Daily Scripture Reading (Saturday - August 18, 2012)

"Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them"




Scripture: Matthew 19:13-15

Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people; but Jesus said, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." And he laid his hands on them and went away.



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Maundy Thursday - Lenten Reflections and Gospel (Video)

Soup supper, foot or hand washing, Holy Communion and the clearing of the Altar, all to remember Jesus' last night with his disciples and its meaning for us. Holy Thursday formally concludes the Lenten season. On this night we enter into the three days that are the center of our liturgical year, and indeed of the Christian faith. The Scripture readings root us deeply in our Jewish past. celebrating the Passover.









Maundy Thursday Gospel from John 13: 1 - 15

It was before the feast of the Passover. Jesus realized that his hour had come to pass from this world to the Father, and as he had loved those who were his own in the world, he would love them with perfect love.

They were at supper and the devil had already put into the mind of Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, to betray. Jesus knew that the Father had entrusted all things to him, and as he had come from God, he was going to God. So he got up from table, removed his garment and taking a towel, wrapped it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel he was wearing.

When he came to Simon Peter, Simon said to him, “Why, Lord, you want to wash my feet!” Jesus said, “What I am doing you cannot understand now, but afterwards you will understand it.” Peter replied, “You shall never wash my feet.”

Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you can have no part with me.” Then Simon Peter said, “Lord, wash not only my feet, but also my hands and my head!”

Jesus replied, “Whoever has taken a bath does not need to wash (except the feet), for he is clean all over. You are clean, though not all of you.” Jesus knew who was to betray him; be¬cause of this he said, “Not all of you are clean.”

When Jesus had finished washing their feet, he put on his garment again, went back to the table and said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Master and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I, then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, you also must wash one another’s feet. I have just given you an example that as I have done, you also may do.”

Watch this Holy Thursday Reflection video courtesy of YouTube uploaded by saltandlighttv.

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Wednesday in Holy Week - Gospel

The Betrayal by Judas.


Gospel Mt 26:14-25

One of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, "What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?" They paid him thirty pieces of silver, and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand him over.



On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples approached Jesus and said, "Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?" He said, "Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, 'The teacher says, AMy appointed time draws near; in your house I shall celebrate the Passover with my disciples."'" The disciples then did as Jesus had ordered, and prepared the Passover.

When it was evening, he reclined at table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said, "Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me." Deeply distressed at this, they began to say to him one after another, "Surely it is not I, Lord?" He said in reply, "He who has dipped his hand into the dish with me is the one who will betray me. The Son of Man indeed goes, as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born." Then Judas, his betrayer, said in reply, "Surely it is not I, Rabbi?" He answered, "You have said so."

Reflections:

The love of money indeed is the root of all evil. Money made people change and money made people lose their minds. Judas was able to betrayed Jesus for just thirty pieces of silver - again because of his greed for money that made him betray Jesus.

We must not allow the devil to take over through the flesh. We must not allow the devil to get a foothold to our soul because of money. We must not allow the devil to dwell int our hearts because of money thereby influence our thinking, our actions and our speech. My friend, there's still enough time for you to get back closer to God! We should prepare the way for Jesus in our hearts and repent of our sins.



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Liturgical Calendar for Lent 2012

Lent in the Christian tradition, is a forty-day period of the liturgical year from Ash Wednesday to a day before Easter. We skip Sundays when we count the forty days, because Sundays commemorate the Resurrection. Lent begins on February 22, 2012 (Ash Wednesday) and ends on April 7, 2012 (Holy Saturday), which is the day before Easter.







Lent originated in the very earliest days of the Church as a preparatory time for Easter through soul-searching and repentance. By observing the forty days of Lent, the individual Christian imitates Jesus’ withdrawal into the wilderness for forty days.

