9th Simbang Gabi 2023
Fr. Parker Sandoval, Vice-Chancellor
I have to admit, 9th day is a challenge. I was tempted to stay home. But the effort to come is lesser than the effort not to come. This 9th day of Simbang Gabi is significant as all 8 prior masses built up to this. After all, one pandemic year, thunderstorms and all, my husband gave me a ride to attend. Today, without rains and just fatigue, this should be a cinch.
I got inside to an empty church, 6pm, except for Les Santos who had an idea of putting the larger than miniature, almost infant size-like, Jesus statue on the Bible. “And the Word became flesh,” and on the biblical page where Christ’s birth is narrated, Les said.
Indeed, new revelations as one attends 9 Simbang Gabi masses, and new words emphasized in our prayers. Perhaps, it is to stoke the flames inside our hearts, to keep still in our inner chapel, as Christ is about to be born and with the Eucharist, occupies our hearts.
Then, Myrna Cunanan-Cruz walked in carrying 2 large poinsettias and she will also be leading some prayers. Everyone is making their own sacrifices, so is Eileen Castaneda welcoming us all.
Fr. Parker Sandoval had given some instructions to Les, and the bell was rung for the entire song, ‘Gloria in Excelsis Deo.’
He started the mass by reminding us that the Invisible Creator of the Universe is made visible. Each significant part of mass ritual, he explained, educating those unknowledgeable of what are these ritual elements.
Homily is excerpted here, which he started with trilingual greetings of English, Tagalog and Spanish. He kept smiling at different parts, as if conveying I get you, I am trying to connect.
“Peace to those whom His favor rests.”
“Year 1223, Greccio, St Francis introduced nativity scene. This developed and grew, from a living nativity then, to now miniature. Some of us even have that miniature nativity scene in our homes.
Story of birth of Jesus in Luke and Matthew – the gospel in miniature, meaning good tidings. History changing news.
Basic message is good news, not good advice. Something happened. God so loved us that He chose to be amongst us, in the flesh, face to face, to take on flesh, meaning Incarnation.
Gospel tells us the announcement who Jesus is, his identity, and by his life and deeds: cures, raises dead to life, forgives, cast out demons, walks on water, multiplies loaves and fish.
Sometimes on his lips, he declares, I am. The son of Man, and who is worship, the Messiah, the King of Israel to rescue his people from exile.
Likewise, from others like St. Peter and Sta. Martha, you are the messiah, St. Thomas after the Resurrection, ‘my lord and my God.’ Gospel is about good deeds of Jesus, who walked amongst us, raised from dead, amongst us.
Two reactions to Who Jesus is: Acceptance and Rejection
Acceptance – crowds see him heal and make miracles, intrigued by him and leave.
Drawn to him, they walk with Jesus, which is full acceptance and give their lives to follow him.
Rejection – they see Jesus is a threat, fought against him and executed him.
This is the good news in miniature. Angel comes to Joseph in a dream, and days after, a child will be born and his name is Emmanuel.
Angel comes to Mary, says he will be the messiah, son of David, son of God. Announcement to shepherds for today, in city of David, a messiah and Lord was born.
Jesus is the Christ, he is the Lord himself, his name literally means The Lord saves, Jesus lives up to his name.
Shepherds fully accepted and went to the Manger, brought him to the temple and Simeon forecasted he will bring the rise and fall of many, the light of the world.
Christmas is the Gospel, the Good News, frees us from evil, power of death, Christmas comes with a choice, when we know who he is, do we accept or reject him?
We are here tonight choosing to keep the mass in Christmas, the real choice is if we keep Christ day in and out, do we choose to put him as the center of our family? If he is the Messiah and Lord, proper response is full acceptance?
This world is a mess, and Jesus comes to save us, the power to do so by the Holy Spirit.
Things change for the better. Sometimes to choose Christ is to give meaning and hope that bad news does not have the last word.
Pledge our allegiance to him, give to him our lives, tonight he is Emmanuel, he comes to us in the guise of bread and wine, we dine on him, to get the good news, not weighed down by the bad news.
Change the World for the better. Christmas is a choice, not just a sentimental holiday. We ask for that grace – to choose Jesus!”-Fr. Parker Sandoval, 2023.
After mass, Fr. Rodel G.Balagtas shared his
“joy in seeing you all come back.” He thanked “the choir, Les Santos, just nice to recognize you all here, present, prayerful participation and delighted to see you week after week.”
Fr Rodel thanked all ministries – “Muchas Gracias de to-dos, embrace each other in love and peace. Keep the flames of faith alive in your home,” he said.
I am in awe as to how this 16 year initiative that Fr. Rodel started keeps getting more and more folks to attend. For 3 nights, Whites and
other non-Filipinos joined us. It was inspiring that full church attendance is happening.
It started with 12 churches in 2008, it has now grown to 136 churches out of 288 churches in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and 32 churches with 9 days novena masses called Simbang Gabi. Imagine the impact of this holy priest in recreating a faith tradition as a cultural celebration of our deep solem faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Truly, keep the flames of your love for Christ, burning!
Outside, after mass, a long line queued to buy their Filipino favorites for dinner. I for one have benefited from buying from these vendors, especially the well chosen small businesses with quality products.
Thank you to all the leaders and staff members and Fr. Rodel G.Balagtas and associate and invited priests for 9 days of novena masses.-Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, 2023.