Philouise’s Weblog

published in Sunstar -Opinion- SANGAL DI KULTURA June 2020

10% capacity to celebrate the Faith of our Fathers.

Faith of our fathers, living still,
In spite of dungeon, fire, and sword;
Oh, how our hearts beat high with joy
Whene’er we hear that glorious Word!
Faith of our fathers, holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death.

The ECQ and GCQ have isolated people to those they were used to be with – their families and relatives, co-workers, friends and batch mates and list can go on. To some it is a new experience especially if gatherings and parties are frequent. The new experience of zoom, chat and other methods of meetings and schooling have in some ways lessened the isolation.

But faith that has been kept by our forefathers has something to do with how things are being done to meet the spiritual needs of our people. That despite all odds the faith of our fathers never wavered and we sing, we will be true till death.

Moreover, the faithful have found the isolation a time to reflect on its implication. Many immediately shifted to live streaming services. Church leaders and members encourage the congregation to join during the live streaming as if it were the regular service. Some leaders even sent out guidelines like be in your Sunday best, sing with the choir, read with the readers and other guidelines for participatory service. My husband and I have been joining these services with renewed expectations and thankfulness for continued services.

Yet during these times, the realization that the church is not the building but the people became more pronounced. The church leaders are continually reminding the church members to go back to and do basis Christian duties on their own. They are encouraged to personally do their reading of the Bible, daily devotion, prayer times and Bible studies be conducted in the confines of the home, by the faithful. Family members are encouraged to conduct the prayer meetings by assigning members of the family to do so. That way the church continues in its work. Evangelistic work continues in the confines of homes and in the internet.

Personally, this isolation has given me more reason to do my Christian duty. I used to wake up at 5:00 am but now I have to wake up at 4:30 am to read the bible and to share at least one bible verse that is meaningful. I would usually read a whole book before I choose a Bible verse which is relevant in these special abnormal times. Then to fulfill my evangelistic duty, I learned how to do a presentation and convert it into a photo so I can share it in my face book timeline, page and sometimes in some groups. In that way, I am not the only one encouraged but I see some friends, family and others respond to the posting.

Now that we are on MGCQ and the clamor for 50% of the church capacity and not 10 people is a crowd has been met with some discussion among the leaders and the members of the congregation.

Our city mayor Benjie Magalong has met with the religious leaders and agreed on some guidelines on how to conduct the mass, the congregational service and other church services. It was agreed with a start of 10% capacity of the church or worship area and gradually increasing as the community scenario and developments is closely watched.

So everyone is excited to go to the services this Sunday. But this is restrictive as they do not allow senior citizen and the young to join the services. But then the argument is that Sunday is senior citizen day/ grandparents day so why not allow them to go join the service. All is going to a better time and surely the world will become better. Let the faith of our fathers of ages past, be the faith we have in these trying times. May the Good LORD keep us safe and faithful in these trying times!

Faith of our fathers, we will strive
to win all nations unto thee;
And through the truth that comes from God,
We all shall then be truly free.

Faith of our fathers, we will love
Both friend and foe in all our strife;
And preach thee, too, as love knows how
By kindly words and virtuous life. (Fredrick William Faber)