The Holidays

Here in the Philippines, it has been a tradition that Filipinos go to church for nine days, as early as 4 A.M., before Christmas. This is called the Simbang Gabi or Dawn Masses.

This yearly endeavor has one purpose: the 9 masses are offered to God because He has given us the most wonderful gift we could ever receive - Jesus.

It is not easy to wake up early in the morning just to go to mass. Think about going to school or to work; takes all effort to get our butts out of bed.

But what is keeping the Filipinos from not making to these Dawn Masses? Is it their faith? Maybe. Is it the hope for a better Philippines? Maybe. Or is it because we think that if we complete the 9 masses, any wish we make will come true? More likely than not.

I think that the idea of doing thees has been distorted. Originally, this is to be offered to God. These would be like flowers given to our Father; for Him, it would really smell good this sacrifice of ours. But no! There are some people who don't do it for God, but for themselves. They think that if they show God that they are suffering (waking up early even though they only had 3, 4, or 5 hours of sleep) rather than sacrificing, they would win the favor of God and grant them their wishes.

I know that there are some people who are not like this. But for those who are, I'm a member of the club. But not anymore.

Two or three mornings ago, a priest, in his homily, taught me the REAL purpose of these endeavor. His mother was dying but he prayed to God that he will offer the masses to Him with the hopes that his mother will not die on the Christmas season. January or February, maybe. It was granted.

That's not all. He was completely blessed because of what he did. His sister returned to being a Christian. And his head priest gave him a new car!

Lesson learned: complete the 9 masses and your wishes will come true. NAW! Ha, ha, ha! These 9 masses should be offered to God together with our hearts, pure and full of humility, so that He will still continue blessing us not only for the holidays or for the next year but for our entire life.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!