Wow, I can talk!

Posted on Friendster, Feb 2006

I was supposed to post this last Sunday (Feb 5) but did not find the time to do so. My mom, sister and I went to Church that day and a neat-looking respected lady caught my eye standing beside the commentator. I was wondering what her role would be. As the mass started, it dawned on me that she is interpreting every word from the priest and the commentator into sign language. Yes, sign language! Soon did I realize that the people seated beside us where deaf/mute and the prim and proper lady is actually their teacher. It seems that the mass was sponsored by an organization/school for the deaf/mute as they were seated in all corners of the church. During the mass, I was very attentive and curious, taking note of the hand gestures. I did remember several words with their corresponding interpretation because they were uttered and (hand) communicated repeatedly (e.g. family, sick, Jesus Christ, Amen). As the mass came to an end, I was on the verge of tears. I am thankful that I can talk ( and you know, I talk a LOT! ) I am grateful that I was given the gift of speech which I sometimes ignore but would rather use in activities that are not that good. I have hurt a bunch of people with my tactless comments and sharp words. Yes, you can say that again, ungracious speech. Gossiping? Teasing? Slandering?Cursing? Lying? Discouraging? The list will be endless. Unfortunately, we all have been guilty of those in one way or the other.

Moreover, I felt shame seeing these young deaf/mute teeners, vocally-challenged as they are, participating actively in the mass thru hand gestures, unmindful of people's quizzical looks on them. They knew their purpose why they were there.

Apart from the homily, I learned a valuable lesson.....To treasure our gifts and to use these gifts rightly. It's a tough act to follow but it's worth giving a try.

scb/021006r