What if...
Hello. I'm back.
Scholar nga pala ako sa Graduate School sa Ateneo de Manila. Sa ikalawang picture ay nandiyan ako kasama ang matalik kong kaibigan na si Jam. Magkaklase na kami mula pa noong college hanggang makagraduate kami. At pati sa Graduate School ay magkaklase kami.
Pero last August, grumadweyt na siya at ako ay hindi pa. Non-thesis kasi siya, ako naman ay with thesis. Noong nakita ko ang mga prof ko (sa unang picture), nakaramdam ako ng inggit at panghihinayang. Kung sana nagnon-thesis ako, grad na rin sana ako.
Pero habang tinitingnan ko ang tatlong guhit sa toga nila ('yong isang prof ko diyan, siya ang nagpush sa akin na magthesis writing,' yong isa naman 30 years old siya nang magkaPHD sa ibang bansa), naalala ko ang dahilan. Gusto kong maging DOKTOR (phd) at kailangang magthesis ako para makapag-enroll ako sa PHD classes kung sakali.
Oo, Doc. na ang tawag ng mga kaklase ko sa akin. At hindi sa pagyayabang, pero ginagamit kong inspirasyon 'yon upang ipush ko ang pagsusulat.
Balang-araw, magkakatatlong guhit din ako. Pero di pa sa ngayon. Tatapusin ko muna ang thesis ko. (CRAMMER'S REPRESENT! HEHEHE)
The origins of the names of months and days...
**Have you ever wondered where we get the name of the months in our calendar and also the days of the week?**
**In a few days, we will be starting a new year: 2022 in the Gregorian Gregorian calendar**, also called the **New Style calendar.**
This calendar uses a solar dating system. It was proclaimed in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII as a reform and modification of the Julian calendar. https://www.britannica.com/science/dating-geochronology https://www.britannica.com/biography/Gregory-XIII https://www.britannica.com/science/Julian-calendar
*https://www.britannica.com/biography/St-Gregory-the-Great*
First, what is the Julian calendar? Of course, it was named after the Roman Emperor, Julius Caesar, and introduced in 45 BC.
The Julian calendar has 10 months named after Roman gods, leaders, festivals, and numbers.
Tradition says that Rome is founded by the brothers Remus and Romulus, having Romulus as its first king. he then said, named the first month of the year to Martius, after his father, Mars, the god of war. Later on, this month will be called March. After Martius, *Aprilis (April)*, *Maius (May)*, and *Iunius (June)*, followed, Each name was derived from Roman deities. Then the following months were simply derived from its corresponding Roman numbers such as *Quintilis (the fifth month*), *Sextilis (the sixth month*), September *(Septem, the seventh month),* October *(octo, the eighth month)*, November *(nona, the ninth month)* and December *(deca, the tenth month).*
In 44 B.C., *Quintilis* was rebranded as *Iulius*, to celebrate the month in which the dictator Julius Caesar was born.
In 8 B.C., Augustus Caesar, renamed Sextilis, *Augustus*, in his honor.
The Julian calendar then was used from 45 B.C until 1582. The Julian calendar has 365.25 days in a year but the Gregorian calendar which used the tropical and solar numbering has 365.2425 days. They only differ in a matter of seconds. But it has created a great impact on the world.
So in 1582, in Pope Gregory’s time, 14 days ahs already regressed from the time when the Julian calendar was used. Pope Gregory based his reform on the vernal equinox that occurred in 325 AD in the Council of Nicea. This equinox falls on March 11, but according to the Gregorian calendar, it falls on March 21. The first change takes effect in advancing the calendar 10 days after October 4, 1582, and instead of it’s October 5, it’s already October 15 the next day.
**(Fun fact: They said that those stubborn to use the Gregorian calendar are called fools that’s why there’s the April Fools’ Day.)**
**Though many use the Gregorian calendar, even Islamic countries, still use another calendar for their religious festivals. Also others, still use the Julian calendar for the same reason.**
*********
So here are the months of the year according to the Gregorian calendar.
As I have said, the Julian calendar has only 10 months. The institution of two additional months, *Ianuarius* and *Februarius*, at the beginning of the year was attributed to Numa, the second king of Rome. Even though there were now 12 months in the Roman year, the numerical names of the later months were left unchanged.
**January**: the first month of the Gregorian calendar. It was named after Janus, the Roman god of all beginnings and endings. January replaced March as the first month of the Roman year no later than 153 BCE. https://www.britannica.com/science/month https://www.britannica.com/topic/Gregorian-calendar https://www.britannica.com/topic/Janus-Roman-god https://www.britannica.com/topic/March-month https://www.britannica.com/science/year
**February**: comes from the word februum (purification) and februa, the rites or instruments used for purification. The februa is used in the Lupercalia festival celebrated on February 15.
**March**, the third month of the Gregorian calendar. It was named after Mars, the Roman god of war. Originally, March was the first month of the Roman calendar. https://www.britannica.com/science/month https://www.britannica.com/topic/Gregorian-calendar https://www.britannica.com/topic/Mars-Roman-god
**April**, the fourth month of the Gregorian calendar. Its name probably derives from the Latin *aperire* (“to open”), a possible reference to plant buds opening at this time of year in Rome. As the poet Ovid wrote: https://www.britannica.com/science/month https://www.britannica.com/topic/Gregorian-calendar https://www.britannica.com/science/year http://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674992795
*“For they say that April was named from the open season, because spring then opens all things, and the sharp frost-bound cold departs, and earth unlocks her teeming soil…”*
To some tradition, Romulus named this month from the goddess Aphrodite.
**May:** the fifth month according to also to some tradition, Romulus named May and June from the two divisions of the male body, the *maiores* (elders) and *iuniores* (juniors). However, the most prominent is, the name came from the nymph Maia, who was assimilated with the earth, gave her name to May.
**June**: sixth month of the Gregorian calendar. It was named after Juno, the Roman goddess of childbirth and fertility, of war and women https://www.britannica.com/science/month https://www.britannica.com/topic/Gregorian-calendar https://www.britannica.com/topic/Juno-Roman-goddess
**July:** seventh month, named in honor of Julius Caesar
**August**, the eighth month of the Gregorian calendar. It was named for the first Roman emperor, Augustus Caesar, in 8 BCE. Its original name was Sextilus, Latin for “sixth month,” indicating its position in the early Roman calendar. https://www.britannica.com/science/month https://www.britannica.com/topic/Gregorian-calendar https://www.britannica.com/biography/Augustus-Roman-emperor
**September**, the ninth month of the Gregorian calendar. Its name is derived from *septem*, Latin for “seven,” an indication of its position in the early Roman calendar. https://www.britannica.com/science/month https://www.britannica.com/topic/Gregorian-calendar https://www.britannica.com/science/the-number-seven
**October**: 10th month of the Gregorian calendar. Its name is derived from *octo*, Latin for “eight,” an indication of its position in the early Roman calendar. https://www.britannica.com/science/month https://www.britannica.com/topic/Gregorian-calendar https://www.britannica.com/science/the-number-eight
**November:** the eleventh month in the Gregorian calendar, but the ninth month in the Roman calendar
**December:** the twelfth month in the Gregorian calendar, the tenth month in the Roman calendar.
https://images.theconversation.com/files/201255/original/file-20180108-83567-1lonzi2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip
Now that we have discussed the origins of the names of the months, let’s discuss the days of the week. I will only tackle the Roman names, Latin, Spanish, and of course Filipino origin.
Like the months of the calendar, the etymology of the days of the week can be traced to Roman mythologies. We really can see the influence of Roman tradition and culture on the world today.
