Lenten Season is for our spiritual preparation prior to Easter and during these days, we are encouraged to pray, abstain and do charity works. Why do we need to abstain? Abstaining is restraining ourselves in doing the things we usually do, this way, we prepare ourselves to face and avoid temptation.
Attending recollection is also a good way to spiritually reflect on ourselves. The Parish Lenten Recollection was conducted in the DSPNSDA last March 15, 2019. It was led by Bro. Michael Angelo F. Lobrin, an ispirational speaker and a national best-selling author.
During his inspirational talk, he brought smiles and laughters to all the attendees by delivering meaningful messages through his jokes.
“Ang mga tunay na taong simbahan, ang tunay na alagad ng Diyos, ay masayahin,” he said as he started his message. Along with this, he also tackled how short our life is and how we should enjoy the life that God has given us.
He also said that some of us Catholics are always receiving the body of Christ and yet, others cannot see Christ within our actions.
He talked about how other people try to bring the Catholic church down, but it’s teachings are still being practiced until today because of the strong faith of its people. “The Church belongs to Christ. And because this Chruch belongs to Christ, this Church will remain Holy!” he reiterated throughout his talk.
During Lent, we are tested as to how we would restrain ourselves from the things that gives us joy. And in line with this, Mr. Lobrin talked about how imperfect and sinful Catholics are. “Lahat tayo nagkakamali, ngunit ang tinawag ng Diyos ay hindi malalakas. Ang tinawag ng Diyos ay mahihina, makasalanan. Mahal tayo ng Diyos!” he said.
And because we are sinful, other people may judge how we follow God and still commit sins. Despite of this, we still have to serve with humility and gratitude. That we have to thank God for everything, and according to Mr. Lobrin, “If you repeat on counting the things that you don’t have, you will not just be sad, but also be miserable. Huwag n’yong bilangin ang wala, bilangin n’yo kung anong mayroon.”
He emphasized how good we are in spite of being sinners. And he ended his talk by asking people to say, “Mabuting tao ako, dahil galing ako sa mabuting Diyos” aloud. (Jazlene Jimenez)
