'Shalom Bible'
By Aeran Kim
One of the things I experienced recently is participating in broadcasting, which I didn't plan or ever thought of doing at all.
Two days after my arrival from Rome, I received a proposal to participate in the project of a short English TV program on Catholic Peace Broadcasting. The producer responsible for this project looked for a nun who was good at Korean and English with some experience of living abroad.
It was a 5 minute and 40 seconds program in English. Regarding the title of the program, I consulted a sister who is an expert in the Bible, and she suggested, “Why not Shalom Bible?” The producer also agreed with that title.
In the beginning, I hesitated to be wholly involved in the project because I thought I was neither qualified nor perfect to present myself to the public. Then, I thought over the intention of this program. Finally, I decided to dedicate myself for the goodness of immigrants and children.
At the same time, it came to my mind that it would be a good chance to make my mother happy too. Who knows? It might be the last gift I could give her since she is 97 years old! The only TV station she watches every day is Peace Broadcasting. Even though she is not able to listen clearly, she enjoys watching it.
Thus, for one month in July, I went to Peace Broadcasting once a week. Each time I went, I prepared 6 series which took about 2 hours. All in all, I finished 27 Bible stories. It was a wonderful experience that broadened my vision to collaborate with lay people.
It is now broadcast every Tuesday and Wednesday at 7:40 am and Sunday at 4:40 pm at CPBC. With lovely and bright-colored animation, the biblical messages appeal to children and other viewers. I like the images of animation such as the sky, the rainbow, birds, clouds, trees, mountains, and others.
Inspiring Bible stories always touch and illuminate our hearts. Pope Francesco sincerely advised us to carry the small Bible always with us. Our Founder Fr. James Alberione also recommended we live to give the Gospels to the world, and this goal has become the Pauline mission. Without knowing the Bible, how can we live and give it to others? I think reading the Bible is the starting point of transforming the self into a new person.
In the last day of my new experiences at CPBC at Myeongdong, I planned to drop by the flower shops at Namdaemun market. I was in a hurry after work but I noticed that all the shops were closed already in the afternoon. So I was going back to the shop at Myeongdong. All of a sudden, I met a sister going home after work. As I expressed my intention to buy some lovely artificial flowers for my mother, she offered some beautiful roses in her office. I was so glad to have a bundle of perfumed roses made of soap in a handy container.
Providence comes like that. I walk back and forth to do my best to achieve my goal, but sometimes I am not able to arrive at the purpose by myself in spite of making sweaty efforts. Then, almost as a gift, I meet angel-like people along the way, who are willing to give a hand, inspire, brighten, and share. Our lives will be smiley and cheerful as long as such guardian angels exist around us.
The author is a member of the Daughters of St. Paul (Figlie di San Paolo) living and giving the Good News to the world by means of social communications. Learn more about the congregation at fsp.pauline.or.kr. Thank you!