The sun was rising last Friday morning,
and most of us were still asleep in our beds
as the Morning Star gleamed in the east;
when from out on the street
echoed sounds totally unexpected
for 5:30 a.m.
It was the sounds of a marching band.
We were puzzled,
curious,
and groggily amused...
Who were these people, and what were they doing?
The banner leading the band featured Mary and baby Jesus;
was it a funeral procession?
They came by a second time
at 6 a.m., a group of about 20;
some carrying candles,
others playing instruments,
and others just marching in time.
Later that day
we asked friends what it was all about.
We learned that each Barangay (neighborhood) has its own patron saint.
It is customary for the little local church to have a festival each year
in honor of that saint,
and this is what they were doing;
beginning the celebration early,
inviting the whole Barangay to participate!
I found myself thankful that this
morning marching-band-alarm
happens only once a year.
And just a bit convicted by such devotion.
Should each of my days not be a sort of festival;
a celebration of the One I worship?
This is the day that the Lord has made,
let us rejoice and be glad in it!
Psalm 118:24
No comments:
Post a Comment