*“The Romans saw a connection between their gods and the changing face of the nighttime sky, so it became natural to use their gods' names for the planets. The planets the ancient people were able to track in the sky were Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. Those five planets plus the moon and sun made up the seven major astronomical bodies.”*
Later on, the Romans used their names in naming the 7 days of the week.
The first day of the week was named after the sun (Sun’s day), followed by the moon (Moon’s day), Mars (Tiu’s day), Mercury (Woden’s day), Jupiter (Thor’s day), Venus (Freya’s day), and Saturn (Saturn’s day).
If you’ll notice, these are the English translation already. But let’s see who are these named after.
**Sunday:** In middle English, it is sone(n)day or sun(nen)day or the "day of the sun". In Latin, it is dies solis "day of the sun".
**Monday:** Moon's day. In Middle English, Monday or mone(n)day. In Old English mon(an)dæg "day of the moon”. In Latin, dies lunae "day of the moon".
**Tuesday:** In Latin, dies Martis "day of Mars". Mars is the Roman god of war. Tiu's day In Middle English, Tiu’s day or tiwesday or tewesday or tiwesdæg "Tiw's (Tiu's) day". Tiu (Twia) is the English/Germanic god of war and the sky. He is identified with the Norse god Tyr.
**Wednesday**: Woden's day. Woden is identified with the Norse Odin. In Middle English wodnesday, wednesday, or wednesdai or wodnesdæg "Woden's day. Mercury is the Roman god of commerce, travel, thievery, eloquence and science. He is the messenger of the other gods.
**Thursday**: Thor's day. Thor is the Norse god of thunder. He is represented as riding a chariot drawn by goats and wielding the hammer Miölnir. In Middle English thur(e)sday. In Old English thursdæg. In Old Norse thorsdagr, "Thor's day". In Latin, dies Jovis, "day of Jupiter". Jupiter (Jove) is the supreme Roman god and patron of the Roman state. He is noted for creating thunder and lightning.
**Friday**: Freya's day. Freya (Fria) is the Teutonic goddess of love, beauty, and fecundity (prolific procreation). She is identified with the Norse god Freya. She is the leader of the Valkyries and one of the Vanir. In Middle English, fridai Old English, frigedæg "Freya's day". In Latin, dies Veneris or "Venus's day. Venus is the Roman goddess of love and beauty.
**Saturday**: Saturn's day. Saturn is the Roman and Italic god of agriculture and the consort of Ops. He is believed to have ruled the earth during an age of happiness and virtue. In Middle English, saterday. In Old English, sæter(nes)dæg "Saturn's day". In Latin dies Saturni "day of Saturn".
Our Filipino naming of the days of the week like Linggo (Sunday), Lunes (Monday), Martes (Tuesday), Miyerkules (Wednesday), Huwebes (Thursday), Biyernes (Friday), and Sabado (Saturday) come from the Spanish and Latin influence.
The Spanish retained the planetary names of the five days ending in -es for the shortening of Latin *dies for the day.* Thus, *Lunes* comes from the word for "moon," *luna* in Spanish, and the planetary connection with Mars is also apparent with *martes*. The same is true with Mercury/*miércoles*, Jueves for Thursday (Jove is another name for Jupiter in Latin), and Venus is *viernes*, meaning "Friday." Sabado comes from the Hebrew word “sabbath” which means day of rest. While *Domingo* comes from a Latin word meaning "Lord's day."
So there. The origins of the names of the months and days.
Where does the word Christmas come from?
As a teacher, I always encourage my students to ask questions. As a result, one of my students made me a Facebook page named "Itanong mo kay April" (Ask April) before due to repeated questions. This page now has 24,600 followers and I changed it to Teacher of the Faith which I use to explain things about faith in simple ways and words.
One of the questions asked to me is about Christmas. Of course, we have lots of questions about Christmas. Not everyone celebrates Christmas. Not everyone celebrates Christmas on Dec. 25, but celebrate Christmas on January 7, it's because they use the Julian calendar, and before, Christmas is celebrated on this day before the Gregorian calendar I won't also discuss whether it is proper to greet Merry Christmas or Happy holidays which oftentimes result in debates and conflicts during the Christmas season.
I am sure that Jesus won't mind whatever we might greet each other. After all, Jesus preached about peace, joy, and love in the kingdom of God, and He won't be happy if, during his birth season, we are at "war" with each other.
So before I go to a long post again, here's the question:
**Ma'am, where does the word Christmas come from?** •
A: The word Christmas comes from the Latin words, *"Christes maesse"* which means Christ Mass or the Mass celebrated in honor of the Birth of Christ.
It is the only Mass before which is allowed to be celebrated three times: at dawn, in the morning, and the evening.
That’s why you’ll notice that we have lots of Masses on Christmas starting from Dec 24 on Christmas eve until December 25. Later on, this becomes Christmass until it becomes Christmas.
And because we are fond of shortening things, the other cause of "conflict", we say or write, "Merry X-Mas."
It is not wrong to do this, because X is the Greek letter Chi which is the first letter of Jesus in Greek.
So, an Advance Merry Christmas. Remember, it is not about the WHEN (date) but the WHAT, the WHO, and the WHY (reason). It is not about removing Christ in Christmas, but it is how we retain Christ in our lives as we celebrate the season of Christmas.
Do you have questions regarding Christmas? Just comment down.
Ang Kuwento nila Zacarias at Elizabeth: Kuwento ng Pag-asa at Kagandahang-loob ng Diyos
Nagsisimbang-Gabi ba kayo? Kung oo, mapapansin natin na makikilala natin ang mga karakter na may kaugnayan sa pagsilang ni Jesus. Nakilala na natin si Juan Bautista, ang mga ninuno ni Jesus na binasa sa kaniyang genealogy, si Jose, si Maria, mga pastol, at sina Zacarias at Elizabeth.
Sila ang dalawa sa mga paborito kong karakter sa Bibliya. Hayaan ninyong isulat ko ang mga dahilan.
******
Sa #5thDayOfSimbangGabi ay ipinapaalala sa atin na ang Diyos ay palaging tapat sa Kanyang pangako. At ito ay sa pamamagitan ng dalawang karakter sa kwento: sina Zacarias at Elisabet. https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/5thdayofsimbanggabi?__eep__=6&__cft__[0]=AZW-PjdMVdRFVhQleEUCRk-j6rI4U0k9B6tdR02A_MA2BlQVOsojTyVrItAschWSeo8yqZhwLZCNMavaFmm9MwWptUbYMOc0uX7xopPTwovwICGXmDYKmBdFBLjYbJVNhrngbP_YzRbJifih5Lev0ZwASeQ_-6fX8Yx5TjR4t9qzNA&__tn__=*NK-R
Si Zacarias ay isang matuwid na pari, si ELizabeth katulad niya ay matapat din sa Diyos. Ngunit hindi sila nagkaanak. Sa kanilang kultura ang anak ay biyaya ng Diyos. Pari si Zacarias ngunit di siya magkaanak? May ginagawa kaya siyang masama? Si Elizabeth ay tumanda na at hindi na rin magkakaanak, malas yata siya at katulad ni Zacarias, maaring pinarurusahan sila ng Diyos kaya hindi sila biniyayaan ng anak.
Ngunit sa kabila ng maaring matagal na paghihintay gayundin ng mga bulong-bulungan sa kanilang paligid, pangungutya at kung anu-ano pa, ang mag-asawa'y nanatiling tapat sa Diyos at sa paglilingkod. Kaya naman, gumawa ng Diyos ng milagro sa pamamagitan nila.
Ngayon pagnilayan natin ang kahalagahan ng mga pangalan gayundin ng pagbibigay ng pangalan:
**"Zechariah: The Lord has remembered**
**John: God is gracious**
**Elizabeth: The oath of God"**
Sa kanilang mga pangalan ay kilalanin natin kung sino ba talaga ang Diyos.
