Various rites and traditions are observed to celebrate this sacred week. In our place, just like in other parts of the country, the Good Friday procession is the most awaited rites that Catholics like me looks forward to. It is a solemn procession of tableaux depicting episodes from the Way of the Cross and statues of Dolorosa -- Most Sorrowful Mother - and other significant female characters in the bible that were present during the passion of Jesus.
Parishioners flocks to the church to hear the Seven Last Words of Jesus before He died. The mass is very long during this time. After which the procession starts. But early on, many people are already lined up on the street.
Some were just spectators
Some do business
The procession went early this year. I didn't know so I was late. When I arrived in front of the church, there were only few carriages left. The sun was still up but the carriage with the dead body of Christ is already moving. At first, I thought it was just going to its line but it was already moving on. This made me stop taking pictures and started to walk before it, starting to pray my Rosary as the procession progressed.
As usual, as the mob troops to the road, some were praying, some were just walking in silence and others were just talking with friends like they were walking at the park. Others we laughing. These did not fail to distract me from my silent prayer. Many thoughts come to mind. I started to reflect on the things that were happening around me.
The scenario can be likened to our life. When we follow Christ there are a lot of distractions. God allows them to test our faith and faithfulness to Him. He makes us grow and learn to know Him more.
One thought made me laugh. I can see myself behave like everyone else around me. Not a few times have I been a distraction to others, too. Not a few times have I been disrespectful and disobedient to God. But with all my warts and flaws, God still love me.
Indeed, God loves a so great. He is madly, deeply in love with us. In local dialect "Patay na patay siya sa atin." And He literally died for us!
God loves us to folly. Our imperfections does not diminish the great love Jesus has for us.
He patiently understand and accepts us as we are. Our distorted belief about God hinders us from receiving His love for us. He is not a punishing God. He will always find ways to bring us back to Him no matter how stubborn we are.
I am grateful for this lenten season. Some of us may not understand the meaning of the various practices we do. Some of us may only be doing them for worldly motives, but I bet God is thankful and happy to see us do such rites.
He is happy to see us being one in making these little imperfect sacrifices for him.
For a complete pictures of the tableaux or carriages click here.