Here's the Liturgical Calendar for Lent 2012:

- Ash Wednesday (Wednesday, February 22, 2012)

- First Sunday of Lent (Sunday, February 26, 2012)

- Second Sunday of Lent (Sunday, March 4, 2012)

- Third Sunday of Lent (Sunday, March 11, 2012)

- Feast of Saint Patrick (Saturday, March 17, 2012)

- Fourth Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday) (Sunday, March 18, 2012)

- Feast of Saint Joseph (Monday, March 19, 2012)

- The Annunciation of the Lord (Monday, March 26, 2012; transferred from Sunday, - March 25, 2012)

- Fifth Sunday of Lent (Passion Sunday) (Sunday, March 25, 2012)

- Palm Sunday (Sunday, April 1, 2012)

- Holy Thursday (Thursday, April 5, 2012)

- Good Friday (Friday, April 6, 2012)

- Holy Saturday (Saturday, April 7, 2012)

- Easter (Sunday, April 8, 2012)



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Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo - (December 16 ~ 24)

Tomorrow, December 16, marks the start of Simbang Gabi or popularly known as Misa de Gallo, that’s 9th day before Christmas.







Misa de Gallo is the Spanish phrase for Midnight mass, more literally translated as "Rooster's Mass". This novena of Masses is the most important Filipino Christmas tradition. It is the blending Christian tradition with the harvest thanksgiving of the ancient Filipinos. This is also one of the longest and most popular traditions in the country.

Traditionally, the Simbang Gabi begins as early as 4 o'clock in the morning as the first cockcrows heard and the bells of the Roman Catholic churches ring so loud enough to awaken the parishioners. It is a customary belief during the olden times that a rooster, noted for its early morning crow, would be the first to witness the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas day.

Going to Mass this early for nine consecutive days is meant to show the devotion and faith to God. Songs of the season are played everywhere to warm the hearts of the churchgoers. Usually, during the first day mass, there is a re-enactment showing the effort of Joseph and Mary to find a suitable birthplace for Jesus.

After hearing Mass, the parishioners headed off to the native delicacies stand where vendors sell popular Philippine traditional foods such as bibingka, puto bumbong, tsokolate, salabat.

Therefore, it is truly evidence that the changing of times with the advent of new technologies does not break the preservation of the century-old tradition - Misa de Gallo. It has become one of the most accepted traditions particularly to children in the country.

It is the time where we mostly feel the presence of the Lord because it is the spiritual preparation for the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. It does not matter whether you completed the 9-day novena or not, what really matters is what’s inside your heart and the character of the person who receives the Lord’s blessing.

Meery Christmas to all!!

Video credit: pavlovspielt/YouTube




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October: Month of the Holy Rosary (Video)

October is the month that we dedicated to the Holy Rosary, one of the best known of all Catholic devotions. The Rosary is Christocentric setting forth the entire life of Jesus Christ, the passion, death, resurrection and glory. Of course, the Rosary honors and contemplates Mary too.







Since novenas to the Blessed Virgin Mary are popular during this month, you will probably see more people praying the Rosary in the church. October includes the liturgical feasts of St. Thérèse (October 1), St. Francis of Assisi (October 4), Our Lady of the Rosary (October 7), St. Teresa of Jesus (October 15), St. Ignatius of Antioch (October 17), St. Luke (October 18), St. Isaac Jogues, St. John de Brébeuf and Companions (October 19), St. Anthony Mary Claret (October 24) and Sts. Simon and Jude (October 28). The best way to celebrate the month is, of course, to pray the rosary, but these additional prayers can be incorporated into our daily prayers.

(Reference: www.catholicculture.org and www.catholicism.about.com)

Watch the music video "Awit sa Ina ( Song for Mama Mary)" that won the 2002 Best CMMA MTV award courtesy of eteotico published in YouTube on Jul 24, 2011. This is the song composer's interpretation of what happens when we pray the Rosary. The song was by Jamie Rivera (Miss Saigon) from an original composition by his brother Jun Cruz. Please be inspired!




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September 8: The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Feast)

Mother Mary's Memoire:

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help or sought your intercession, was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer me. Amen.




HOLY GOSPEL (Matthew 1:1-16.18-23)

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham became the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar. Perez became the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab. Amminadab became the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab. Boaz became the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth. Obed became the father of Jesse, Jesse the father of David the king. David became the father of Solomon, whose mother had been the wife of Uriah. Solomon became the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asaph. Asaph became the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, Joram the father of Uzziah. Uzziah became the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah. Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amos, Amos the father of Josiah. Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothers at the time of the Babylonian exile. After the Babylonian exile, Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, Zerubbabel the father of Abiud. Abiud became the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, Azor the father of Zadok. Zadok became the father of Achim, Achim the father of Eliud, Eliud the father of Eleazar. Eleazar became the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Messiah. Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.”



