We were fortunate. At the very last minute, despite being a Sunday, a priest had agreed to rearrange his full schedule to accommodate our small group for a recollection. It had been years since our last one, and we were all looking forward to it. We learned that in just a few days, he would be celebrating his 10th anniversary in the priesthood and had been wondering how to make it more meaningful. He mentioned that our invitation felt like an answered prayer, as it provided him the opportunity to serve a group he had never had the chance to connect with before: doctors.
After the session, which culminated in a Holy Mass, we told him that if he thought we were blessings, he was equally so.
“Cleansed and renewed” are the words that best describe the feelings we had after hearing him speak. For those who have had the chance to participate in a recollection or retreat, you may recall how such experiences can serve as emotional triggers. They help you remember or recognize what you may have failed to see, give importance to, or, best of all, should not feel entitled to. The priest clearly knew how to tell a story. His own life experiences, which revolved around dreams, goals, struggles, and relationships with family and God, were easy to identify with. There were no Bible verses quoted, just an honest admission of thoughts and feelings that were appreciated and silently reciprocated.
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“Alam ba ninyo yung kanta na ‘Palagi’?” Being of a certain age and generation, no one knew. Embarrassed, either from our admission that we were not familiar with it or that he wasn’t, according to him, an accomplished singer, he went ahead and sang a few lines. Listening to our own language being sung or spoken always feels different, and this was no exception. He was right; the love song perfectly captures the moments when we may have questioned or even felt angry at God. Yet, always, “palagi,” we will choose to return to His embrace. Sitting in a corner pew of the small chapel, a feeling of being enveloped in warmth came over. If you feel inclined, take some time to appreciate the beautiful words, just as we did. How many times have we gone through that route, been understood, and unquestionably been forgiven?
Barely giving us a moment to breathe, he then invited us to watch a video titled “High-Five.” It was a short film from a well-known fast-food chain that emphasized how a father’s support and motivation greatly influence how we eventually turn out to be. At this point, tears fell as I remembered my late father, who always made us feel like we could be anything we wanted to be—in his eyes, we were the greatest of all time (GOAT). This feeling must be shared by anyone who has been the recipient of a father’s unconditional love.
As a fitting end, to make us continue reflecting, he shared a ritual that we could also consider, one that he has been doing on a yearly basis. As a personal gift to reciprocate God’s fatherly love, he prepares a manger where baby Jesus can comfortably rest, with each straw representative of every good deed he has done in the days leading to his birth.
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Christmas is just a few days away. While it may be difficult to swim away from the noise and the frenzy, an unsolicited prescription is to deliberately take time to do so. Just as we were given the time to reflect to welcome Advent, my wish is that all of you be given that same opportunity. This may be that perfect pick-me-upper, a form of rebirth or cleansing that you are searching for, even if you don’t realize it.
In recent years, with age probably playing an important factor, conversations either with family or close friends have taken more meaning. We find ourselves often talking about how quickly we are brought to tears by situations that reflect the inherent goodness in people, and those that deepen the importance of family. Living in the present where the universe seems intent on generating negativity, these encounters are those perfect moments which God provides to make us hope for better days. We all agreed that though it may be unsettling for those around us, especially the ones unused to witnessing such an honest display of emotions, we welcome the tears because it somehow brings us closer to Him.
As we meticulously prepare for the parties and the reunions, we should do the same for ourselves, providing enough space in our hearts and in our minds to welcome the true meaning of Christmas.
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