"Christian knb ycah?"
A Christian high school classmate asked me this question and surprisingly, my answer is clear.
More than a year ago, I'm really upset about a Catholic friend's decision. She'd gone through a "baptism" ceremony of a Christian Fellowship. I was really frustrated inside, thinking why she's done that and why in a minute she's jump through that huge choice.
Back then, I was this girl who is contended with her relationship with God. I know that it's because of Him why I'm studying since I always cried out to Him about that. I always pray before I sleep and I go to Church almost every Saturday r Sunday. I am a Catholic, and I love it.
Catholicism is the religion that y parents gladly gave me and I'm so thankful for that. I grew up in a family where praying and asking guidance from Above is really important. "sarado - katoliko" as they say.
We pray the rosary and the images of Jesus and Mary were all around our house, since my great grand mother (still alive, mind you) is very religious. She's the one who's always telling me about asking mercy and blessings from God.
Really, I'm so thankful for Catholicism. It's like the first meeting place of me and my Savior. I couldn't even imagine myself surpassing my past struggles and troubles if it didn't introduce the very much important person-God-combined to me that is Jesus Christ. Of course, wherever you met an important person, it'll always be a memorable and cherished place.
And my friend just neglected it?
Hah. What? Really, I couldn't understand. Just a moment and she's now speaking all these Godly stuff, Savior, Fellowship, One2One and all (in a weird way), especially, the idea of having someone to help you with your faith! Lagi ko talaga sya binabara - telling her that "no! Your relationship with God is between you and Him alone!" and all other stuffs. Though not obvious to her, naiinis talaga ko. She even always say na
As days passed, she kept on invting me (I guess by always saying that she's praying for me to go as well.
Eventually, I'd agree. Know why? because I just want to check out the Christian Songs ( a high school friend introduced me to that back then) there. Period.
After decidng to attend, I feel afraid.
I really don't have any idea what the whole Christian Worship blah blah is all about! I asked other classmates and friends who already attended what's happening thre and all they could tell me is...
It's fine.
FINE! I'm still nervous!
HAHA. So how's the first time? It's so new and awkward.
I just noticed men who just look at my age then be surprised that they're married already (not that they're young, but really young-looking),the lifting of hands, the clapping, dancing and crying while singing (disappointed, no song that I know), the wonderful intermission number and the funny and effective Pastor.
What's more awkward is having a "VG" (Victory Group) afterwards. Wherein you'll share what you learned from the preaching. That was so uncomfortable indeed.
But still, I tried it.
And guess what?
Yes. I weep!
It's actually the first time that I shared my faith and worries to a group!
The next question is....*drumroll
"Ycah, babalik ka next week?"
I guess the answer is given. Given that I'm writing this right?right.
Eventually, I learned this:
"Ycah! AKALA MO BA NAG-IBA NA KO NG RELIGION? CATHOLIC PA RIN AKO NO!"
and also this:
It's not about religion. It's about relationship.
Your relationship with God. Your acceptance of Jesus Christ as your Savior.
So it struck me.
Relationship
It's been a year and three months that I'm attending the Victory Christian Fellowship' Youth Services in U-Belt.
I met my "Godly Friends" there that I'll forever thank God for- my Victory Friends (united by friendship strengthened by love -gabby) an also, (*soft voice) our "Godly Crushes" (joke lang :))
I can never put in a nutshell how my life has changed because of this grasp of Christianity in my life.
One incident that made my eyebrows meet is during a prayer meeting on our classroom with my friends; is when my Christian classmate asked me (as if kind of disgusted):
" Ycah, nag sa-sign of the cross ka pa rin?"
I really got offended and coldly answered "oo naman!"
Christianity never hinder the Catholic me. In fact, Christianity made me realize a desire to serve God. So, I had the courage though prayers and in His time, I became a Lector (evangelizer of the word) on my Catholic Church.
Of course, I still go to a Catholic Church to hear the mass and it feels way better than before.
Catholicism is the foundation of my cake of Faith while Christianity made up the toppings (making it more beautiful and enjoyable).
In the end, the clear answer to the question
"Christian knb ycah" is...
In religion, no. In relationship, yes.
1 comment:
Good point Ycah :) The key is to have the right RELATIONSHIP with JESUS CHRIST. But let's just clarify things. This relationship drives us to find TRUTH, and that includes TRUE FAITH, in other words TRUE RELIGION. This ain't just about having right relationship with God, but finding the true Church. You can ask your pastor to know what I mean.
No offence Ycah about catholicism, I'm just concerned about your growth in God's word. I know you'll understand me in the right time :) Just keep on reading the Bible and you'll find truth.
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