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| Photo taken at the @Holy Cross Parish, JP Rizal, Makati during the Palm Sunday mass. |
The last two years that we are engulfed by the COVID-19 pandemic, not only our jobs and regular day-to-day life have been displaced and rearranged but also the people's way of observing our traditions.
During the first year of the pandemic, the 45-days of the lenten season which the Catholics all over the globe observed annually were suddenly put to a halt. Without warning nor signs, instantly no more observations of "Ash Wednesday, no Palm Sunday mass, no stations of the cross, no visita iglesia, and no more Easter Sunday festivities including the easter egg hunt", among others.
Last March 2, the "Ash Wednesday '' mass was a testament on how we as Catholics really missed attending to our religious tradition. Technically, the churches were eventually overwhelmed by its parishioners who flocked to hear masses, particularly this season of penance as this celebration reminds everyone that we come from dust, and to dust we will all return.
Today, Palm Sunday, we gather once more to exercise our faith and be reminded how Jesus entered the City of Jerusalem that signals the people's willingness to follow Christ as they waved palm branches to Him. Thus, the lent is a good opportunity not only to renew our faith, to get closer to the almighty but also to be more open to Him whatever your status and conditions in life you are right now.
An hour or two with God is only a small sacrifice compared to the many blessings that He bestows upon us, to your loved ones, and to humanity. Take a moment with Him this lenten week to unite with God through prayers, a little sacrifice and penance.