Watch the video courtesy of m092368 uploaded in Youtube on Sep 7, 2010

John Paul II (Karol Wojtyła 1920-2005) - The Impossible Dream (Video)

Starting tomorrow, May 1, 2011, the late Pope John Paul II will be referred to in the Catholic Church as Blessed John Paul II. I expect millions to attend the beatification ceremonies in St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.

For me, he is the man of great charisma and considered as one of the most influential leaders of the twentieth century. I really admire his teachings that even some of the non-Catholics accepted it.










Here's the video courtesy of YouTube uploaded by johnklass

End of the Sabbath: Are you prepared to meet the Risen Lord? (Video)

Are you prepared to meet the Risen Lord? Read and Watch the Gospel of Matthew.














Matthew 28

Watch this video courtesy of YouTube uploaded by Alleluia7

(Matthew 28:1) In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.

(Matthew 28:2) And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

(Matthew 28:3) His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:

(Matthew 28:4) And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.

(Matthew 28:5) And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

(Matthew 28:6) He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

(Matthew 28:7) And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

(Matthew 28:8) And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.

(Matthew 28:9) And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.

(Matthew 28:10) Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

(Matthew 28:11) Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.

(Matthew 28:12) And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,

(Matthew 28:13) Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.

(Matthew 28:14) And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.

(Matthew 28:15) So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

(Matthew 28:16) Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.

(Matthew 28:17) And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

(Matthew 28:18) And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

(Matthew 28:19) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

(Matthew 28:20) Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Maundy Thursday - Lenten Reflections and Gospel (Video)

photo by saltandlighttv.com

Soup supper, foot or hand washing, Holy Communion and the clearing of the Altar, all to remember Jesus' last night with his disciples and its meaning for us. Holy Thursday formally concludes the Lenten season. On this night we enter into the three days that are the center of our liturgical year, and indeed of the Christian faith. The Scripture readings root us deeply in our Jewish past. celebrating the Passover...READ MORE<<

Maundy Thursday Gospel from John 13: 1 - 15

1 Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.
2 And during supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him,
3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God,
4 rose from supper, laid aside his garments, and girded himself with a towel.
5 Then he poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which he was girded.
6 He came to Simon Peter; and Peter said to him, "Lord, do you wash my feet?"
7 Jesus answered him, "What I am doing you do not know now, but afterward you will understand."
8 Peter said to him, "You shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered him, "If I do not wash you, you have no part in me."
9 Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!"
10 Jesus said to him, "He who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but he is clean all over; and you are clean, but not every one of you."
11 For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, "You are not all clean."
12 When he had washed their feet, and taken his garments, and resumed his place, he said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you?
13 You call me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am.
14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.
15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.

Watch this Holy Thursday Reflection video courtesy of YouTube uploaded by saltandlighttv.

Wednesday in Holy Week - Gospel

The Betrayal by Judas.

Matthew 26: 14 - 25


14 Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests
15 and said, "What will you give me if I deliver him to you?" And they paid him thirty pieces of silver.
16 And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him.
17 Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Where will you have us prepare for you to eat the passover?"
18 He said, "Go into the city to a certain one, and say to him, `The Teacher says, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at your house with my disciples.'"
19 And the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the passover.
20 When it was evening, he sat at table with the twelve disciples;
21 and as they were eating, he said, "Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me."
22 And they were very sorrowful, and began to say to him one after another, "Is it I, Lord?"
23 He answered, "He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me, will betray me.
24 The Son of man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born."
25 Judas, who betrayed him, said, "Is it I, Master?" He said to him, "You have said so."

Reflections:

The love of money indeed is the root of all evil. Money made people change and money made people lose their minds. Judas was able to betrayed Jesus for just thirty pieces of silver - again because of his greed for money that made him betray Jesus.

We must not allow the devil to take over through the flesh. We must not allow the devil to get a foothold to our soul because of money. We must not allow the devil to dwell int our hearts because of money thereby influence our thinking, our actions and our speech. My friend, there's still enough time for you to get back closer to God! We should prepare the way for Jesus in our hearts and repent of our sins.

