That was a long Christmas season for us Filipinos. It started as early as September of 2018, and today marks its end as we celebrate the Epiphany or the Three Kings. After reading and understanding some of the published online articles, I'd just discovered its Christian significance. As a childhood story, I remember that the newborn Jesus was visited by the Three wise men who were Kings and offered their gifts to Jesus, the Messiah, and the future King.
My knowledge about Catholicism as my religion is minimal. We had a Religious Studies subject when I studied at St. Paul in Iloilo City in 2002. We had the book entitled "Catechism for Filipino Catholics," which, until now, I could remember how I read through the pages but could not fully understand its writings. I didn't even bother to finish reading the entire book due to its thick pages, and the sad reality was I didn't pass my final exam on that subject and was given a chance to take it one more time.
My knowledge about Catholicism as my religion is minimal. We had a Religious Studies subject when I studied at St. Paul in Iloilo City in 2002. We had the book entitled "Catechism for Filipino Catholics," which, until now, I could remember how I read through the pages but could not fully understand its writings. I didn't even bother to finish reading the entire book due to its thick pages, and the sad reality was I didn't pass my final exam on that subject and was given a chance to take it one more time.
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| Guest at the inauguration of St. Paul Hospital - Cancer Center on October 19, 2016, Iloilo City |
That was about fifteen years ago today when I couldn't even lead the Holy Rosary or memorize some essential prayers that my classmates and people of my age have mastered already. I wasn't prayerful back then, but I have religiously attended the required First Friday Masses and religious retreats at school. It was even so hard for me to attend church to celebrate Sunday Mass in my childhood.
The time has changed, and the new generations of Christians are less deeply devoted to their religion. Parents may send their kids to a Catholic or Christian school, but their values may not reflect what they must have been taught. It might have started with my generation, but I don't know. We were the generation who enjoyed playing on the streets and being offline compared to the online world that the younger generation wants nowadays.
I may not have appreciated that Cathechism book back then, but as I grow up, I am becoming more mature in religious contemplations and now have a deeper understanding of the significance of the events in Catholicism or Christianity as a whole. One day when I had the opportunity to return to the Catholic school's Medical center, the St. Paul Hospital Iloilo, I had a flashback of my subject religious teachings. The Catechism was made to live when we put Christ in our the hearts-whenever we give service to humanity in anyways.
The most profound interest in my religion started when I traveled and worked in India between 2011 and 2014. I could compare and contrast different religions founded by great men who are considered God. In India, I've watched videos about "The Bible" and read articles related to Christianity. I genuinely appreciate films about "Jesus" and the Christianity he founded. I remember it was just after the beginning of the millennium when I watched the movie "Passion of the Christ," Those kinds of films give meaning when what was written in a Holy scripture is put into real-like reenactment.
With technological advancement, I no longer carry thick, dark-page Catechism books. I enjoy reading online articles about lessons in Christianity and watching Biblical films through online streaming apps. I will no longer be tested in a written examination to know whether I understood what I had read. My thoughts and actions will now be the basis of my Catholic faith. I may have failed in my Religious studies, but the test is beyond the old-school dark and thick pages of books. With a deeper reflection on Religious articles and biblical films, I must have applied the teachings in my daily activities.
Whenever we celebrate any Catholic event or feast, I learn to read and understand its significance. I know its relevance in today's time when more people are becoming diverted and distracted by their faith.
Today, the King of nations may be acting or playing like God; the worst is denying or not believing in God. This is the test of our time, whether we will remain faithful or abandon our faith just because of the words or orders coming from our King. Today, we have our modern version of King Herod, who is envious of someone's light and Divinity. We are reliving the olden times, just like the stories in the bible. Our modern society is like reenacting the biblical films I've watched. It is happening again, and my time is tested as a Catholic faithful. My time, my loved one's time, and the next generations' time.
Even the Kings who had vast powers and may belong to other faith have paid respect and gratitude to the newborn Christ. It shows humility in spirit and an honorable act to someone greater in power. If only our nation's great leaders had acquired those virtues like the three wise men, we would live in peace, like a paradise or a promised land. We need a King who not only shows courage and willpower but a King who also shows humility, compassion, and faith in his people.
It may be the end of the yuletide season, but many Catholic events are to be celebrated in the days and months to come.
May this journey to a deeper Catholic understanding lead to spiritual growth and the maturity for enlightenment and more excellent service that is beyond the digital world we currently live in. May the younger generations be taught to be responsible "Kings" capable of influencing others in their thoughts and actions. As we go through our Christian initiations, may we fully accept and embrace God through the Holy Spirit and in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord forever and ever.
© 2019 Del Cusay
The time has changed, and the new generations of Christians are less deeply devoted to their religion. Parents may send their kids to a Catholic or Christian school, but their values may not reflect what they must have been taught. It might have started with my generation, but I don't know. We were the generation who enjoyed playing on the streets and being offline compared to the online world that the younger generation wants nowadays.
I may not have appreciated that Cathechism book back then, but as I grow up, I am becoming more mature in religious contemplations and now have a deeper understanding of the significance of the events in Catholicism or Christianity as a whole. One day when I had the opportunity to return to the Catholic school's Medical center, the St. Paul Hospital Iloilo, I had a flashback of my subject religious teachings. The Catechism was made to live when we put Christ in our the hearts-whenever we give service to humanity in anyways.
The most profound interest in my religion started when I traveled and worked in India between 2011 and 2014. I could compare and contrast different religions founded by great men who are considered God. In India, I've watched videos about "The Bible" and read articles related to Christianity. I genuinely appreciate films about "Jesus" and the Christianity he founded. I remember it was just after the beginning of the millennium when I watched the movie "Passion of the Christ," Those kinds of films give meaning when what was written in a Holy scripture is put into real-like reenactment.
With technological advancement, I no longer carry thick, dark-page Catechism books. I enjoy reading online articles about lessons in Christianity and watching Biblical films through online streaming apps. I will no longer be tested in a written examination to know whether I understood what I had read. My thoughts and actions will now be the basis of my Catholic faith. I may have failed in my Religious studies, but the test is beyond the old-school dark and thick pages of books. With a deeper reflection on Religious articles and biblical films, I must have applied the teachings in my daily activities.
Whenever we celebrate any Catholic event or feast, I learn to read and understand its significance. I know its relevance in today's time when more people are becoming diverted and distracted by their faith.
Today, the King of nations may be acting or playing like God; the worst is denying or not believing in God. This is the test of our time, whether we will remain faithful or abandon our faith just because of the words or orders coming from our King. Today, we have our modern version of King Herod, who is envious of someone's light and Divinity. We are reliving the olden times, just like the stories in the bible. Our modern society is like reenacting the biblical films I've watched. It is happening again, and my time is tested as a Catholic faithful. My time, my loved one's time, and the next generations' time.
Even the Kings who had vast powers and may belong to other faith have paid respect and gratitude to the newborn Christ. It shows humility in spirit and an honorable act to someone greater in power. If only our nation's great leaders had acquired those virtues like the three wise men, we would live in peace, like a paradise or a promised land. We need a King who not only shows courage and willpower but a King who also shows humility, compassion, and faith in his people.
It may be the end of the yuletide season, but many Catholic events are to be celebrated in the days and months to come.
May this journey to a deeper Catholic understanding lead to spiritual growth and the maturity for enlightenment and more excellent service that is beyond the digital world we currently live in. May the younger generations be taught to be responsible "Kings" capable of influencing others in their thoughts and actions. As we go through our Christian initiations, may we fully accept and embrace God through the Holy Spirit and in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord forever and ever.
© 2019 Del Cusay
