continue an old tradition

it’s easter. done again is another observance of the holy week. gone again is one more chance to continue an old tradition.

up until the family permanently left our native land, my memory of lent is somber in nature; thanks to mommy’s “panata” to have the ‘pabasa’ in our house yearly at the break of dawn on a holy thursday – it’s the traditional reading, in a slow melody, of the passion of Jesus Christ

since changing residency, my sole contribution to mankind’s adherence to this time of the year is all of enduring a long day for visita iglesia. oh, i can almost see my mom frowning at this only effort i have committed myself to doing (to think I even afford myself the convenience of shortcuts on the trips!). my obedience to the call of catholicism (my interpretation, that is) has faltered, i must admit --- not to suggest that people who have other practices are less courteous, of course.. to each his own, so to speak.

so was i a better christian during my earlier years? i may not have hearthily joined the singing then, worse, i failed to comprehend its true purpose, for i was too young to emulate the old and the devoted (huh! the nerve to make adolescence a defense?!); but at least i did look forward to having it in our abode with much respect to those who oblige (yeah, right… like that’s something extraordinary?!)

yet again, all year round i do my daily rosary, sunday masses, weekly novena, nightly prayers. don't they cover up for my lapses on a holy week?

whatever.. i can only say i miss the family tradition. vague though it may have also been to my brethren (myself, in the front line..), i know that was a fixture we all wanted for a more intense feeling of serenity and closeness to our Creator.

perhaps i can plan on reviving it someday, somehow? it must be a delight to have the young once belting the tune next! the new brood anticipates, i'm sure. it's my generation's turn, and this time, no more excuses on not caressing its deeper meaning.

i’ll see.
as life goes on..