Tuesday in Holy Week Gospel

Holy Tuesday (Martes Santo and also known as Great Tuesday) focuses on Jesus Christ’s commandment for mankind “to love one another.”

John 13: 21 - 33, 36 - 38

21 When Jesus had thus spoken, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, "Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me."
22 The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke.
23 One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was lying close to the breast of Jesus;
24 so Simon Peter beckoned to him and said, "Tell us who it is of whom he speaks."
25 So lying thus, close to the breast of Jesus, he said to him, "Lord, who is it?"
26 Jesus answered, "It is he to whom I shall give this morsel when I have dipped it." So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot.
27 Then after the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, "What you are going to do, do quickly."
28 Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him.
29 Some thought that, because Judas had the money box, Jesus was telling him, "Buy what we need for the feast"; or, that he should give something to the poor.
30 So, after receiving the morsel, he immediately went out; and it was night.
31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now is the Son of man glorified, and in him God is glorified;
32 if God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once.
33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, `Where I am going you cannot come.'
36 Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus answered, "Where I am going you cannot follow me now; but you shall follow afterward."
37 Peter said to him, "Lord, why cannot I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you."
38 Jesus answered, "Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the cock will not crow, till you have denied me three times.

- - - -
"When you walk in the dark night and in the emptiness of spiritual poverty, you will think that everyone and everything is failing you - including God. But nothing is failing you." - St. John of the Cross.

Watch this video courtesy of YouTube uploaded by mhcaillesrn

Recommended Website to visit for this Holy Week

I will be sharing to you one of the best websites to visit during this Holy Week. This site is hosted by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and there's a lot of catechesis on Lent videos and articles can be found.

This year, they introduced the 'Pasyon' online version and you can listen all 21 audio chapters for free. CBCP said that this effort is for those Filipinos working in countries, where there is no church, or those working in sea and have no way of going home this Holy Week.

Just visit this website: visitaiglesia.net and browse your favorite Lent resources.

Palm Sunday - God's Way (Video)

I'll be sharing to you a very nice presentation of "Palm Sunday - God's Way" created by HyperPixelsMedia.


Palm Sunday marks the start of Holy Week and most Filipino Catholics values this old tradition so much.







Watch this video courtesy of YouTube uploaded by HyperPixelsMedia

A Lenten Video Reflection: Jesus Christ You Are My Life

Our belief in Christ is our belief in the resurrection, and it is through our belief in the Holy Eucharist that our belief in Christ is confirmed.

This video is a reminder how Jesus love me and all His people. Thank you dear Jesus for the sacrifice and for saving the world.

I love Jesus Christ with all my heart!

Watch this video. CLICK HERE<<

Our Lady of Akita: Pray for Japan! (Our Lady of Akita Video)

Our Lady of Akita, we beseech your intercession with God for the people of Japan in their travail. Save them from Nuclear Disaster. We also ask your prayers to aid the spreading of your message around the globe, and to ask your Son to show mercy on us sinners.

Eternal Father we remember today the people of Japan in their time of suffering. Receive those whom have passed away, strengthen those who have been left behind. May your love continue to pour out on this nation, may they feel your presence during this devastating time. May we be sensitive to their needs and assist in a way that we can through prayer and sacrifice. We pray this in Jesus name. Amen.

Liturgical Calendar for Lent 2011

photo courtesy of bluepanjeet.net

Lent in the Christian tradition, is a forty-day period of the liturgical year from Ash Wednesday to a day before Easter. We skip Sundays when we count the forty days, because Sundays commemorate the Resurrection. Lent begins on 9 March 2011 (Ash Wednesday) and ends on 23 April 2011 (Holy Saturday), which is the day before Easter.

Lent originated in the very earliest days of the Church as a preparatory time for Easter through soul-searching and repentance. By observing the forty days of Lent, the individual Christian imitates Jesus’ withdrawal into the wilderness for forty days.

