For the 9th and last day of Simbang Gabi, our parish priest, Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Delatado led the mass.
Fr. Ferdie started the homily by telling a story about his childhood. Whenever he and his mother was going to a crowded place, his mother always pointed out a place where they can meet in case he got lost. Just like with Mary, if we are uneasy this coming Christmas, Mary will show us a place where we can experience comfort and acceptance.
Fr. Ferdie believes that nowadays, many people choose to remain silent. They endure the pain they feel because they don't have money for hospitalization, many lost their jobs, they long for the embrace of their loved ones, they have nothing to give to their godchildren and others are cold-hearted and unforgiving. In silence, we always question ourselves: why am I being tortured like this? Why is this happening to me? Why are there so many things I do not understand?
If we are looking for an explanation of our experiences, we will find the answer in silence. In the quiet night where Jesus was born, God proved that with the intensity of His love, He who was born in the womb will be answer to what we experience. The manger will show us that God's love is pure, He is always with us, even if we are suffering. He is always there even though we think that we are alone. The manger is the answer that does not use words.
This season, if you are still confused, just look at the manger and if you do not have a manger, look at your will, try to be silent, and feel God's love for us.
Article by Jizelle Juntayas
Photo by Anjie Tanguilan