Next to the Christmas parties and the holiday festivities in the office, one of the things I look forward to every December is the Simbang Gabi. It is a an activity I have tried (and succeeded) completing a number of times. I first started this when I was 19 years old, not to test if a wish comes true when you complete the 9 novena masses but more of challenging myself in completing an activity.
There are two mass celebrations of the Simbang Gabi offered in our parish in Angono Rizal. The anticipated Simbang Gabi from December 15 to 23 at 8:00 pm and the traditional Misa de Gallo which is held from December 16 to 24 at 4:00 am. Since I leave early in the morning to report to work, I have always opted to attend the anticipated Simbang Gabi.
I really planned to complete the 9 evening masses this time because I failed to pursue the activity last year after Papa got hospitalized unexpectedly on the first evening of the Simbang Gabi combined with the strong, nonstop rains.
Completing the nine evenings is a challenge given that I have a day job and traffic in the metro tends to get heavy especially during the Christmas holidays. Thankfully though, the traffic situation improved the during my last week at the office so I was able to leave the office on time in the afternoon.
There may not be rainy evenings but the workload became busy on the final week in the office; and the stress of work and holiday parties I attended on the last couple of weeks caused me to feel under the weather. But it did not stop me from continuously going to the evening masses until the I reached the finish line. Completing the endeavor despite all the fears of experiencing things that could hinder me from making it possible never felt this good. With all that has happened and given to me the whole year, I realized making this short-term sacrifice is the least that I can do to be grateful.
I know you'd ask me what was it I wished for upon completing the Simbang Gabi. I used to have one big wish for myself. But for this time, I had to set that aside and allow my own wish to just be secondary in exchange to a "priority wish". Instead of asking God to finally send The One my way, I asked if God could finally grant the wish of my friend for his mom's healing and recovery. While it may sound wonderful to have a special someone to hold hands, hug and talk with, I realize how important it is for him to see his mom healthy and well to be with him again. I realized I have been waiting for the fulfillment of my wish for almost eight years and it won't mean any difference if it will mean having to wait again. I can have my personal petition later anyway. And while doctors may have been giving findings based on what they know and learn scientifically, I believe there are things that cannot be explained by science -- the reason why God created the presence of miracles. And it's one thing I am hoping for -- another miracle.
God has granted one of my prayers for her earlier this year and I hope in God's time, the other will be given.
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