Here's the Liturgical Calendar for Lent 2011:

- Ash Wednesday (Wednesday, March 9, 2011)

- First Sunday of Lent (Sunday, March 13, 2011)

- Feast of Saint Patrick (Thursday, March 17, 2011)

- Feast of Saint Joseph (Saturday, March 19, 2011)

- Second Sunday of Lent (Sunday, March 20, 2011)

- The Annunciation of the Lord (Friday, March 25, 2011)

- Third Sunday of Lent (Sunday, March 27, 2011)

- Fourth Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday) (Sunday, April 3, 2011)

- Fifth Sunday of Lent (Passion Sunday) (Sunday, April 10, 2011)

- Palm Sunday (Sunday, April 17, 2011)

- Holy Thursday (Thursday, April 21, 2011)

- Good Friday (Friday, April 22, 2011)

- Holy Saturday (Saturday, April 23, 2011)

- Easter (Sunday, April 24, 2011

Ash Wednesday: We Are But Dust And To Dust We Shall Return

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Season of Lent. This Wednesday, March 9, our foreheads will be marked with ashes as we are reminded that we are but dust and to dust we shall return. It is a season of penance, reflection, and fasting which prepares us for Christ's Resurrection on Easter Sunday, through which we attain redemption.

The ashes are made from the blessed palms used in the Palm Sunday celebration of the previous year. Then these were christened with Holy Water and are scented by exposure to incense. While the ashes symbolize penance and contrition, they are also a reminder that God is gracious and merciful to those who call on Him with repentant hearts. His Divine mercy is of utmost importance during the season of Lent, and the Church calls on us to seek that mercy during the entire Lenten season with reflection, prayer and penance.

According to Wikipedia, Ash Wednesday occurs 46 days (40 days not counting Sundays) before Easter. It is a moveable fast, falling on a different date each year because it is dependent on the date of Easter. It can occur as early as February 4 (February 5 on leap years) or as late as March 10.

Misa de Gallo - (December 16~24)

Tomorrow, December 16, mark the start of Misa de Gallo, that’s 9th day before Christmas.

Misa de Gallo is the Spanish phrase for Midnight mass, more literally translated as "Rooster's Mass". This novena of Masses is the most important Filipino Christmas tradition. It is the blending Christian tradition with the harvest thanksgiving of the ancient Filipinos. This is also one of the longest and most popular among the Filipino traditions in the country.

Traditionally, the Simbang Gabi begins as early as 4 o'clock in the morning as the first cockcrows heard and the bells of the Roman Catholic churches ring so loud enough to awaken parishioners. It is a customary belief during olden times that a rooster, noted for its early morning crow, would be the first to witness the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas day.

Going to Mass this early for nine consecutive days is meant to show the devotion and faith to God. Songs of the season are played everywhere to warm the hearts of the churchgoers. Usually, during the first day mass, there is a re-enactment showing the effort of Joseph and Mary to find a suitable birthplace.

One of the customs related to the Philippine Misa de Gallo is completing the nine days culminating with the Misa de Gallo is equal to a wish come true, and many Filipinos believe this centuries-old promise to this day.

After hearing Mass, the parishioners including myself headed off to the native delicacies stand where vendors sell popular Philippine traditional foods such as bibingka, puto bumbong, tsokolate, salabat.

Therefore, it is truly evidence that the changing of times with the advent of new technologies does not break the preservation of the century-old tradition - Misa de Gallo. It has become one of the most accepted traditions particularly to children in the country. No questions about that. It is the time where we mostly feel the presence of the Lord because it is the spiritual preparation for the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. It does not matter whether you complete the 9-day novena or not, what really matters is what’s inside your heart and the character of the person who receives the Lord’s blessing.

Daily Snacks for the Soul: Who is the Better...Charice Pempengco or Mariah Carey?

One afternoon, after lunch, while sprawled across our abaca-made mat, my ears picked up the slow humming of Barbara Streisand over the battery-operated AM radio as she began to sing, “The Way We Were”. Then my heart began to skip a beat as the aftertaste of her music made me feel strange. It’s hard to put it in word. Longing. Nostalgia. Sadness. (But in a nice way.) The funny thing was, I hadn’t lost a love one.

Read more: http://dailysnacksforthesoul.blogspot.com/2010/11/who-is-bettercharice-pempengco-or.html