Una, kay Zacarias, isang pari na pinangakuan ng Diyos na magkakaroon siya ng anak sa kabila ng katandaan. Ang ibig sabihin ng Zacarias ay "Ang Diyos ay nakaalala". Tunay, hindi nakalilimot ang Diyos sa kanyang pangako.
Kung kaya si Elisabet, ang asawa ni Zacarias, sa kabila ng kanyang katandaan ay nagdalang-tao.
"Ang pangako ng Diyos" yan ang ibig sabihin ng pangalan ni Elisabet. Tinupad ng Diyos ang kanyang pangako. Tapat Siya sa kanyang sinumpaan. Kapag sinabi ng Diyos agad niya itong tinutupad.
At ang bunga ng pagtupad sa pangakong ito ng Diyos ay si Juan.
"...At Juan ang ipapangalan mo sa bata" (Lukas 1:13). Juan sapagkat ang "Diyos ay mapagbigay, mapagmahal, maawain".
Ipinakita ng Diyos ang kanyang habag at kagandahang-loob sa dalawang mag-asawang matanda na walang anak ngunit puno ng pananampalataya at patuloy pa rin sa paglilingkod sa Kanya.
Itinuturo sa atin ngayon ng mag-asawang si Elisabet at Zacarias na huwag magpadala sa kalungkutan, disappointments, anxieties, fears, depresyon at kung anu-ano pa. Sa kabila ng katandaan sila ay patuloy na umasang tutuparin ng DIyos ang mga ipingako sa kanila.
Ang mga ito ay huwag maging hadlang upang lubusang magtiwala sa Diyos na tapat sa kanyang pangako at kumikilos "in unexpected and mysterious ways."
What Hi, Bye Mama taught me.
Have you been fond of Korean dramas or Kdramas?
I may not consider myself a Kdrama fanatic because even though I like an actor or actress if I don't like the stories they are cast in, I won't watch it. I even don't know their names sometimes, funny isn't it?
Well, one of the actresses that I love is Kim Tae Hee. Not just because she is beautiful but maybe I was attracted to her upon knowing that she is a devout Catholic and one of the reasons that Rain, was converted. She is also an intelligent person. I watched Yong Pal almost 10x, and her Iris series.
Then a year ago, she starred in a series entitled, "Hi, Bye Mama," which I consider as one of my favorite kdramas of all time. The series made me cry and laugh every second. And what I love about the series, there is no real villain because all of the characters are just victims of the circumstances.
So, tonight, after coming from a wedding and while charging my phone, and the rain is pouring hard, I decided to watch the series again. That's why I want to share with you lessons that I learn from the series that I think can help you appreciate life, and the people around you because in reality, once we die, we cannot go back and correct all the things in our life.
Life lessons from #HiByeMama: https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/hibyemama?__eep__=6&__cft__[0]=AZXym_Z2ff6z_wak4vG4gepVLlhy0RwwcQTeC67hfpcwD2_dtOnMcb1_o1FnMdNTXtRXvsSEB2RJDjBmrqCxUL7r2U63dn4YkgxXD58KKIwgcFgoTUkHgTSwf9lS8WJmWXY&__tn__=*NK-R
1. Live your life to the fullest. Appreciate every moment.
2. Sudden death always leaves regrets.
3. Not all are given a chance to say goodbye.
4. There is always someone you can call friends.
5. Mothers love is always unconditional. Biological mother, stepmother, or anyone you call a mother, you always have a family to turn to.
6. Regret is always the hardest. Having to forgive yourself is always difficult.
7. Life is a gift, live it, love it, share it. Life is painful but it is also precious and beautiful.
8. True love. Genuine love. Is not always to be heard but to be felt.
Love in its purity entails sacrifice.
9. Sometimes, we thought that happy moments have no end that we could not let go of. But we must for us to move on.
10. Learn from the difficult times. It's alright to be sad and to cry. But, learn to cherish the most beautiful moments.
11. Sometimes, we think that what we do and say would be for the good of others, but we are wrong. Keeping our hearts shut down from others would only hurt them. Loving is not all about making others happy, but making yourself first.
Lastly: Say the words, I AM SORRY, THANK YOU and IT'S ALRIGHT in a proper context.
What life lesson do you think you need to work on? And maybe you want to watch the series too, and let it teach you according to your experience.
Rise! You will stand up from where you fall!
One of my favorite stories in the Bible is the travel of the two disciples of Jesus to Emmaus because it teaches a great lesson for especially when we are disappointed when we feel cheated on when we are discouraged.
**You will stand up from where you fall.**
We often hear these words. Stand up where you stumble or fall.
It means to me, “Do not lose hope”. But it is easy as it seems. Easier said than done.
It is hard to accept when the only person you entrust your whole life, your time, your money, your dreams, your hopes, and ideals; when you bet your all to that person and then suddenly, “Kaboom!”, all are gone!
You realize it is just a scam. You seem cheated. You are tricked. You are just played on. Oh, it is so tough to accept. It is like the whole heaven and earth are on your shoulders.
**Counterfeit. Fake. Bogus.**
In Filipino, we call these people “PAASA.”
It’s so disappointing. False alarm. It’s the same feeling during examinations, you study very hard, review all your notes and all the lessons told by your teacher that will come out of the exam, you asked the intercession of all the saints, and yet, when the exams came, nothing from where you review is on it. And you failed, after all the efforts and hard work!
**Failed. Defeated. Unsuccessful.**
And what do we do after these disappointments?
We leave. We escape. We make a detour. We back out.
Just like the two disciples of Jesus who left Jerusalem after he was crucified on the cross. They left in a hurry in fear and downtrodden and went to Emmaus. Jerusalem is in chaos and there’s much trauma there. The one they think will save them; the one they think will free them; the one they think will defend them; is now dead. And all his followers, disciples, and supporters are being caught. Jesus’s apostles ran away, others denied him, how much more, them, just ordinary disciples. They need to flee away from Jerusalem to Emmaus.
In-denial. Cover up. Hide and hide.
Isn’t it exhausting and hard?
But wait, there are these words:
****Try Again. Go back again. Look back again. Visit again.****
And we may not realize, that one person who disappoints us, is the very same person that will be with us in our disappointing and lowest moments. In our depressed moments, he will be here for us. In our losing moments, he will be cheering for us. In our broken moments, he will be the one to make us whole.
**That person is Jesus, the God who is Emmanuel. The God with us.**
He will surely come back for us. He will journey with us. He will listen to us. He will tell stories to us.
He will help us reminisce the events that we avoid remembering and he will open our eyes so that we can understand why things need to happen. He will make our hearts ablaze and burn. And then, later on, we will realize that everything happens for a reason. And all that is, is a preparation for greater things ahead.
But for this to happen, we need to remember the painful memories; we need to go back to the place that we evade. You need to return to the place where you are hurt and face it.
Lastly, my friends, remember that hurts, disappointments, sickness, failures, loses and even death is not the end.
There are successes, achievements, recognitions, and victories in the end. But, it depends on how you will achieve it. It depends when you trust again.
Just like the two disciples, believe that you are not alone. “Lord, guide me on the right path. Be with me in this journey.”
Stand up from where you fall and when you fall take that opportunity to be humble and pray and ask help from God and from someone to lift you.
P.S: What are your Jerusalems in life (the place of your disappointments, fears…) What are your Emmaus (your escape, your haven). And who is with you in all this?
Bakit nga ba nagdiriwang ng Pasko?
Isa sa mga article na isinulat ko kahapon ay tungkol sa Simbang Gabi at bakit ito ginagawa. Ngayon naman ay hayaan ninyong ibahagi ko sa inyo ang aking paliwanag at sagot tungkol sa mga tanong sa Pasko.
