Christmas Reflection - STP News - Santa Teresita Parish

As I reflected on the observance of the Filipino tradition of Simbang Gabi especially in the parish I served, I can't help but include these reflections in my personal time with God as I also pondered on the meaning of Christmas.

As I go through the celebration of “Simbang Gabi” I tried to prepare myself to be worthy of our savior's coming.  I think His coming is never about how much things you have acquired or what foods you have prepared.  It's all about relationship, how much I give of myself so that others will experience the love of God through me.

This I could do best, I think by having an interior renewal of myself, by reconciling with people I have a hard time dealing with and by not focusing on the material side of Christmas, rather on its true essence which is the birth of our savior Jesus Christ. That I should rejuvenate myself, leaving my old-unloving self behind so God can pour out His bountiful grace to me, to those dear to me and to those whom I love.

Moreover, as always for this season, it is good to ask ourselves:  “Have we testified for Jesus by the way we talk and live?  Have we humbly called for repentance and renewal? Like John have we prepared the way for the coming of Jesus?”

Nevertheless, the ultimate question is, have we done something to prepare our hearts?  We might be wary of all the preparations for Misa de Gallo or Simbang Gabi or Christmas' luxurious parties, memorable get together, competitive contests but forget the most important provision, Jesus coming in our hearts.

The question “How's our heart?” should also be reflected. Why? Because there are many different kinds of people with different intentions: We might be one of them, after we've heard God's message we just took it for granted. We might be, first, the casuals, in other words, the fruit of God's Word will never even begin to sprout for casual people because they hear Jesus' message in a superficial way, it did not reach their hearts.

Second the shallows, in other words there is no depth in Jesus' message.  It was planted in their hearts, the seed wants to grow, but cannot survive because of reefy roots. People with little belief who meet difficulties cannot persist, they give up easily. Thus, faith in Christ withers and dies.

Or you may be, third, the skepticals.  You surely know people like this.  After hearing God's message they are still bitter and angry.  They don't like to see anyone happy, anyone inspired by their belief after their encounter with God through the ministry.   They pour complaints on anyone and might lead them onto the wrong track.  

Lastly, you might be the better ones, the responsive ones, sincere in their beliefs. Their faith is deeply-rooted, nourished with real while doing their service in the parish.  They remain calm and prudent when they react if things are going tough.

Furthermore, my experience in Sta. Teresita  Parish was really a challenging yet fulfilling one.  I have to keep that enthusiasm going because I need to hurdle plenty of tasks, filed up one after another.  However, challenging as it may seem, with God's grace I was able to face my duties.

Jesus' message to me is always an invitation to ask myself,  where do I fit in these group of people and is asking me to share the true meaning of Christmas as St. Therese would put it “in my own little way”.   We could be like her if we allow ourselves to be  little flower in God's hand.        

- Sis. Cora Sanchez