P A S K O

As part of the Christmas tradition/obligation, we attended mass yesterday at Sto. Rosario church. I applaud the priest for giving out a great humorous and straight to the point sermon. Of all the masses I have attended, never have I learned so much and laughed so much at the same time. The priest -unfortunately forgot his name- talked about the true meaning of PASKO, a word which means Christmas in our native tongue. Here's a quick summary of his sermon.

P - Pasudla si Cristo - Let Christ enter. For me it means letting Christ's love spread to ever inch of you that you will be able to muster up the courage to forgive, let go of old grudges, forget debts or perhaps delay payment, erase all the hurt and pain you felt towards another person or because of another person. It's easier said than done, I know, but we can at least try if we do believe that Christ is the ultimate savior and He died for us for one reason and one reason alone: LOVE!

A - Atras Bisyo - Step back on the vices. What are these vices we need to eliminate?

B - Babae -- for guys, stop adultery, could be for girls as well...
I - Inom -- alcoholism
S - Sugal -- gambling
YO - Yosi -- smoking

-- while listening to the priest I can't help but look to my left and witness my father's reaction. He has two of the aforementioned vices and I'm not quite sure if he's taking the priest's sermon seriously or he's just letting it pass his other ear. The priest said that its hard to stop right away, to those who drink that they might do it in moderation because too much of everything is dangerous and bad. I do agree 100%. And he went on about smoking and lung cancer. I just wish my father would be touched by his words, its not mine anymore but the priests and somehow, priests are extension of God's voice. I hope he listens this time.

S - Simba - Go to Church. Don't just go to church and sleep, or talk/backbite, or text every now and then. Go to church and listen to what God has to say about your prayers. Most Catholics who go to church have something to ask from God and most of the time they expect answers. But somehow it doesn't work that way. You have to listen very carefully within your heart because sometimes its only through yourself that God gives his answers.

K - Katag ang maayong buhat - Spread your good deeds. Very self explanatory but very hard to do. Just be a good example. Do what you think may not just be for your own good but also for the good of others around you.

O - Ora mismo - Right now! - Do all of these right now. Don't wait for tomorrow to start changing/doing what you have to do. Tomorrow may not come at all.
Hey I'm no saint, I might be struck by one of the latter points but I have so much love in me I'm willing to give it a try and you should too...

Maayong Pasko kaninyong tanan!