**Bakit kayo nagcecelebrate ng Pasko nasa Bibliya ba yan?**
Sa Simbahang Katolika, may dalawang Paskong ipinagdiriwang, ang Pasko ng Pagsilang ng Panginoon tuwing December 25 at ang Pasko ng Muling Pagkabuhay o ang Easter Sunday.
Ang dalawang pagdiriwang na ito ay magkaugnay kaya nga sinasabi na “Christmas is the season, Easter is the reason.”
Itinuturo ng Katekismo (Catechism of the Catholic Church) sa CCC 525 ang ganito *“Jesus was born in a humble stable, into a poor family. Simple shepherds were the first witnesses to this event. In this poverty heaven's glory was made manifest. The Church never tires of singing the glory of this night:*
*The Virgin today brings into the world the Eternal*
*And the earth offers a cave to the Inaccessible.*
*The angels and shepherds praise him*
*And the magi advance with the star,*
*For you are born for us,*
*Little Child, God eternal!”*
Ang pagsilang ng Manunubos na si Jesus, ang Emmanuel ay malinaw na mababasa natin sa Bibliya. Sa Synoptic Gospels ay malinaw na ikinewento ng mga ebanghelista ang pagsilang ng Mesiyas (Mateo 1:21, Lukas 1:31), ang Emmanuel (Mateo 1:23, Isaias 7:14) at kahit si Juan ay isinulat din ang misteryo ng pagkakatawang-tao ng Salita ng Diyos o ang Incarnation (Jn. 1:1-14).
May iba’t ibang tawag din sa pagdiriwang na ito depende:
1. Paskwa sa Bisaya- (Pascha naman ang tawag ng ibang Christian church)
Makikita ang Paskwa o Pascua sa Bibliya. Ito ay isa sa tatlong major feasts na dapat ipagdiwang ng mga Judio.
Ang Pista ng Paskwa ay tumutukoy sa pagliligtas ng Diyos sa kanyang bayang Israel mula sa pagkakaalipin at ang paglagpas ng anghel ng kamatayan sa mga bahay na may panganay na Israelita. Maaring kaya ito tinawag na Pasko sapagkat ang Anak ng Diyos, ang panganay sa lahat, ay tumawid mula sa langit at nakisali sa kasaysayan. Sa araw ng pasko, ay isisilang ang Mesiyas na siyang magpapalaya at magliligtas sa tao mula sa kasalanan.
2. Christmas- literal, ang ibig sabihin nito ay “death of Christ”. Ito ay nagmula sa “Cristes Maesse” o “Mass of Christ”. Ito ay nagmula sa salitang Latin na sinasabi sa pagtatapos ng Misa, “Ite, Missa est.”
Ang pagdiriwang ng Mass of Christ o Christ-Mass ay ang tanging pinapayagan na ipagdiwang ng sunset, ng dawn at ng sunrise. At ng pinaikli ito, ito ay tinawag na Christmas.
3. Sa ibang lenggwahe, malinaw na ipinapakita ang tunay na kahulugan ng Pasko, “ang pagsilang ng Manunubos." Kaya nga ang mga pagbating *Feliz navidad, Buon Natale, Joyeoux Noel* ay nagpapakita ng masaya, maganda at maligayang pagsilang ng manunubos.
· **Bakit December 25 ang Pasko?**
Sinasabi sa Bibliya, “A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth” (Ecc. 7:1). Kaya ang mga kapistahan ng mga santo at santa ay ipinagdiriwang sa araw na kanilang kamatayan o dies natalis sapagkat pinaniniwalaan na sa araw na ito, sila ay isinilang sa buhay na walang-hanggan sa langit.
Sabi ni San Pablo, *“Therefore, brothers, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught, either by an oral statement or by a letter of ours"* (2 Thess. 2:15).
Si Hippolytus of Rome, sa kanyang isinulat na Chronicon, taong 204AD ay mababasa ang paniniwala na ang March 25 ay ang araw na nilikha ang sanlibutan sa vernal equinox, at pagbilang ng 9 mos. after ay ang Dec 25.
Naniniwala ang mga unang Kristiyano na noong March 25 (Nissan 14)ay nilikha ng Diyos ang mundo, nagkasala sina Adan, at sa araw na ito ipinaglihi at namatay si Jesus kung gayon ay iniligtas niya ang tao at binawi mula sa pagkakasala nina Adan.
Mga 240 AD, naitala ang isang matandang Kristiyanong tradisyon na ang araw na ibinalita ng anghel sa Mahal na Birheng Maria na siya ay maglilihi (Luke 1:26-38) ay nangyari noong Nissan 14 (Hebrew calendar) o March 25 (Gregorian calendar) sa atin. Ito ang Solemnity of the Annunciation. At itinuturo ng science at ng Bibiliya na 9 na buwan ang normal na pagbubuntis (2 Mc. 7:27). Kaya makalipas ng 9 months, Dec 25 ang pagsilang ni Maria kay Jesus.
*“One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their mind. Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord” (*Romans 14:5-6).
Noong Dec 25, 336AD, naitala ang unang “opisyal na pagdiriwang ng Pasko” ng mga Kristiyano bagama’t hindi pa ito isang state celebration sa ilalim ni Emperor Constantine.
Noong 525AD naman, isang monk, si Dionysius Exiguus, ang nag-imbento ng paglalagay ng AD sa taon o Anno Domini (para sa kanya ang year 1 o 1 AD ay nagsimula sa pagsilang ni Jesus) at gumawa ng maayos na sistema kung kailan ipagdiriwang ang Easter Sunday, ang nagtalaga ng March 25 bilang pagsisimula ng New Year, at dahil sa paniniwalang ang araw na ito ay biyaya ng Diyos sapagkat sa araw na ito ipinaglihi si Jesus.
Pero alam ba ninyo na ang Pasko ay hindi lamang isang araw (Dec 25) kundi isang panahon?
**Ang panahon ng Pasko ay panahon ng pagpapakita ng Panginoon: sa kanyang pagsilang, pagbisita ng tatlong pantas, sa kanyang pagbibinyag at sa unang milagrong ginawa niya sa kasalan sa Cana.**
Ito ay nagsisimula sa gabi ng Dec 24 o sa first vespers at magtatapos sa kapistahan ng pagbibinyag ng Panginoon.
Kaya huwag ka munang magsabi ng belated Merry Christmas after Dec. 25 ha kasi Pasko pa yon. Mayroon din tayong tinatawag na Christmas octave mula Dec. 25 hanggang January 1. Kaya nga sa January 1, hindi lamang tayo nagsisimba dahil New Year kundi dahil Kapistahan ni Maria, Ina ng Diyos at sa araw na iyon ang Gospel ay tungkol sa pagtutuli kay Jesus kung kailan siya ay binigyan ng pangalan ayon sa kaugalian ng mga Judio.
At alam din ba ninyo na ipinagdiriwang ang Pasko sa iba’t ibang araw sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng mundo? Ang mga Kristiyano sa Kanluran ay ipinagdiriwang ito ng Dec 25 samantalang ang mga nasa Silangan ay tuwing January 6, ang iba naman ay January 7. Ito ay dahil na rin sa sinusunod pa rin nila ang Julian calendar kaysa sa Gregorian calendar natin ngayon.
Noon, maliban sa December 25, ay ipinagdiriwang din ang Pasko ng January 6 o ‘yung tinatawag nilang 3 Kings dati. Ngunit sa January 6 ang ipinagdiriwang ay ang Epiphany o ang Pagpapakita ng Panginoon, ang pagbibinyag sa kanya at ang unang milagrong ginawa niya sa kasalan sa Cana.
