Memoirs of an Amnesiac

Covenant. Promise. There could be no better word to best define it. It is mostly applied to religious activities (especially among Catholics) as going to a patron saint's church on his/her feast day, throwing a feast and feeding people in his/her honor, doing something one thinks would please the patron saint (one that really connects to his/her advocacy).

I was raised in the teachings of the Catholic church. These "panaads" have become a byword especially come Lenten season. People would go through great lengths just so they could fulfill their promises. My father for one, (when he was still alive), never missed out on going to Lapu-Lapu during November because it had become his "panaad" to visit the Birhen sa Regla (Virgin of the Rule) on her feast day. I heard some people would sometimes find themselves struggling with huge debts (especially in the rural areas), because they needed to throw a feast or else something wrong would happen to them or their family. While some resort to the rather-morbid type as to letting themselves get crucified (after beating themselves almost to a pulp under the heat of a scorching sun.)

I have nothing against these somewhat mystic practices. Although raised a Catholic, I have slowly shed off some orthodox practices (having taught in a Protestant school). I still believe any practice especially those done for God, need not be so extravagant, morbid nor death-defying, and illogical just so one could show one's gratitude for the sacrifice of selflessness done on one's behalf.

A small sacrifice is as good as any. Things like letting go of some addictions (no matter how small, as using the computer the whole day, watching "those" videos, chatting with friends, drinking, gormandizing, indulging in things that give more pleasure) are already good enough forms of sacrifice. What people viewed as a way to "repay" God for all the sacrifices He has done to save us from our sins is somewhat distorted. We need not repay God, He died for us just so we could live. All we have to do is to accept the gift of salvation and make amends for one's sins and shortcomings.

And why do it only on the Lenten season, you might ask (when you can do it every day)? Why not? There is a season and a time for everything. The Lenten season is the time to reflect about one's spiritual journey (this being the teaching of the Christian way). Look back at the previous year about gained perspective and one's relationship with one's Maker.

I do hope you make it a "panaad" to reflect about your life each year, not only on the Holy Week but also every day of your life.