Rekindling

The essence of faith and love is in showing and sharing them with people in your life. I knew it way before but it was again reminded when I attended the grand prayer meeting of all the Antiochers in Cavite. It was called The Festival.

The event was attended by almost a hundred and fifty young people with common faith, friendship, and experience of God's love. I, included. We belong in a community, showing the qualities of a group of believers that were shown in Antioch (Read Acts 11:26).

I was invited to do a part in the morning mass, which was the opening of the event. I had to be in the church early with friends who were very excited to attend. It was then followed by a karakol going to the main venue of the event. During the first part of the grand prayer meeting, I felt a little frustrated because the schedule seemed tight for us to go around and get to know others. The games were fun but I hoped that there was time for us to know even just the names of our teammates. Nevertheless, I enjoyed playing and participating.

Some Antiochers of Sto. Niño de Bancaan

There was also a talkgiver after the lunch break. Ms. Mary Ann (if I remember her name right) discussed about the verse, in which the event's theme was developed. It was Colossians 3:16, which goes, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to Lord!" She shared that the verse is about service, fellowship and happiness. The talk was a great way for us to reflect about ourselves, faith, and community.

One of the performers

We prayed the rosary to Our Lady of the Pillar and proceeded to the communal prayer. After the prayer, we sang Pass it on loudly while passing a rose to the person next to us. It was heartwarming. The passing on of the rose seems endless because of the big circle that we created. And at that moment, I felt that we are just one community singing God's love.

I want to pass it on!

The last part is quite a surprise and out of the schedule (or so, I thought.) It was praise and worship and I really felt blessed and wrapped around with love as I listened and talked to Him. It was my favorite part. And, I felt worthy.

It was good seeing friends and people I did not expect to come. It was a tiring day but when I got home, I did not feel tired at all. Instead, I am renewed - rekindled.

God bless you and me! ♡