I make it a point to hear Mass every Sunday. I make time for it because it's only one day a week for me to give thanks to the blessing that I receive. I have this routine time that I like hearing Mass and there's a particular Church that I like going to because of the Holy Water blessing at the end of Mass. I adjust the time I hear Mass depending on our Sunday activity. I have to be honest, there are some Priests who I like listening to because they make a lot of sense - they say short homilies, but mind you there are very meaningful.
For a particular time in my favorite parish - there's this priest who always has a presentation - he officiates late in the afternoon. I attend his Mass if I have no other choice of time. I find that he gives one the best homilies - it's just that, they're quite long and it's a bit dramatic for my taste. But he makes a LOT of sense.
So yesterday, I attended Mass in a parish nearby. When I turned my head to see who was officiating - lo and behold, it was that priest. I laughed inside and told God, 'Lord, your humor talaga' and laughed silently. As usual - he prepared a visual presentation - and as always, it had some technical difficulties. But he went on with his homily - and I must say, God has this trick up his sleeve - He lead me to a Church that was nearby and comfortable - and He made sure that the officiating priest would say something really meaningful. I won't go through the details anymore of the readings and gospel - but instead just share what was the best take away during the Mass that resounded very well with me. I teared up honestly because I felt that it hit home, I have been struggling with emotional and mental things lately and it was such a perfect explanation. The Lord does work in mysterious ways. It was such a wonderful validation.
When I heard this, it was a different feeling. I can't explain why I was tearing up, but I did. This really hit me you know. I have been struggling lately for the past month, with not so nice feelings I don't want to validate. I can't help but ignore them - but they're there. The struggle has been real - and I'm trying my best not to be affected. And yesterday after Mass, I felt a LOT better, I think it was the answer to my prayers of strength and wisdom.
Before the Mass ended, we were given another activity - which was brilliant in my books. Read through this very famous bible verse:
Now, instead of saying LOVE and IT, replace it with your OWN NAME. And say it silently or outloud. It means so different diba? It gives this bible verse a new meaning.
It was such a lovely Mass yesterday. Love is the answer, forgiveness is key - the Lord knows, the Lord sees everything.
I feel a bit stronger. My day will look a bit brighter and I am smiling - from within.
Have a blessed Monday everyone.
