Forty: Family Bonding

Today is Palm Sunday, and officially, the end of the Lenten Season. (And it is also the end of my forty-day project! Hooray! Praise God for all the inspiration!)

During this morning's mass, Fr. Mark explained that the season that is about to come (holy week) is called "Mahal na Araw" because it speaks of the passion and death of Christ, the ultimate expression of His great love for humankind. He also said that if we want to show God that we love Him too, then we must not leave Him just as He did not abandon us. We must be with Him, especially during this time. Two words: "Walang Iwanan." Four words: "Never leave God behind."

Let me just connect that to what I would really like to highlight in this post. Who has not heard of this quote?

Well, I have another version. :) The family that sings together, stays together. And they say that singing is twice praying right? It just feels good to be singing with Papa and Mama. And it feels better to sing with them during the mass. As some of you would know, I have been serving in the music ministry of Lifehomes. I used to handle the children's choir. But my hectic schedule hindered me from keeping up with the weekly practices. And so I decided to just give up the "position" (if that may be called such) and endorse the kids to one of my colleagues in SFC. Unfortunately, the choir was slowly dissolved and to date, there is no regular choir that serves in the mass. This morning, for example, I was asked to operate the projector and to lead the crowd in singing.

Next Sunday, we will be celebrating Easter, and it's also the feast day of our community. I didn't want to have a mediocre service. I know that the mass is the highest form of worship and I have a high regard for the celebration. Thus, I volunteered to serve (again). And so I spent the afternoon looking for accompaniments, finalizing the line up, and making the powerpoint presentation. Earlier this evening, when I'm done with everything, I rehearsed with Papa and Mama who volunteered to serve with me. :) While we were singing, I couldn't help but smile and thank the Lord for my parents. They are among the few who can really keep the promise of "walang iwanan."

I am excited to serve with them next Sunday. And I know it'll be just the start. :) (I heard Papa already said yes to Mama's invitation for them to serve as ushers. Pray for him, please. May he also find joy and fulfillment in serving the Lord.)

By the way, my brother also has a "Holy Week-Project", and I thank the Lord for touching him to use his talent for the greater glory of the King. :)

Here's his photo for the day:

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These Little Wonders

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