We went shopping one Friday of Lent, two years ago. We collected 2 portraits - our family's and Chiara's - and then proceeded to buy some food. As it was Friday, we thought of eating some fish so we we put one on our trolley. (I can't remember now if it's salmon or trout or another specie.) We took some vegetables, fruits, and other provisions for the home.
The big shop was teeming with people - I even saw some colleagues from work or the parish. People were stuffing their household for the weekend.
As we made our queue to pay for what we shopped, the lights went off. In a few minutes, we were advised to leave the building, including what we were supposed to buy. Staff members guided shoppers as we made our way out. Some even entertained questions. Some customers were lucky to go home with their purchased items. Others, like us, waited in the hope that power would return.
As it was getting cold, we decided to stay in the car. Chiara was getting uneasy. "Are you hungry, baby?," I asked. She gave the affirmative. We went out and made our way to a small canteen located just next to this big shop. Strangely, the canteen has power! While eating, we noticed some more shoppers making their way to the canteen too. I was also keeping an eye should lights and all be back in the shop. There was none. We decided to head home.
Lent is a moment when we think of those times when we are in darkness. Being in the dark can be scary. You thought you're already at the end of the tunnel, only to find out you have to keep going. You thought your prayers are already answered, only to discover that they weren't. You kept on hoping against hope.
When we drove home from the shop, we thought we're leaving empty-handed. We realized we brought home our portraits, our images. (Luckily, we have paid for these separately before we looked for other items.) Our shopping wasn't in vain after all!
If we are tempted to give up, hang on for just a second! We may seem to be empty-handed like the Prodigal Son. But, we carry in us that portrait, that image of God (Genesis 1:27). This Lent, let's rediscover it. Let's appreciate it. Let's make it come alive so we can reach out to others who may also be in the dark like us and together move from darkness into the Lord's wonderful light (cf. 1 Peter 2:9)!
A blessed Lenten season to all!
Lent is a moment when we think of those times when we are in darkness. Being in the dark can be scary. You thought you're already at the end of the tunnel, only to find out you have to keep going. You thought your prayers are already answered, only to discover that they weren't. You kept on hoping against hope.
When we drove home from the shop, we thought we're leaving empty-handed. We realized we brought home our portraits, our images. (Luckily, we have paid for these separately before we looked for other items.) Our shopping wasn't in vain after all!
If we are tempted to give up, hang on for just a second! We may seem to be empty-handed like the Prodigal Son. But, we carry in us that portrait, that image of God (Genesis 1:27). This Lent, let's rediscover it. Let's appreciate it. Let's make it come alive so we can reach out to others who may also be in the dark like us and together move from darkness into the Lord's wonderful light (cf. 1 Peter 2:9)!
A blessed Lenten season to all!
***
For the record, I am not supporting moves calling for President Noynoy Aquino to step down from office. I'm surprised that some men of the cloth have made this appeal. (Strangely, they didn't make a similar move when Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was in power.) While I agree with the view from some quarters that the country is in the dark brought about by the mis-encounter between the SAF and the MILF/BIFF in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last month, I believe that demanding P-Noy to step down will thrust our country more into the dark pit!
Can we just slow down this Lent so we can listen more carefully to the signs of the times instead of calling for someone to resign? Can we just pause and let the darkness of Mamasapano strengthen us Filipinos - from the President to the youngest citizen - towards renewal and transformation (not the transformation these P-Noy bashers are campaigning for)?
Can we just slow down this Lent so we can listen more carefully to the signs of the times instead of calling for someone to resign? Can we just pause and let the darkness of Mamasapano strengthen us Filipinos - from the President to the youngest citizen - towards renewal and transformation (not the transformation these P-Noy bashers are campaigning for)?