Sa ngayon, ang Epifania o Epiphany ay nakatuon mismo sa pagdalaw ng mga pantas o magi *(hindi hari ha, kaya nga "mali" raw 'yong mga lyric sa kantang We 3 Kings at Pasko na Naman)* sa sanggol na si Jesus. Pero dati, ang Baptism of the Lord ay higit na mahalaga kaysa sa kanyang pagsilang sapagkat pinaniniwalaan na sa pangyayaring ito nagsimula ang ministry Niya. Pero kalaunan, ay mas pinili ng mga Kristiyano na ipagdiwang ang pagsilang at pagbibinyag ni Jesus sa magkahiwalay na araw.
· **Hindi ba’t ang December 25 ay pista ng mga Pagano kaya ang Pasko ninyo ay sa pagano?**
Sinasabi ng iba na kaya raw Dec. 25 ang Pasko ay dahil ipinalit ito sa pista ng mga pagano at makahikayat ng iba pa na maging Kristiyano. 3 sa mga itinuturo nilang ”diyos” at ang kapistahang ipinagdiriwang daw tuwing Dec. 25 ay ang Saturnalia (paggunita kay Saturn), ang Dies Natalis Solis Invicti (The Birth of the Unconquered Sun) at ang pista ni Mithras.
Linawin lang natin.
Ang Saturnalia (pista sa karangalan ni Saturn, ang diyos ng agrikuktura) ay itinatag noong 220BC at original na Dec 17 hanggang inextend ng hanggang Dec 23. So, hindi siya Dec 25!
Ang kapistahan ng Unconquered god at ni Mithra (the Sun god) ay itinatag lang ni Emeperador Aurelian noong 274 at pinaniniwalaan ng mga pagano na Dec 25 ang birthday niya.
Pero, ang pinakamaagang record ng pagdiriwang ng Pasko na konektado sa Nisan 14 o March 25 ay noong Dec 25, 200AD pa!
Si Hippolytus ng Rome sa kanyang Commentary sa aklat ni Daniel ay isinulat noong 204AD ang ganito, na ipinanganak ang Panginoon ng Dec 25,
“For the first advent of our Lord in the flesh, when he was born in Bethlehem, was December 25th, Wednesday, while Augustus was in his forty-second year, but from Adam, five thousand and five hundred years. He suffered in the thirty-third year, March 25th, Friday, the eighteenth year of Tiberius Caesar, while Rufus and Roubellion were Consuls.”
Si Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI ay nilinaw din ito sa kanyang aklat na ***Spirit of the Liturgy***
*“The claim used to be made that December 25 developed in opposition to the Mithras myth, or as a Christian response to the cult of the unconquered sun promoted by Roman emperors in the third century in their efforts to establish a new imperial religion. However, these old theories can no longer be sustained. The decisive factor was the connection of creation and Cross, of creation and Christ’s conception (p. 105-107).*”
Itinuturo ng Simbahan na si Jesus ang katuparan ng lahat ng mga propesiya sa Lumang Tipan. At ilan sa mga ito ay natupad sa pagsilang niya, eksaktong Dec. 25 man o hindi.
Ang mga ito ay magpapakilala kung sino nga ba si Jesus.
Tingnan natin:
1**. Si Jesus ang Tinapay ng Buhay.**
Siya ay ipinanganak sa bayan ng Betlehem.
“*You, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days”* (Micah 5:2).
Sa Hebreo, ang Bethlehem ay nangangahulugang **“House of Bread”**. Hindi coincidence na si Jesus na Tinapay ng Buhay ay ipinanganak sa lugar na ito. At siya ay inihiga sa sabsaban o manger na ang ibig sabihin din ay “*to eat”.* Inaanyayahan tayo ng batang si Jesus na kumain sa tinapay na nagbibigay-buhay.
**2. Si Jesus ang Liwanag ng Mundo.**
*Jesus was a Jew, so this could be another reason that helped the early Church choose December the 25th for the date of Christmas!*
Bagamat may nagsasabi na si Jesus ay imposibleng ipinanganak ng winter kaya spring o autumn malamang, at baka nga Passover din siya ipinanganak, actually, may clues na posibleng sa Hannukkah siya talaga ipinanganak:
Sa mga panahong ito, ang mga Judio ay nagdiriwang ng festival of lights o Hannukah. Ito ay nagsisimula sa Dec 25. Kung sasabihin natin na si Jesus ang katuparan ng lahat ng hula sa OT, sakto rin ito, sapagkat si Jesus ang ilaw ng sanlibutan.
*Christians believe that Jesus is the light of the world, so the early Christians thought that this was the right time to celebrate the birth of Jesus.*
3. **Si Jesus ang Kordero ng Diyos.**
“*Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (*Luke 2:11).
*To believe this and bear witness, they would need a sign. The angel gave it: And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.* (Luke 2:12)”
Ito ang magandang balita na ipinahayag ng anghel sa mga pastol na nagbabantay sa kanilang kawan. May clue na agad: Ang mga pastol na nagbabantay sa kanilang kawan ay mga pastol na nag-aalaga ng mga tupang iaalay sa templo at kaya sila nagbabantay kasi hindi pwedeng masugatan ang batang tupa. Hindi sila basta-basta pastol. Mga temple shepherds sila at ang inaalagaan nilang tupa ay isang espesyal na breed na nanganganak sa panahon ng taglamig (napatunayan ng science to).
Pagkapanganak sa tupa, binabalot na agad nila ito sa lampin. Sinasabi sa Lumang Tipan na ang tupang ihahandog sa Templo ay dapat lalaki at walang kapintasan, sugat, bali o gasgas. Kaya nga nung sinabi ng angel, "*You will find a baby wrapped in a swaddling clothes."* nakilala agad nila si Jesus, na nakabalot sa lampin, bilang ang Panginoon, ang Mesiyas na magliligtas sa sanlibutan. At tulad ng sinabi ni Juan Bautista, si Jesus ang “kordero ng Diyos na nag-aalis ng mga kasalanan.”
******
Ipinanganak man si Jesus ng December 25 o hindi, ang mahalaga ay kung sino at ano ang ipinagdiriwang sa araw at mga panahong ito. Ang Pasko ay pagdiriwang at pag-aalala sa pagsilang ng Anak ng Diyos dalawang libong taon na ang nakalilipas. At nawa sa mga paghahandang ating ginagawa, hindi natin makalimutan ang tunay na diwa ng Pasko; si Jesus!
**Keep Christ in our Christmas celebration.**
Merry Xmas!
O, hindi ko tinanggal si Christ sa pagbati ko ha. Yong X ay Greek letter ng pangalang Christ.
Pero sige na nga!
Have a blessed and Merry Christmas!
Maligayang Pasko ng Pagsilang ng Panginoon!
Nawa po ay makatulong ang isinulat kong ito upang masagot ang madalas na tinatanong tungkol sa pagdiriwang ng Pasko.
The footbridge lesson!
Alam ko marami sa atin gusto ang short-cut. 'Yong tipong mapapabilis ang lahat ng bagay lalo na kung nagmamadali tayo.
Alam ko ring marami sa atin lalo 'yong mga nasa lungsod ang pamilyar sa footbridge.
Ito ang realization ko tungkol dito.
**Ang buhay ay hindi short-cut.**
Sa may Puregold-Araneta, may isang ale na sumisigaw, "Mga ate, tatawid kayo? Bawal nang tumawid dito. May nanghuhuli na. Doon kayo sa footbridge dumaan."
Matagal na akong tumatawid sa may kalsadang 'yon. Mas malapit kasi. Minsan nga naiisip ko, anong gamit pa ng footbridge roon?
Pero sumunod ako sa sinabi ni ate, umakyat ako ng footbridge. Mataas. Eh, nakatakong pa ako. Matarik. Nakakapagod. Marami akong dalang visual aid tapos laptop ko pa.
