The priests of Cubao were in Cebu for an on-going formation. We talked about EQ [Emotional Qoutient]. Bukod daw sa pagbibigay halaga sa IQ kailangan ding bigyan halaga ang EQ. Living life to the full is not only about acquiring important knowledge but necessarily includes managing our emotions and feelings. Many of our relational problems are because we do not know how to manage [not control; not supress] our feelings.
One important ability that a person that manages intelligently one's emotions has is the capacity for initiative. Initiative is defined as the "readiness to act on opportunities." Because an emotionally intelligent person is in touch with one's emotions and understands them, at the same time is sensitive to the emotions of others and in one way or another tries to understand them, the person is able to recognize opportunities and act on them in ways that will bring good to oneself and to others. May pagkukusa - dahil nauunawaan ang sarili at ramdam ang pangangailangan ng iba, hindi na kailangang sabihan, o utusan, o pilitin, may pagkukusang tumulong, maglingkod, at piliin o gawin ang mabuti.
The story of Abraham offering refreshment and rest to three travellers out of his own initiative is a good example. Also the story of Martha and Mary is a story that can be looked at in the perspective of initiative. Jesus visited the house of Martha and Mary. Without saying any word Martha knew that Jesus was tired and needed to be waited on. Without saying any word Mary knew that Jesus needed somebody who would listen to him. Abraham felt the need of the three travellers and served them. Martha and Mary felt the needs of Jesus and offered a hand that served and an ear that listened.
Initiative requires a sensitive heart. Hindi po kayang magkusa ng isang taong manhid. Hindi po kayang magkusa ng isang taong walang pakialam. Paano ka magkukusang tumulong kung hindi mo nararamdaman o nakikita ng pangangailangan ng iba? Paano ka magkukusang maglingkod kung wala kang pakialam sa mga taong nakapaligid sa iyo.
Tulad ni Abraham, Marta at Maria, matuto nawa tayong magkusa sa pagtulong at paglilingkod sa kapwa dahil sabi ni Jesus, "Anuman ang iyong ginagawa sa iyong kapatid, ginawa mo sa akin."
