Led by the Children

(Some of the children who received their first Reconciliation [L-R]: Chiara, Megan, Reyna, and Mia)

A few weeks back, I was in church along with Chiara to join in their school's celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Chiara and other students/children parishioners will be receiving their first Holy Communion in May and so the parish and school organised this event where the children would make their first confession.  

During the meeting in preparation for this activity, the parish priest told us that we could accompany our children while they make their confession. Of course this was something new, not only for me but for other parents. In a way, it felt awkward.  On the day, the children were given the option of just being alone with the priest or being with their parents in front of the priest (Confession was face-to-face!).  If I am not mistaken, all children went to the priest on their own. When all kids were finished, the headteacher encouraged parents to avail of the sacrament.

Watching my child confidently approach the priest and make her first confession, I felt called to make my own confession. I approached Fr Anthony, the same priest who heard Chiara's confession.  As I sat next to him, he chuckled "I guess this is not your first confession." We both laughed briefly. After confessing to him, he asked me what is my favourite Bible verses. I told him "The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want". He  told me to take time to read and reflect on that. He also reminded me how God doesn't get tired of forgiving us.

Most of the time, we parents take the driver's seat. And yet, there are moments when we give that seat to someone else for them to take the lead. It happened on that memorable day in church when the children made me realize that God is our merciful Father who eagerly awaits our return. Sometimes, we adults tend to make excuses when it comes to going to confession. Excuses such as "The priest is only a human being like us. I can confess directly to God, can't I?"or "I am not prepared." come to mind.  For me, let's have an open mind about this sacrament. Christ instituted this for us, so why not accept it? Think of that thief dying on the cross. Surely he wasn't prepared for that encounter with Jesus. Touched by Christ's presence, he begged for forgiveness.  And forgiveness was granted him! Wouldn't Christ, through his priests, forgive us too when we receive this sacrament?

I hope and pray that these children will value their relationship with God and that they remain simple and humble so that they would continuously avail of this often forgotten sacrament; so that they would lead others to do the same.

I felt blessed to be in Chiara's first Reconciliation. I didn't only witness my daughter receiving God's forgiveness. She inspired me to receive it as well - a perfect opportunity this Lent! 

It's In Your Hands!

Bawal magkasakit was the battle cry that one pharmaceutical company based in the Philippines used to advertise their products. Indeed, nowadays it’s almost a ‘sin’ to get sick; sickness equates to loss of time, effort, and money. The last one particularly applies to those who are employed on a ‘No work, no pay’ basis.

As a parent, I have always prayed and strived to keep myself healthy. But there have been times when ‘I did my best, but my best wasn’t good enough’. I had a cold two weeks ago and, sadly; Chiara got one too - from me! Parents could pass on anything to their kids, be it their name, their values, their virtues and vices, their strengths and weaknesses.

This coming Monday, the Filipino electorate will be selecting our leaders for the next six or three years. We have always considered the Philippines as our Inang Bayan. No pun intended, but we seem to have abused how we regard our country as a mother. It’s like a ‘give and take’ relationship - with us on the receiving end almost all of the time. Our country gives us natural resources but we consume them as though they will not run out. She gave us laws, but we (most especially those who should uphold them) have devised ways of getting around these regulations.

I think it’s time we think of our country the way we think of our own mothers. Incidentally, it’s Mothers’ Day on the eve of the elections. As we honor our moms by thanking them and treating them like queens even for a single day, let’s also give something special to our country by choosing the persons fit to lead us, persons who will whip the country into shape.

On another angle, it might be beneficial if we consider the country as our own child. A child that needed to be looked after so it grows pleasing in the eyes of God and men. A child that deserves nothing, but the best!

In the past, we have seen how those we elected have made a mockery of justice and truth. We have witnessed how our leaders have abused their authority at the expense of poor Mang Juan De la Cruz. We’re still seeing them masquerading like clowns during the campaign period.

We have seen how our country has suffered like a helpless child inheriting its parents’ debilitating diseases: injustice, poverty, graft and corruption, debt servicing, environmental degradation, etc, etc, etc.

If you want the best for our country, if you want the best for your children, please vote wisely. The country’s future is in your hands!

Fast Learners

Little kids can really be fast learners. Every time I tell Chiara that we are going to watch something on TV, she would walk briskly to the living room and as soon as I enter, she would close the door. She got used to us shutting the door especially during the previous months to conserve the heat from the radiator.

There are still some other things that we her parents do which she could quickly mimic, including words we say. There are two words which she has remarkably uttered to a high degree of clarity: “Daddy” and “No”. The former she learnt much from her Mom (Nidz and I decided to call each other “Mommy” and “Daddy” to teach Chiara what she could call us.); the latter she learnt – in spite of my denials – from me.

At times, she would keep on calling “Daddy” even if I were away from home. One weekend, when I was the one looking after her, she called for me, but I ignore it having been busy with something. Sensing that she was ignored, she cried! It’s music to the ears to be called “Daddy”. The opposite is true when she says “No” especially when you want her to sleep, finish her food, or keep quiet.

That’s why as much as possible I try to tell her the effects of her actions (e.g. "You might fall if you climb the stairs.") Yet sometimes, and most especially when you urgently have to call her attention, I couldn’t help but blurt out “No!”

At this early a stage in a child’s life, the word “No” seems not acceptable for us parents. We tend to be in control and when the child under our care shows resistance (i.e. says “No”); she will have to face the consequences (e.g. punishments). I just wonder what would it be when Chiara grows older? I cannot tell the future, but I could make a lasting imprint on it for my daughter. By being discreet in the words I say (Not just “No”, but the “F”, “S”, and “P” words too.) and the deeds I do.

As a Tagalog saying goes “Ipakita mo na sa matanda, huwag lang sa bata.”

***

A few years ago, when the issue of some priests' failing their vow of celibacy came under fire, the late Msgr Nico Bautista told his interviewer that what inspires him to remain faithful to his vocation was his father. To me it came as a surprise, but it just shows how parenting, the family, the home could all form us as persons. If we become good persons, then the society, the Church, the country, and the world would become good.

It is unfortunate that I won't be able to vote in the Philippine elections in May, but I would strongly urge voters to check very well the candidates they would elect. Here's some useful criteria:

1. Is he/she a faithful and conscientious spouse/parent?
2. Does he/she treat the household helpers (e.g. maids, laundrywoman, driver, etc) with kindness and respect?

If your answers are "Yes", then go for that candidate!