Nakinig ako. Hindi ako nahuli. Hindi ako nahassle.
Advance ako mag-isip no.
Narealize ko. Wake-up call sa akin 'yun na palaging nagmamadali. Sino bang hindi?
Si ateng sumisigaw, siya ang boses ni God na nagremind sa akin ngayon.
**Don't take shortcuts. Lalo na kung ang pagshortcut mo ay ikapapahamak mo o makatatapak ka ng tao.**
Yung kalsada patawid, yun ung mga tukso sa buhay.
**Madali. Malapit. Pero, may "unseen danger" sa kabila noon.**
Yung footbridge, ito yung mga **dadaanan ko sa buhay. Paakyat. Pababa. Mataas. Matarik. Nakakapagod.**
Pero, in the end, makakarating ako ng ligtas sa paroroonan ko.
**Sa buhay ng tao, walang short-cut. Hindi easy-easy ang buhay. Gusto mong may marating sa buhay, pagpaguran mo, paghirapan mo.**
**The short-cuts may make your life easy and fast but take the long and hard routes. Take the road less traveled. For these roads, these ways are the ways that lead to safety, that lead to God.**
**And God will always send you people to guide you along the way.**
Ikaw, kapatid, ano ang mga "footbridge" sa buhay mo?
How many times must I try?
I am not a quitter. I just realized it when I was in college. Broken, scarred, and hurt I was but the people I met knew they met someone who was a fighter who never quits.
When we had an activity "Dare to Risk", I was the first one who shared my buried secrets. That time the only thing in my mind was not "Will they still accept me if they hear my story?" but "If not now, when?"
I am not afraid of losing myself in return for finding it. A paradox right? But yes. I am not afraid of trying new things and failing. The only thing I am afraid of is not trying to make an effort, to try new things, to improve myself.
Many scientists and successful people are now on the pedestal because many times, not only once, have they tried, have failed, and yet keep on trying. An anecdote of Thomas Edison and his son was one of my favorite stories. A fire broke out in his laboratory, turning into ashes all the thousands of patents, formulas, and researches that he had. But he remained hopeful after all. He said to his son, (not the exact words, but may go like ), "The fire may break a thousand things inside but I now know that those thousand things will not work and I have to discover a thousand things and ways again."
Then, why are we afraid to try?
Are we afraid to lose friends?
Are we afraid to fail?
Are we afraid of what the people will say about us?
My friends, it is between you and yourself alone. Your only enemy is yourself!
**Let me share these little things that might help you.**
You'll never know how deep the water is unless you dip in it. Be courageous to test it and get wet.
Successful people are not perfect.
They became successful because they took the courage to test how deep the water is and soaked in it.
You'll never know unless you try. Successful people tried and failed a thousand times and yet they persevere in knowing and discovering something new.
Don't be afraid to come out of your comfort zone.
There's no harm in trying.
You can do it if you believe you will.
Go out into the deep. Cast your nets into the deep. Wade on the waters. Test on the waves.
Everything is something new to learn and experience.
Successful people are people of change. Successful people are courageous people.
I am not a quitter and I hope you are too. As the saying goes, "Try and try until you succeed."
p.a.s.t.
Most of us find it hard to move on from our past experiences. Most people, try to imprison us of our past experiences as if we can't become a better version of our past self.
People often could not just move on. Always hanging unto the past. We are all sinners in the past, that is why when are ashamed of asking God's love and favor.
But God does not look unto your past, but He sees you in your future.
You are a past sinner, being a saint sharing in His glory.
I realized this when we ask for God's blessing we need this.
So here's the P.A.S.T that I hope could help you too.
****PLEAD****
When we want something, don't we cry? Don't we plea? Plea to God, that in His great and abundant mercy, He will answer your call. God is not deaf to our pleas, but He wants to know how will we fight for what we are asking of Him. St. James said that sometimes God is not giving us what we want because we don't know what we are asking of. When you need something, plead. Plead with your clasp hand and on your bended knees.
****ASK****
There's no harm in asking. "God is it okay? Lord, will you give me this?." As humans sometimes we stop asking God because we think He is not listening. But God does listen. For us, asking God is bombarding Him with many prayer requests, and then we want it ASAP, instant, quick, rapido, pronto…We don't allow Him to answer. Despite our being sinners in front of God, we have this courage to ask Him anything, blessings, rewards, promotions, work, friends, money, a partner in life, etc. But do we have the courage to let God speak and answer you? Oftentimes we dare not. We are so deeply focused on ourselves, on our demands that we ignore this silent and little voice inside us, which is the voice of God. We don't want silence in our midst but that is the language in which God wants to start His conversation with us. He is telling us that we don't need what we are asking. He is telling us to wait because He knows the greater things we need. In His own perfect time, all will be okay. Just ask. Don't be ashamed. God loves us so much. Just listen. Have a conversation with Him. Feel His presence.
****SORROW****
Being sinners, we are expected to ask God's pardon and mercy. But sometimes we tend to broadcast our sinfulness, our failures, our weaknesses. True sorrow acknowledges that we are all sinners, who need God's forgiveness. In front of God, we can never boast of anything. God loves all sinners, hates sins. Sometimes we fail to admit our mistakes and sins. We are ashamed to confess our sins. It is not hard to bow down, strike your chest, and fall on your knees. When we kneel, we stand tall before God. Sorrow comes with conversion and change of heart. Like Zacchaeus, St. Paul, the Apostles, the disciples of Jesus who in their sorrow meet God, feel His love and share that love.
****THANK****
Being sinners we try not to forget to thank God. Thank Him for what you are now. Thank Him in all circumstances. Thank Him for everything. Thank Him for everyone, may that be your family, friends, loved ones, or even your enemies. But above all, thank God for sending His beloved Son, Jesus Christ, who took you out from the slavery of sin, from being a sinner, He made you holy and perfect in His love. Thank God for loving you despite your sins because He still sees in you a beloved child of Him. He sees not your past but your future.
A SINNER, NOW A SAINT. CONDEMNED NOW SAVED. HATED NOW LOVED.
We are not prisoners of our past. Live in the present. "Don't let people judge you because of your past, you don't live there anymore."
Are you ready to move on with your past?
SALAMAT (A Poem Dedicated to All)
I still have two classes to go, so allow me to post this poem inspired by Ari Eastman's letter of #Gratitude: It is dedicated to all the new people I meet and eventually became my friends. https://noise.cash/search?q=%23Gratitude
We must say the magic words of “I love you”, “I am sorry”, “Thank you” and “Forgive me” every day.
For this article, allow me to say THANK YOU!
*****
SALAMAT (Inspirado mula sa isinulat ni Ari Eastman)
Sa mga taong naging tungkod ko sa panahong
nanginginig na ang aking mga tuhod at bumabagsak na ako,
SALAMAT!
Salamat sa pagsisilbing mga paa ko sa panahong
halos wala na akong lakas upang makagalaw.
Sa pagiging suporta ko at lakas sa mga pagkakataong hinihintay na lang ng iba na lumagpak ako at mabaon sa putikan.
Salamat sa pagiging isang matibay na sandigan at pundasyon ko
na humihila sa akin upang manatili akong nakatayo sa aking mga paa.
Kapag ako ay shushunga-shunga at palaging nadadapa,
kayo ang unang tatawa
ngunit kayo rin ang unang mag-aabot ng inyong mga kamay
upang ako ay tulungang bumangon sa pagkadapa.
Kayo ang aking unang entablado at mga unang kritiko.
Sa mga taong nagsasabing okay lang hindi maging okay, SALAMAT.
Salamat sa pag-unawa kapag bumibigay na ang puso ko
at kailangang maging malakas ako.
Hinayaan ninyo akong magmahal na walang kinatatakutan.
