9 mornings

Misa de gallo is a traditional Catholic celebration held early in the morning during yuletide season. It starts from December 15 to December 23 if you will be attending the anticipated mass and from December 16 to December 24. I see the latter part as the more difficult one because you have to commit yourself in waking up at 4 am to be ready for the 430am mass. Some people do attend the mass because the folks have always believed that if you complete the 9 misa de gallo, you will be entitled with a wish. And it is also believed that it does come true.

And usually, people who have attended the mass will also have some gathering just outside the church. Let us call this a Christmas picnic. People from different walks of life swarm around kiosk of the two most favorite delicacies during Yuletide season. It's puto bumbong and bibingka.

And this year, I have a first hand experience of how we, Filipinos, celebrate this misa de gallo during the happiest time of the year. And as the number of masses I have attended increase, my interest of hearing the homily does too.

For those who was not able to attend the traditional Yuletide series of masses, here is the run down of the homilies:

First day: To prove that you are a son of God, you should follow HIS doing. There is no other way but HIS. It has been proven throughout the history and yet most of us fail to do so. Even yours truly do falter at times. But what it is important is you keep coming back to HIM.

Second day: To be happy, follow HIS will. It is no wonder even if you make millions of cash and stash it for your future you will still feel incomplete and lonely without HIM. It is only thru HIM that we feel complete and happy.

Third day: HE will never forsake us. Just open your eyes and listen to HIM because HE cares for us no matter what. HE is our father. Unlike our biological father, HE is very merciful. Whatever we have done in the past, HE will not mind at all as long as we seek for HIS forgiveness.

Fourth day: Nothing is impossible to HIM. Just have a little faith. HE is OMNIPOTENT. I guess that is something that we forget at times. If something that you want did not happen, there is a reason behind that and that is you will get something better than what you want. Just be patient and have a little faith.

Fifth day: Never stop caring and showing some respect because HE never stops. Caring for each other is something that HE wants us to do. Remember during every mass, there is always a part where we give peace to each other because HE wants a good and sound relationship with each other.

Sixth day: Do not lose HOPE. Trust comes with hope. If we will only learn to fully trust HIM, your hope will never fade out like a candle which loses its fire after just being blown off. As we live our own lives, we don’t have to hope that HE will never leave us if we will only trust our lives to HIM.

Seventh day: Just look around to feel how blessed you are. HE makes our lives easy if HE wishes to. And HE said, “Let there be light.” And then there was light so that we will not find ourselves always in the dark. We just have to appreciate what we have in life and stop asking for what we do not have. Maybe we do not need what we do not have at all.

Eight day: We are all responsible for our CHRISTian community. The reason why we all have names to keep is that we will be responsible in every move we make because it will be your dignity that will be put on the line. Being a responsible CHRISTian is also making each and every step of yours carefully because you know that HIS name will be put on the line.

Last day: Open up your hearts for our Saviour has come. Before you can say that you are ready for HIM, let us empty our hearts with the words me, myself and I. Stop being selfish and reach out and lend a hand to others because that is what HE did for all of us. HE gave us HIS only son for the redemption of our sins.

This year’s Christmas will be very meaningful to me even if I have to spend another Christmas without my Dad beside me. I know that time will come that he will be able to have his own chance of opening his gift from us like how we do it during Christmas eve.

HOPE, TRUST, UNSELFISHNESS and LOVE.

Let us spread the words and give some love this Christmas. If and when that volcano in Albay explodes in the time where we celebrate the coming of Messiah, let us still continue the spirit of Christmas all year long. As long as there is someone who is needy for an extra hand, Christmas will be there in our strongest muscle – in our heart.