of person whom you can drop all your social masks and present you plain self. I still remember the first time we met in the Philippines last January, it was in a most unexpected visit. Like the thief in the Gospel of whom nobody knows the day and the hour when he would come, the good bishop knocked at my door around 9am. I was still asleep because I usually take a short nap after breakfast. With disorganized hair, unwashed mouth and face, wearing an ordinary T-shirt which I got as a give away from one of our suppliers from our hardware and shorts, not even wearing any slipppers, I was scratching my eyes and remarked: "yes what can I do for you?". His companion priest introduced him as the bihop of Surabaya, and immediately I kissed his hand and opened a short conversation. As we were about to say our goodbyes, he asked me, if we could hug, and without hesitation I said ofcourse! Just imagine how embarassing my first meeting with the bishop was? And he was even the one who offered me a hug, a sign which gave a lasting impression on me. That first meeting signaled a good start, a blessing which would today inspire me to work for this diocese.