UNDAS

(Lifted from KARSA FB Page by Bishop Renato Abibico)

The traditional celebration of All Saints Day this year may have some deviations compared to the past as per direction of the IATF wherein public cemeteries shall be closed from October 29 to November 3, 2021, so as to avoid mass gatherings which are identified as one culprit to the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

This shows the far-reaching effect of this pandemic caused by covd19 to our social life that even cemeteries which used to be the most populated, vibrant, and alive places in the country on November 1st have become a forlorn and lonely place. But while that is true, what is certain is that all roads before October 29 and after November 3 shall lead to the cemeteries because nothing can really deter Filipinos from having communion with their departed loved ones through various means: payers, lighting of candles, offering of flowers, food and drinks and many others. This simply shows the strong ties that bind Filipinos with their deceased kins. Their love for their departed ones knows no boundary and conquers even the great divide called death that separates the dead from the living.

Whether this unique Filipino culture is inspired by religion or not is a million-dollar question that has no easy answer. Only to say that it is undeniable that not all those inhabiting the cemeteries on All Saints' Day value the religious significance of this day by going to Church first before going to the cemetery.

On All Saints' Day, we commemorate all the saints, known and unknown, the living and the dead in affirmation of our Creedal faith in the communion of all the Saints. This is so because, in Christ Jesus, God has knit all who are called to be saints into one communion and fellowship. The saints are both the dead and the living. Those who have finished their course in life and are now in their beatific rest in God are called saints. And we, the living who are also called into a life of service to God, are also called saints. This is the gist of what St. Paul says when he addressed the Church of Corinth saying, “to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ – their Lord and ours.” To the Church in Rome, St. Paul also says, “to all who are beloved of God in Rome called Saints. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Rom. 1:7)

Thus, on all Saints day, we pray that God may grant eternal rest to all the saints who have gone before us, that they may go from strength to strength in the life of perfect service to God. And that, we also pray for ourselves that our lives may be edified by the lives of those who have gone before us, encouraged by their good examples and strengthened by their fellowship, so that in our earthly pilgrimage we may persevere to run the race set before us until at last, we may attain with them the eternal joy, through Jesus Christ, the author, and perfecter of our faith.

.

OTHER NEWS

Body of a man found floating in Cagayan River

Follow Guru Press Cordillera on Facebook for more News and Information