To mend and Amend...

Dear journal,

First of the seven last words:


"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do..."

In the van on my way to work today, I overheard some of the guys talking about holy week. One was saying that he doesn't feel the lenten season at all, while another was laughing because he still ate corned beef for breakfast on a Good Friday. He added that it's fine because we are not in the Philippines anyway. I don't want to come clean and say that I am not like them, for the sad truth is: I am.

When I was a kid, I hated holy week. I was just not enticed by the melancholic scenario I saw everywhere. We were not allowed to play, to laugh, or to even giggle. I actually just realized now how strict people back then were. As far as I can remember, the only time that I enjoyed was when we went from one church to another, and watched little boys and girls dressed as angels being suspended in air. I even wished I could be one of them.

So the question now is: what is the real essence of the lenten season then?

To say that this season is just about penitence and fasting is far from the truth. Though Ms. Merriam and Mr. Webster define it that way, it isn't just as precise as saying that it is more than that. Holy week is more than not eating meat and staying away from vice. It is more than not being your evil self (for at least 7 days), and  be on the good side. Others would even go to the extent of having themselves crucified and be on the cross with thorned crown; I respect them, for they interpret this season as suffering and sacrifice. Different people with different beliefs under one faith. As for me, holy week is about reflecting about all the facets of ones life and having the resolution to mend and amend.

AMEND. It is just right for us to look at our lives in other people's perspective. Let us ask ourselves: Am I a blessing to others? If you are, you can still cover more people, and spread more love. There is no such word as enough in you are being a gift to others. But if you are not, then it is not yet too late for you to improve and enhance your self; you cannot just give up on yourself, can you?

TO MEND. In a lifetime, there would always be things that will be broken. Shattered relationship. Smashed promises. Wrecked dreams. But even if the clock stops from ticking and the tides, from changing, everybody will still have a chance to fix darkened wounds, puzzled souls, and chaotic faces. One has to incessantly believe in the power of the universe and its creator; healing, afterall, is all in the mind.

So in this season of the passion of the Son, let us not forget to amend and to mend, and say our prayer. For this, let us all say Amen. 

Remember, lightning could strike anytime...