Sunday.
It begins with going to church — as per every Sunday in the Santos household. Today, the homilist, in anticipation of Valentine’s Day, delivered a sermon about love. It was quite dragging and long. I’ve grown to actively listen and to never complain, for there is always a moral story behind every homily, and because of the luck (if that’s what you want to call it) that has gracefully landed on my shoulders over the past few years, I can incorporate almost every moral story perfectly into my life. Today, however, was a sad let down. In the latter part of his homily, he explained that, as a part of the priesthood, he is lucky (HA) enough to not have the responsibility and/or obligation to provide and look after children — unlike parents. I quote: “I am lucky to not have to wake up early in the morning to change my baby’s diapers … I’m lucky that I don’t have to worry about the company that my 18 year old kids hang out with…”. Yes, Father, you may consider yourself lucky to have been stripped off of these responsibilities. However, through observation and first-hand experience, I can honestly and wholeheartedly say that with great responsibility comes great love. This great love is the payment (if you will) that involuntarily comes from your responsibilities children. It is a fair exchange that works in a loving cycle. Furthermore, we were always told to rejoice in what we have instead of what we don’t have. Yes, Father, not having such responsibilities allows you to live a freer life, but it is also why you, and I say this with great pity, will never feel the kind of love that my parents receive from me and my siblings.
Are we not taught to live vicariously through Christ and for us to be Christ-like?
Jesus gave up His life for His children.
My parents did too.
