Savoring the Liturgical mass

November 18, 2017 Educator's Corner Opinion

“The most important moments in life are the hours of prayer and adoration. They give birth to a human being, fashion our true identity: the root our existence in mystery.” Cardinal Robert Sarah

First Friday mass is usually celebrated during the first Friday of the month at PCNHS quadrangle. The mass is scheduled per grade level. Catholic students are required to attend. In addition, the non-Catholic students can also join the mass.
As a grade 7 adviser, I can feel the excitement of my students in attending the mass. They were well behaved and attentive. However, during the mass, I have observed that most of them don’t know how to respond. I can see the innocent look of some of the students while the priest is talking. I realized that many of my students don’t have time to attend religious activities during weekends. Moreover, many do not usually go to the church during Sundays.
When we had the processing about the mass, their answers or sharing reflected how the homily had touched their lives to the extent of transforming their lives as better persons. Others would even suggest that the mass being conducted every month is not enough. They said that it is important for them to practice the habit of praying, reflecting on the homily and going to church. With the students’ reactions and answers during the sharing, I again realized that attending the liturgical mass coupled with the necessary processing can be an instrument for them to become a better person. I further realized that giving them the opportunity to attend mass, prayer meetings would further remind them to put God first in their life before everything.
Students nowadays need to be vigilant and to reflect on what the world is offering especially on the aspect of morality. They need better understanding on the importance of values in decision-making. They can acquire right values that would guide them to make the right decisions. To have right values in deciding what is in accordance to the norms of morality, they need to believe in God. With this, they can be protected from many temptations that are surrounding our society – temptations that can destroy their mindset on what is right, just and good.
With the support of the school and approval of parents or guardians to have a longer time for the mass celebration and prayer worship, the liturgical program and thrusts will be more successful. I believe our future generations would be role models for other young generations. They can become students who help in making a humane society. I believe that the mass can help build a humane society of people who have the right value of love, unity, and peace.

By: MERIAM E. GAO-AY, Pines City National High School