Kahit paulit-ulit na akong nasasaktan dahil sa aking katangahan.
Palagi ninyong ipinapaalala sa akin na hindi lahat
ay kakasya sa kahong idinidikta ng lipunan.
Hindi ko kailangang ipagsiksikan ang sarili ko sa kahong ito
kung kaya ko namang bumuo ng sarili ko.
Kahit na sa mga panahon na burara ako at mukha akong dugyot,
andiyan pa rin kayo.
Maraming beses sinasamahan pa ninyo ako sa aking mga kabaliwan sa buhay.
Sa mga taong pumapalakpak at nagchecheer pa rin kahit na ang boses ko
ay parang tunog ng buntis na palaka
o ng pusang naglalampungan sa bubong kapag gabi,
salamat.
Salamat sa pagpapaalala na importante ang mga pananaw ko sa buhay.
May mga panahon na gusto kong manahimik lalo na kapag galit,
o kapag gusto kong magdadaldal na parang wala ng bukas.
Pero nirerespeto pa rin ninyo ako.
Hinahayaan ninyo ako at sinusuportahan sa mga ipinaglalaban ko basta tama,
Itinutuwid ninyo ako kapag mali.
At minamahal ko kayong lalo sa pagdaan ng panahon.
Sa mga taong kilala ako kung sino ako na higit pa sa pagkakilala ko,
at andiyan pa rin sa tabi ko, SALAMAT NG SOBRA.
Salamat dahil nakikita ninyo ang mga bitak, sugat, pasa at mga peklat sa buhay ko
pero nanatili pa rin kayo.
Salamat dahil nakikita ninyo ako bilang ako
at hindi ang taong minamaskara ko upang pagtakpan ang tunay na ako.
Nasaksihan ninyo ang pinakamadilim na yugto ng buhay ko,
ang pinakamagulo na halos pakiramdam ko pinagsakluban ako ng langit at lupa,
at doon, napatid ang tali ng maskara at nahubaran ang aking huwad na pagkatao.
Pero sabi pa rin ninyo,
Okay lang yan.
Worth it ka.
Kamahal-mahal ka.
Walang nagbago.
Andito pa rin kami.
At sa mga taong minahal ako kahit na hindi ko deserve,
kahit na parang hindi ako karapat-dapat mahalin,
SALAMAT.
Salamat dahil pinakita ninyo sa akin kung ano ang totoong pakahulugan
ng pagkakaibigan, ng paggabay, pagmamahal at pagmamalasakit.
Kayo ang pinakamagandang nangyari sa mundo ko.
Kayo ang dahilan kung bakit nagkakaroon na ng kulay
ang pagtingin ko sa mundo,
Sa sarili ko.
Kaya, bago man matapos ang buhay na ito,
hayaan ninyong sabihin ko MARAMING SALAMAT!
You can share this article to people you are thankful for. And thank you for reading too!
#originalcontent #poem #RandomThoughts #Friendships https://noise.cash/search?q=%23originalcontent https://noise.cash/search?q=%23poem https://noise.cash/search?q=%23RandomThoughts https://noise.cash/search?q=%23Friendships
Simbang Gabi: Frequently Asked Questions
The Philippines having almost 80% of Catholic Christians has probably the longest celebration of Christmas in the world.
When September 1 strikes, many begin to greet each other with a "Merry Christmas". Malls, radios, and others will also begin to play Christmas songs, of course, Jose Mari Chan's Christmas in Our Hearts tops the playlist.
Houses and other public places will also be decorated with Christmas decorations and many will be busy shopping for gifts.
Sadly, though Filipinos start Christmas early, they automatically end it on December 25.
But it is not in the case of the Church. September is practically part of the Season Ordinary Time, and the liturgical calendar of the Church will begin in the Season of Advent which will be partly the last week of November or the First week of December that will run until December 24.
Officially, Christmas is not just one day in the Church, but a season that begins in the first Vespers of December 24 and will end on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord (it is a movable feast so no fixed date but will fall on the latest in January). Other traditional priest extends it until February 2, the 40th day after Christmas day.
But let me get to the topic of this article. In the Western side of the world, their Advent season is continuously celebrated, the 4 weeks, with no singing of the Gloria during Sunday Mass. This is not the case in the Philippines because starting December 16, we begin to sing the Gloria in what we call the Simbang Gabi. It is a special indult given by the Pope that in a Mass of Simbang Gabi, Gloria or Papuri can be sung.
So, I'll now begin discussing the FAQs about the SImbang Gabi commonly and yearly asked by non-Catholics but mind you, some denominational Christian churches already have their own "Simbang Gabi."
*****
*(Here is a picture of the early Filipinos attending the Misa de Gallo at the break of dawn. They are carrying parol as a torch. Later on parol or Christmas lantern will become one distinct Christmas decoration.)*
-Why is it called Simbang Gabi when it is done at dawn? Is it in the Bible?
A: Obviously, it is Simbang Gabi because it is still dark. If translated Simbang Gabi is Evening Mass or because it begins mostly at 4 AM is Dawn Mass. Originally, in Spanish time, it is called Misa de Gallo or Mass of the Rooster because in the rural areas especially in the provinces, when the rooster starts to crow it means morning already.
Misa de Gallo is an original Spanish tradition that they brought to the Philippines. Though it started to wane in Spain, the Filipinos preserve this beautiful tradition. That because of the Filipino diaspora of OFWs in different parts of the world, many countries in the Middle East and Europe start to adopt the Simbang Gabi. Recently, the first Simbang Gabi was held in the Vatican presided by none other Pope Francis.
But liturgically, the nine-day Masses of Misa de Gallo is called Misa de Aguinaldo or the Mass in Honor of the Virgin Mary to commemorate the nine months pregnancy of Mary to the Son of God, the greatest gift of all.
Anyway, Misa De Gallo is celebrated on the dawn starting December 16 until December 24. For pastoral reasons, because many are not able to attend the Dawn Mass, the Church adds the Simba sa Gabi or the "anticipated" Simbang Gabi that begins on December 15 until December 23.
So whatever it may be called, the nine-day (novena) Masses are done to honor Jesus, for Him and Him alone.
Yes, it is in the Bible but not literally!
The Simbang Gabi is a wonderful Christian tradition to remember the birth of the Savior, Jesus, (Matthew 1:21, Luke 1:31), the Emmanuel (Matthew 1:23, Isaiah 7:14).
Remember that attending Mass, the highest form of worship, and praying has no limits on where to celebrate or when. Even Jesus prayed, everywhere and anytime. "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed" (Mark 1:35). See, Jesus prayed early morning, that is DAWN!
Those who attend the Misa De Gallo or Simbang Gabi wake up early to go to the Church, "the house of prayer" (Matthew 21:13). One of then Filipino Christmas songs goes like this, "*Kampana ng Simbahan ay nanggigising na at waring nagsasabi na tayo'y magsimba. Gumising at magbangon tayo'y magsilakad at masiglang tunguhin ang ating Simbahan.*" The bells are started to ring, the sign that we need to rise up and go to Church.
*****
When you love someone, you will do everything, sacrifice everything. Jesus sacrificed himself for us because he loves us. Jesus, the Son of God, the reason for the Christmas season, came down from heaven and became a man like us.
Here are some reasons why we attend the Simbang Gabi. Remember, we don't complete the 9 days because our wish will come true. It is just a bonus if God will grant us our wishes and prayers. But this is just a minor reason.
***How much sacrifice is waking up early for nine days in the chilly morning just to attend the Simbang Gabi to remember His birth and to thank the Father?
I just can't understand this person who questions every tradition that Catholics do. How can't they just respect this act of love that we do for God?
I hope this article helps you prepare for Simbang Gabi and the Christmas season.
