My first Simbang Gabi (Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Las Pinas)

I attended Simbang Gabi last night at 8:30pm at the Our Lady of Fatima Parish, PhilamLife Village in Pamplona, Las Pinas.

Initially I thought I’d be able to complete the 9 days of Simbang gabi……but then it was just too late when I realized the Simbang gabi started last night (December 15) at 8pm or at 4:30am of December 16….:(

I was really hoping I would be able to complete 9 days for this one special wish….but well, it was an honest mistake on my part. I haven’t had a decent sleep for months that I am even having booboos when it comes to dates and special events. Sigh! I think I’m having bouts of depression again…

I hope Jesus could forgive me for missing a day of simbang gabi….

The place was jampacked when I came in. I had to find a seat somewhere where there is enough ventilation, or a wall fan because of my medical condition. (I am severely asthmatic and prone to fainting spells). Luckily, a seat was vacated as soon as I got in.

Anyway, it was my first time to go to Mass at this particular parish so as always, I made a wish……….it was a fervent wish because I know I would never be able to do this on my own…..I definitely need the Lord’s Divine intervention…..

After receiving Holy Communion, I sat in awe and reverence. The church is very serene and well, I am just really praying from my heart…

After the Mass, I went infront of the altar and started taking photos. What a sight to behold! Christmas is really fast approaching, barely 9 days to go!

 

Then I realized the Mass that just finished was a regular mass. Simbang gabi is at 8:30pm. It was just 8pm that time. So I stayed and found a good seat right in the front row beside a friendly woman, my Mom’s age, I guess.

The scripture for Sunday, December 16, 2007 Third Sunday of Advent

First Reading: Isaiah 35:1-6, 10
Psalm: Psalm 146:6-10
Second Reading: James 5:7-10
Gospel: Matthew 11:2-11

Though perseverance does not come from our power, yet it comes from within our power.

— St. Francis DeSales

I was in awe as I listened to the reading. As if it was directly being spoken to me. BE PATIENT. BE STRONG.

James 5: 7 – 10
7	Be patient, therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient over it until it receives the early and the late rain.
8	You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
9	Do not grumble, brethren, against one another, that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the doors.
10	As an example of suffering and patience, brethren, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord

Even as this good looking young man sang the Psalm with his magnificent ala-Les Miserab voice, his words seem to be directly being spoken to me. BE PATIENT, BE STRONG, TINTIN.

Psalms 146: 6 – 10
6	who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; who keeps faith for ever;
7	who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free;
8	the LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous.
9	The LORD watches over the sojourners, he upholds the widow and the fatherless; but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.
10	The LORD will reign for ever, thy God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the LORD! -

I am gonna be patient, Lord…..for this one special yearning I have…I will be patient, because I know in Your time, I will be blessed…..Thy will be done……

************

I bought a small bag of potpourri for the benefit of the parish for 20.00 pesos. There I wrote my own petition and snugly hang it on the christmas tree inside the church. It will be blessed during the Misa de Gallo.

Advertisement