To tell you straight -- this entry has nothing to do with the twilight of Mother's Day (May 12) nor the dawn of midyear elections in my ever-hopeful country (May 13).
I just want to share with you how I find peace in my Sunday service; plus the many perks that come along with it.
It's just less than a year since I attended the Feast PICC -- a weekly prayer meeting of the Light of Jesus family; a congregation founded by Bro. Bo Sanchez. In it, I find serenity every Sunday. Each rest day is a renewal for me -- another chance to be distressed, inspired, motivated, forgiving, grateful, and feel loved. Last week, I had a very crazy epiphany: being in the Feast is more liberating than touching one's self -- or succumbing to temptations of the flesh.
Oh yes, I just included the phrases "weekly prayer meeting" and "temptation of the flesh" in one paragraph. My apologies for the conservatives, but just continue to read, please.
Have you ever felt those times when something inside you wants to get out? Something buried or sustained finally calls for freedom. It's so hard to resist and so you look for ways to liberate yourself. Well, I'm only human and I do have those times -- unexpected or not. There are times when being alone with myself is tantamount to being in a confession room. Only I cannot invite a priest -- or someone -- to do it with me.
But what happened last week as I was worshiping -- I felt as if I am reaching a climax -- a different climax altogether; no deep breathing, but with tears prompting to flow down my cheeks. I got so contained in the songs and in the warmth of the entire reception hall that suddenly I felt as if I am free. It was not like those moments when I hide something in order to free something else.
And that is what I like most in the Feast. It makes me feel these inexplicable emotions and overwhelming feeling of acceptance; that no matter what sins I committed in the past weeks or so, I know I am forgiven. I know that somewhere in Pasay City every week, I can be one among the unnoticed worshipers who go to the venue only to ask God for a repair. I like the idea of being seated next to a probable prostitute, mistress, abusive father, foul-mouthed teenager, or flirty, sexually active couple, but only because we all want to be healed in areas we are most damaged at. I especially love how Bro. Bo Sanchez claims not to be perfect and still manage to be legitimately inspiring.
I think this is what will make me continue to attend the Feast until I'm a father or a grandfather. It is a home to people with or without apparent connections. It is home to people who only wish to be present once the Teacher calls for Sunday attendance. A simple nod of recognition can change a week or an entire life! And when it becomes a habit like what it is to me now, you could also be surprised at how it could be more liberating than our nastiest means of escape :)
Segue:
Every week after service, my cousin Honeylette and I proceed to Harrison Plaza and have our late lunch at Patrick's Pizza. It is an affordable pizza store located in front of Shopwise which sells 2 slices of supreme flavored Pizza (ham, cheese, pineapple, pepperoni, bacon), plus 2 8-oz. mountain dew drink for only Php 25.00.
I say you try it because (1) it is very affordable -- bordering on cheap -- considering that (2) it tastes legitimate, if not better than many other pizza labels we know. It is best eaten when toasted and fresh from the oven. It is tasty and mouth-watering.
1 whole Patrick's Supreme Pizza -- sorry for the quality, wish I had a better camera phone
My cousin and Feast buddy, Honeylette
Her boyfriend; another Feast volunteer, JC
My Sundays are complete when I get to have 2 feasts: one in PICC and the other at Patrick's Pizza.
