‘Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe’
Matthew 25:31-46
WHEN I was a little girl, our family would attend processions because our Abuelita had an image of the Pieta - Jesus in Mary’s arms after the crucifixion. Traditionally, the prayers and the “Pasyon” recited by older women from Mercedes in Castellano.
I could not understand much but after the Pasyon, we were treated
to a merienda cena. The visita Iglesia came on Holy Thursday and Santo Intiero
on Good Friday where our caroza would form part of the procession. Toddlers
would seat on the edge of the carroza when going home with a meager merienda
awaiting.
I learned
catechism from our parents and Daddy would bring us every Wednesday, for our
perpetual novena, March 19, the Feast of St. Joseph (my Father and brother got
their names Jose). I recall there was one procession where “only males” were
allowed to join. Perhaps it was the Cristo Rey! Because of Covid-19, no
procession took place today.
In today’s
Parish-wide commemoration, we had the Holy Hour. We need to reflect on the
Gospel regarding the “least” in God’s Kingdom. A priest pointed out whether we
HAVE (to gain for our own) or HELP the poor and the needy - the need for care,
compassion and love for the poor. This is the heart of Jesus teaching us to
help the hungry, the naked, the sick, the imprisoned and the voiceless.
The typhoons
that hit Luzon are opportunities to help our kababayans. Recently, the churches
had a collection for Typhoon victims and even in Our Lady of Purification Parish,
Fr. Butch Candido also had goods for families in Bolong. Do we HAVE or HELP?
Fr. Jun
Mercado, OMI, shares: “The true image of Christ the King is NOT Jesus with
Crown and scepter and sitting on His throne! That is the Constantinian King!
The true image of Christ the King is Jesus with a crown of thorns before Pilate
or Jesus crucified with INRI label – the sentence for his claim.”
Looking at
the King Crucified and the helpless moves me to do my share to HELP! Choosing
consciously to be humble as Jesus was to share and be present for others. Last
Friday, I had an early dialogue with the Sta. Cruz Market Stall holders.
Because of the pandemic, restrictive measures were set such as the need for
decongestion and face shield.
They appealed
to open the gates to allow customers to park, extended market hours to allow
people to go to market after work and Sunday operations. Thank God, Ma’am Apple
Go, Sir Cesar Raz, Ma’am Yolly Anoos, Mrs. Lulu Mangaong and Mr. Barlas
facilitated the dialogue and the voices in need were heard.
Some
commented on the importance of presence in matters like these that led to
solutions. As Garnette and Bong were busy sharing the little gifts of
Tolakangin throat syrup and bags, Tina Francisco, as always, was a caring
generous presence and a big help.
(Today),
Sunday, our plans materialized for food, vegetables, meat, flowers and second
hand clothing and slippers that were opened to be sold. We need to help and
heed the call of Christ the King to be present and to care for others. VIVA CRISTO
REY!
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