We All Lack Something Anyway

Judgement and intolerance aren't bad, nor they aren't good by themselves. Both are just mere actions and reactions. The targeted subject is what makes it either right or wrong. Since it's the Easter week, I am sharing my thoughts about tolerance and judgement towards our own Christian brethren.

We all had different journeys towards where we are now. Speaking about faith, many of us went through our weakest and coldest days.  And those strong in faith are the ones expected to guide those who are weak. But the problem is identifying the weak. Most of us won't know or even deny it when we are weak in faith. We might even think that what we're doing are just fine. And maybe, they are indeed "just fine". Not wrong, but there are a lot of things that could be done to improve.

Fraternal correction must be done as it should be, fraternal. Though in reality, if we try to call out all that we see as not proper with everyone's practice towards the faith, we'll end up doing only just that. And there are also things that does not really need correction but a follow up and appreciation about what is good in what they do.

"Alay Lakad" and "Visita Iglesia" are two of the most popular activities during the holy week especially among the young ones. We hear a lot of reminders about not to make this just a "barkada gimik"  to the point of being too hard on those who do it.  Rather than being preachy, maybe we can choose to befriend some of them and when the opportunity to teach arise, we can provide a piece of our mind talking about the sacredness and real meaning of these activities. Young people love this kind of information as they are the curious ones. You might be surprised with their reactions when you do that.

Easter egg hunt is for the kids. This is new as it was recently adapted from the western culture by this generation. We can hear a lot of traditionalist whining about this and I could understand them fully. It was also my first reaction when it was initially proposed at our village. But upon learning the complete program which included a Holy Mass, a bible story reading about the resurrection then the Easter egg hunt as the last part, I thought that it's actually a great idea . This will get the whole family involved and will definitely bring the message to everyone especially the kids.

There are families that take their chances on these dates to have a vacation. It is definitely not a good practice to start with as sometimes, people forget the true meaning of the Holy Days. I myself would try to avoid doing it. It is avoidable. But for those who do it, they can still make their holiday silent, sacred and holy and the best thing about it is that their family is together.

We may be a catholic country for many centuries but to say that we are a model nation in practice, we still got a long way to go. Remember that all of these practices and traditions in one way or another lead us to being better followers of Christ. Individually, let's keep in mind that we all have a blank space to fill towards faith. And let's use this thought upon seeing all these "incomplete" acts of our brothers and sisters to try looking at things more positively. Rather than feeling disdained and calling them all out, appreciate them for a moment. Be thankful that no matter how secular this world and how busy most people become, the season still has an integral part of their schedule and while at that,  let's try to make it more meaningful for someone.

Because We're All Children

How our parents taught us about life is similar as to how God reveals His Words to men.

When we were toddlers, our parents told us to do things that we didn't understand. Sometimes they would even tell us to just follow. We even get scared with them when they do it. It's almost the same when God started talking to His people. There seemed to be a lot of confusions and some words humans can't fathom. They got scared of Him also. But most of the time, just like our parents, God asks us to do things we can't understand because they are trying to protect us from bad things we are not aware of. As little kids, we were bold and adventurous so as the earlier men before they started understanding the law of God and nature that we try to do a lot of stupid things that could hurt us.

Not until we grew older that we became aware of the dangers of heights, fire, water and sharp objects. We were curious when we were kids even when our parents told us not to play with them. Some of us abide. Some did not but then learned from the experience. Just like how the early men did not realize how vices, infidelity, promiscuity, over consumption of a lot of things could harm them physically, mentally and emotionally. Many of them followed what God told them. But others did not and learned the hard way.

Then came the time that our parents saw our maturity and started to explain things to us in depth. Just like how knowledge of science, philosophy, psychology and other advance learning started to bring light to God's wisdom. It became easier for the people to understand His words and actions.

We react differently to how our parents treated us same as to what God wants us to do or to be. Either we grow as faithful and loving children or as rebels. And there are those who are just like the prodigal son who comes back to his father after realizing his mistakes. Or maybe like some who hardened their hearts and forever leave their parents and families, forgetting everything. Then there are those who follow only the things they like which just meant it's not their parents whom they are listening to but themselves.

Our fathers and mothers aren't flawless. They can do things wrong and this might impact as to what kind of adults we become. Our parents are human too. But not God. God is perfect so as His words. As to how we can be sure if we're listening to Him right, we're asking the wrong question. Let us ask ourselves first if we truly believe Him. It's the prerequisite before we are even capable of sitting down and listening to Him.