I’m so excited with the Pope’s visit next year, Father!” Julian said.
“Who isn’t?” Father James remarked.
“But I’m wondering what I can do in such a short visit besides praying, offering sacrifices for him and helping others to prepare likewise?”
“What about some sort of a fund campaign,” the priest suggested.
“Fund campaign? But I don’t think students can really raise much since his visit is just around the corner and…”
“Look, that really doesn’t matter,” the priest reminded him. “What’s more important is why you’re raising funds.”
“…and with exams coming up soon and other projects, I don’t think we have either time or resources to do something…,” Julian continued.
“Why so pessimistic?” Father James asked.
“I’m only being realistic, Father,” he explained.
“Okay, but let’s just say you won’t raise so much, but at least the intention behind it is more important.”
“True….”
“That’s it!” Father James snapped his fingers.
“What, Father?”
“Why not tweak the fund raising so that it will emphasize more on the intention for giving something for the Pope’s visit?”
“Huh?”
“We could even call it, Puso Bago Piso!”
“I don’t understand, Father,” Julian said.
“It’s easy for anyone to just drop in a coin or two for any given fund raising, right?”
“Yup, so what are you trying to say, Father?”
“Well, why not put a deeper incentive to the material donation?”
“Like what?”
“Before they can put in any amount or PISO in the donation box, they should first offer their heart or PUSO, in doing something good.”
“Wow! That’s something cool and original, Father,” Julian’s face brimmed with excitement.
“It’s only an idea, but I believe that this can somehow modify how people give donations or help. They don’t only give something material, but whatever they offer starts from their hearts with some good deed or sacrifice.”
“Can you give me more examples, Father,” Julian eagerly asked.
“For example, before dropping a PISO, one can first strive to be more attentive in a particularly boring class. This is done by taking down notes well, listening and of course trying not to doze off.”
“Hahaha! That sounds pretty much like me,” Julian said.
“It was just an example, Julian,” Father James winked at him.
“What if it isn’t so material like study or work,” Julian clarified.
“The same applies. Say… Smiling at or being cordial to someone we may find difficult to deal with. Offering our services over seeking our own comfort, and so on.”
“But what if someone puts in money without previously offering some good deed, Father?”
“That’s pretty much between the person and God. There’s no way of knowing what good he has offered. But I’m sure that this scheme will already make many of your classmates and colleagues to first
consider offering their hearts before giving any donation.”
“That is so true,” Julian agreed.
“Any other questions?”
“Oh, what about those who may not even have anything to give, Father?”
“That’s a good question, I really didn’t think about that!”
“Wait…!” Julian said.
“What?”
“I think I’ve got it. I just remembered the poor widow in the Gospel who gave even that which she needed. I guess she’s an example of people who give PUSO and PUSO.”
“That’s a very original way of looking at it,” Father James admired the boy’s answer.
“So Father, can you be the first one to give something?”
“Of course, but you have to wait till I find something to put my heart into first!”
“Let’s do it, Father!” Julian gave him a high-five.