It was a long Christmas season for us Filipinos. It started as early as September 2018, and today marks its end as we celebrate the Epiphany or the Three Kings. I discovered its Christian significance after reading and understanding some of the published online articles. 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 had mastered already. I wasn't prayerful back then, but I 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.
While I may not have fully appreciated the Catechism book in my youth, I have since matured in my religious contemplations. I now possess a deeper understanding of the significance of events in Catholicism and Christianity as a whole. Returning to the St. Paul Hospital Iloilo, I had a flashback of my religious teachings. The Catechism truly comes to life when we incorporate Christ into our lives through service to humanity.
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 the advent of technology, I no longer need to carry the thick, dark-page Catechism books. I now enjoy reading online articles about Christianity and watching Biblical films through online streaming apps. My understanding of the teachings is no longer tested in a written examination. Instead, my thoughts and actions are the true measure of my Catholic faith. I may have faltered in my Religious studies, but the real test lies in how I apply the teachings in my daily life through deep reflection on Religious articles and biblical films.
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 with vast powers who may have belonged to other faiths 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 shows courage, willpower, humility, compassion, and faith in his people.
It may be the end of the Yuletide season, but many Catholic events will be celebrated in the days and months to come.
May this journey to a deeper Catholic understanding lead to spiritual growth, maturity, and enlightenment. May it inspire us to serve beyond the digital world we currently live in. Let us hope that the younger generations will 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, paving the way for a more faithful and enlightened future.
© 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.
While I may not have fully appreciated the Catechism book in my youth, I have since matured in my religious contemplations. I now possess a deeper understanding of the significance of events in Catholicism and Christianity as a whole. Returning to the St. Paul Hospital Iloilo, I had a flashback of my religious teachings. The Catechism truly comes to life when we incorporate Christ into our lives through service to humanity.
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 the advent of technology, I no longer need to carry the thick, dark-page Catechism books. I now enjoy reading online articles about Christianity and watching Biblical films through online streaming apps. My understanding of the teachings is no longer tested in a written examination. Instead, my thoughts and actions are the true measure of my Catholic faith. I may have faltered in my Religious studies, but the real test lies in how I apply the teachings in my daily life through deep reflection on Religious articles and biblical films.
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 with vast powers who may have belonged to other faiths 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 shows courage, willpower, humility, compassion, and faith in his people.
It may be the end of the Yuletide season, but many Catholic events will be celebrated in the days and months to come.
May this journey to a deeper Catholic understanding lead to spiritual growth, maturity, and enlightenment. May it inspire us to serve beyond the digital world we currently live in. Let us hope that the younger generations will 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, paving the way for a more faithful and enlightened future.
© 2019 Del Cusay