SERVING OTHER SELFLESSLY

Homeroom Guidance Period

January 15, 2013

Objectives: At the end of the period, the students should be able to: 1. become aware of their attitude towards others; 2. recognize the talents they are blessed with; 3. realize that serving others unselfishly is the greatest thing one can do.

ENERGIZER:

--The class will be divided into two. --Each group should have a representative to act out the names of people for their group to guess. --The words that you will guess are all related. --After the game, you will relate all the words that you have guessed. The person who will, will be able to garner additional 1pt. for her group.

Processing:

In a small village of Calcutta, there lived a wise old man named Barabas. He was well respected and admired by the villagers. One day a young man named Balabas asked if he would take him as a student. Barabas saw the determination in his eyes so he said yes.

Days turned into years, and Barabas shared to the young man all his stories, adventures, and all the lessons in life that he learned. Soon Balabas reaches his manhood while Barabas was surrendering to death. On his deathbed, the great teacher instructed Balabas to unselfishly share what he has.

When Barabas passed away the villagers turned to Balabas for guidance. He would help them out but only when they can give something in return. So Balabas received goods and gold and he was very pleased, for when he asked Barabas to take him in as a student, all he wanted was to gain fame and fortune.

One day, a young man came to him and asked if he could learn from the wise teacher. Balabas answered in an angry voice, I worked hard to get where I am now, and no one can take my place! Go and learn on your own! The following day while Balabas was enjoying a sumptuous meal an old man approached him and asked for a piece of bread.

Balabas answered, Oh you poor old man, how will you pay me? The old man replied I can only give you my gratitude. Go away! I dont need your gratitude, I have everything I need! Balabas shouted.

That night, Balabas had a dream. In his dream, he saw his teacher Barabas who seemed very sad. And so Balabas asked him, Teacher, why do you look so sad? Barabas answered, When I was thirsty for knowledge, you pushed me away. And when I was hungry you rebuked me. Surprised, Balabas asked, How can I quenched your thirst and satisfy your hunger? When did you come to me for help?

Barabas answered, I was the young man you pushed away and I was the old man you did not feed. Did I not teach you to serve others and not ask for anything in return? Have you forgotten what I taught you, that to serve others is a great thing one can do? It will lead you to greatness and will bring you true happiness more than the riches and wealth that you have accumulated.

Balabas was awaken from his nostalgia and finally came to his senses. He woke up from his dream and began to give out his fortune. He called all the children of the village and began to teach. He shared his food with the hungry and brought happiness to many people.

Guide Questions: a. How are the two characters different from each other? b. Whose character are you more in favor of? Why? c. What other stories from the Bible do you think is the same as this? d. What do those stories tell and what lessons can you get from them?

Answer the following questions in a paper.

1. What talents do you have? Have you shared these talents? 2. If not, what do you think are the factors that contribute to you not sharing these talents? 3. How has other people given you service? How did you feel about being served? 4. Have you served others as well? In what way? How did you feel about serving other people? 5. What do you think would you be willing to do now that you heard how being of service and help to others can make a difference and leave a mark on someone elses life?

Doing something in exchange for something is not service. Rather, service where you expect nothing in return are the truest and most genuine form of service, the kind of service that will not reap material gains but heavenly rewards.