TNT & friends: Early Easter gift-giving
Easter is qualitatively equal to Christmas. Much like the birth of Christ, it is the perfect time to unite. When Christ gave up his life to free mankind from the bondage of sins, he conveyed a message of love. Each drop of blood coming out from his weak body on the cross signified unselfishness. The act of sharing what we have with others is one way of commemorating the passion of Our Saviour.
Last April 11, 2006, Holy Tuesday, The NewsToday's Marichel Magalona and friends sailed their way to the province of Guimaras to share the goodness of life to the aetas of Jordan. Despite of the burning heat of the 2 p.m. sun, we crossed the Iloilo strait. Eager to pursue our noble cause, fifteen souls tracked the dusty road to a hidden pilgrimage paradise.
After a 30-minute drive, we reached the Consoler's of Immaculate Heart of Mary, a community of faithfuls on the hills of San Miguel in Jordan. The aetas and their families gathered at the chapel for confessions and sharing in preparation for the upcoming Lent. They shared their stories and they reflected on the commandments they have disobeyed.
After the solemn and hearty session, they moved up to the hill into the entrance for the gift-giving. Dozens of aetas formed their lines while patiently waiting. Then pails of groceries were handed to the families as their names were called. As the ladies greeted them "Happy Easter," the aetas said their heartfelt thank yous in return.
Inside the green and black pails covered with The News Today newspaper were bags of rice and sugar, a box of milk, a pack of coffee, soaps bars, canned goods, eggs, and noodles. Each were packed with compassion and sealed with love.
"We want to thank them for the goods. It will help us in our day to day needs. We also thank God for the graces he gave us through people like you [TNT]," Emily Taganilla, a 40 year-old mother of three from Kati-Kati, San Miguel remarked.
"We hope and pray that God will bless you and will keep you safe," Daisy Zarragosa, a mother of five in her early 30s tearfully added.
There were smiles everywhere. There was hope and gratefulness in the eyes of the most neglected minorities in the society.
"In all things God be glorified. These poor people came here for confession and recollection in preparation for the Holy Week. And for those who came here and shared, they were given spiritual and material gifts," Rev. Fr. Florentino Lim of the Consoler's of Immaculate Heart of Mary, TNT's columnist (Fullness of Life), expressed his views.
The day ended with a mass officiated by Fr. Lim at the humble chapel.
As the day came to its end, Fr. Lim blessed and thanked the group. A simple mass, officiated by Fr. Lim, was offered by the recipients and their families.
Cruising back home, the young ladies settled in the boat with fulfillment in their eyes. In their hearts, they believe that the true meaning of Lent is not only sacrifice but sharing unselfishly as well like what Christ has done thousands of years ago.
For TNT, Easter is the new Christmas. Christ is reborn! It is the time for us to renew ourselves and our faith. It was a pleasure for us to share God's blessings with the less fortunate people.