Today, I thought I'll be having just the usual rainy day bum mode. However, an FB post and a text message reminded me to attend mass since it is the first Friday of the month. It will then be followed by the Alliance of Two Hearts. I don't even remember when the last time I attended the first Friday mass nor had I ever had a novena at the church. Oh well, I didn't bother much nor did I really commit myself to go because the usual temptation of not going together with all its possible reasons just keeps on knocking at my door telling me that it's still raining hard. Lol. But at the back of my mind, I thought I'll try and see if I can still make it since it is already 5:30 pm.
True enough, I was late. I arrived during the priest's homily. And now while I try to recall what it was about, such a shame I can't seem to remember. Hmmm.. Bad Cheetah! So much for attending mass. After the mass, I saw some SFC friends most are my upper household sisters. We witnessed the priest exposing the Blessed Sacrament. Then after a while, we joined Ate Pops as she led the novena. Although we are always invited, it was my first time to attend the first Friday mass at St. Michael's Cathedral.
Later on, I was made aware that there was also an ongoing confession that was simultaneously done. So I took it as an opportunity to ask forgiveness. The priest told me three things that I need to remember: 1) Think Good 2) Think God 3) Pray and the ask intercession of Mama Mary. Think good to drive out the negativity that makes me weak. The cross, as it is shaped, is a constant reminder that we should think positively. It is Jesus on the cross and we should think of Him. When we think of Him, we are guided so we will never neglect or put Him aside. And if we do, the evil one is just waiting and he will do everything in his power to tear us apart then we easily fall to his trap whatever it may be. Pray! But even as we pray, we can still sin. Therefore, we should ask for Mama Mary's intercession and follow her example how she lived her life. So, we too can be an example to others.
Those and one thing more got stuck in my head during the novena and that is "Waiting is loving". Really? To wait is to love. Hmmm... I remember my print shirt that reads "Real love waits". Oh right! It is not easy to wait and just be patient. It is never easy at all. Nor is it easy to love because love entails hurt. They say "you have never loved if you were never hurt" - just like Christ suffering and hurting because He loved us so. It's like the buy 1 take 1 burger we see on the streets. Although, we could just wish it was just as easy as having a burger! But it doesn't work like that.
I was really sad earlier which maybe the reason I am not able to remember the homily. I can't focus on listening because I just learned that my close friend and his long term boyfriend broke up. Somehow it kept on haunting my thoughts that moment. I thought of the years, all the memories, and everything else they had. It breaks my heart to hear what happened and it is a sad reality that some things really never work out. Whatever the differences we have or the circumstances we face, our life is a result of how we live it. It is shaped by our personality and the choices we make. It is important to discern well what we say, do and not do because we cannot turn back time. Time is too precious to waste. One cannot afford to dwell regretting on what happened in the past because before we know it our time might be up. Thus, it is essential to reflect on the purpose of this life because life only happens once.
"I pray that you may be blessed more than you deserve, be strengthened in your weakest moments and protected from evil at all times. May you live in the light and love of God our Father that in his mercy and grace, grant the desires of your heart according to His will in his perfect time. May you please Him in all you say, think and do, that you may love Him with all of your heart, mind, and soul, every bit of your being. In Jesus name. Amen."
It was all worth it. I am glad to be reminded as often as I needed to be. God never fails to remind me. He never fails to show His undying, unconditional love every day of my life.
Praise be to God forever!!! ;p
P.S.
Thank you for the wonderful fellowship over dinner my dear sisters, Ate Pops, sis Jinky, Lalaine, Abby, Grace and brothers Junjie, Maxi. Abby, we continue to pray for you. Smile God is Great!