Advance Merry Christmas to all! May you have a peaceful and joyous celebration.
#Faith #SimbangGabi #Filipinos #Catholics #Christmas
Gratitude...
Have you said "THANK YOU MY GOD" today?
Gratitude is the memory of the heart. Grateful people remember not only the good things but also the bad. Grateful people are people who use not only their hearts. Our late College Dean often reminded us that "the one who thinks thanks." God's ways are not our ways. Our prayers are not answered by the opening of the sky and our prayers falling down to us. But, God uses people to answer our prayers.
Have we appreciate God's way of answering our prayers? Have we thank God and those people?
If we use our mind and think of all the blessing God has given us, we have many things to be thankful. Grateful people are those people who appreciate even simple things. I remember one time I was in a fast food, restaurant eating my late lunch. Then two sisters, came, ruggedly dirty and stinking. The older one carried her sister on her back and went from one table to another begging for food. And then she came to where I was seated and open her dirty palm and asked for my food. I felt so sad for them, but I was so hungry I hesitated sharing my food. But later on, I gave them a piece of shanghai roll.
I saw the happiness in their eyes. After saying thanks to me, I saw the older sister bit a little and gave the rest of portion to her sister. Small things done to other people are like great gifts. Sometimes, we asked God things we really don't need but are just wants. We are not satisfied of what we already have. Oftentimes those people whom we think do own too little are those people who give much.
Remember the widow who gave her all in the temple?
The Samaritan leper who after received healing from Jesus, returned and give him thanks?
Being thankful is a healthy way of life. Appreciating what we already have is a sign of being grateful. Grateful people are not only thinking people but happy people. Grateful people are infectious. But ungrateful people are miserable people. Ungrateful people are unsatisfied people.
Grateful people cannot forget that until they grow old, they will be more grateful. Grateful people are still thankful in the midst of trials and difficulties. Grateful people are inspiring people. Grateful people are signs that God is with us. Grateful people are loving people. Grateful people are caring people.
Some little ways of being grateful:
Always THANK GOD.
Always say thank you to people who (please complete this statement by substituting something done for you.)
Pray.
Care.
Love.
Always lend a hand to others.
Share your blessings.
Write a thank you note. Send a message of thanks.
Smile a lot.
Appreciate life.
Think. Thank. Smile.
God is a God of abundance and blessings. We received too much, have we thank Him a lot? Have we share our blessings as sign of our gratefulness?
This season of Christmas, how can we show our gratitude?
PS.
No one is so rich he cannot receive, no one is so poor he cannot give. (WALANG MAYAMAN NA HINDI MAKAKATANGGAP. WALANG MAHIRAP NA HINDI MAKAKAPAGBIGAY.)
Even the most wealthy though have plenty can still receive and accept, and even the poorest of the poor can give.
Be thankful. THANKSGIVING. In giving we thank. MAGPASALAMAT. Share, pass your thanks.
#Gratitude #LifeMotivation #Inspirational #ReadCash
A Gentle Reminder
Hello Readers! This is my first post here in this site and I hope I can find new people who has the same passion as me. I may be writing random topics about nature, faith, fiction stories (I'm an aspiring writer) and life motivation and inspirational quotes.
I'm a Filipino and English is not really my cup of tea so bear with my grammar and sometimes I may get typo errors, but I hope you will still read my contents.
As you can see, the pandemic has brought a big impact on my life, my work and my mental health. I would assume, that it is not only me who experience this. But what keeps me moving in spite of all the odds that happened in almost 2 years is my faith.
So let me share this article that helps me grounded and moving on with life. Though it is attribute to Pope Francis, you may know him as the head of the Catholic Church but he is fond of telling his points using simple words and imageries. No wonder that this article was attribute to him. But may it be him or an anonymous writer wrote it, allow me to share it because I think it is not only me that needs to be reminded of it.
*******
Here's the article:
A Gentle Reminder From Pope Francis
This life will go by fast.
Don't fight with people, don't criticize your body so much, don't complain so much.
Don't lose sleep over your bills. Look for the person that makes you happy.
If you make a mistake, let it go and keep seeking your happiness.
Never stop being a good parent. Don't worry so much about buying luxuries and comforts for your home, and don't kill yourself trying to leave an inheritance for your family. Those benefits should be earned by each person, so don't dedicate yourself to accumulating money.
Enjoy, travel, enjoy your journeys, see new places, give yourself the pleasures you deserve. Allow dogs to get closer. Don't put away the fine glassware. Utilize the new dinnerware; don't save your favorite perfume, use it to go out with yourself; wear out your favorite sport shoes; repeat your favorite clothes. So what? That's not bad.
Why not now? Why not pray now instead of waiting until before you sleep? Why not call now? Why not forgive now? We wait so long for Christmas; for Friday; for Reunions; for another year; for when I have money; for love to come; when everything is perfect...look... Everything perfect doesn't exist.
Human beings can't accomplish this because it simply was not intended to be completed here. Here is an opportunity to learn. So take this challenge that is life and do it now...love more, forgive more, embrace more, love more intensely and leave the rest in God's hands.
Amen.
Let me know if you read up to here. What's in the article that you think you are reminded of? Can you comment it down so we could interact?
#Writer **#Wattpad** **#RandomThoughts** **#LifeMotivation** **#Inspirational** https://read.cash/search?q=%23Wattpad https://read.cash/search?q=%23RandomThoughts https://read.cash/search?q=%23LifeMotivation https://read.cash/search?q=%23Inspirational
Hello Readers! This is my first post here in this site and I hope I can find new people who has the same passion as me. I may be writing random topics about nature, faith, fiction stories (I'm an aspiring writer) and life motivation and inspirational quotes.
I'm a Filipino and English is not really my cup of tea so bear with my grammar and sometimes I may get typo errors, but I hope you will still read my contents.
As you can see, the pandemic has brought a big impact on my life, my work and my mental health. I would assume, that it is not only me who experience this. But what keeps me moving in spite of all the odds that happened in almost 2 years is my faith.
So let me share this article that helps me grounded and moving on with life. Though it is attribute to Pope Francis, you may know him as the head of the Catholic Church but he is fond of telling his points using simple words and imageries. No wonder that this article was attribute to him. But may it be him or an anonymous writer wrote it, allow me to share it because I think it is not only me that needs to be reminded of it.
Here's the article:
A Gentle Reminder From Pope Francis
This life will go by fast.
Don't fight with people, don't criticize your body so much, don't complain so much.
Don't lose sleep over your bills. Look for the person that makes you happy. If you make a mistake, let it go and keep seeking your happiness.
Never stop being a good parent. Don't worry so much about buying luxuries and comforts for your home, and don't kill yourself trying to leave an inheritance for your family. Those benefits should be earned by each person, so don't dedicate yourself to accumulating money.
Enjoy, travel, enjoy your journeys, see new places, give yourself the pleasures you deserve. Allow dogs to get closer. Don't put away the fine glassware. Utilize the new dinnerware; don't save your favorite perfume, use it to go out with yourself; wear out your favorite sport shoes; repeat your favorite clothes.
So what? That's not bad. Why not now? Why not pray now instead of waiting until before you sleep? Why not call now? Why not forgive now? We wait so long for Christmas; for Friday; for Reunions; for another year; for when I have money; for love to come; when everything is perfect...look...
Everything perfect doesn't exist. Human beings can't accomplish this because it simply was not intended to be completed here. Here is an opportunity to learn.
So take this challenge that is life and do it now...love more, forgive more, embrace more, love more intensely and leave the rest in God's hands. Amen.
****
Let me know if you read up to here. What's in the article that you think you are reminded of? Can you comment it down so we could interact?
#Writer #Wattpad #RandomThoughts #LifeMotivation #Inspirational
@EiprilleBie
