Catholics urged to 'do what is right' on 2nd anticipated Simbang Gabi

Catholics were reminded to do what is right and just during the second anticipated Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo on Tuesday.

During the Eucharistic celebration at The Church of the Gesù, Fr. Noel "Weng" Bava SJ, Ateneo de Manila Senior High School Chaplain, said the faithful are called to be the lamp, which carries Jesus Christ’s light.

“How do we do it? By making our lives burn brighter than those who are in darkness. We do it when we do forgive each other, especially family members who hurt us,” Bava said in his homily.

“By bringing our lamps to those excluded by society, the poor, the victims of calamities, those in prisons, our brothers and sisters suffering from addiction,” he added.

He further said, “By keeping faith even as we experience momentary doubts because of many problems and concerns.”

The Gospel reading for the second day of Simbang Gabi came from Matthew, which centers on the Genealogy or the lineage of Jesus Christ from Abraham to David.

Second chances

Fr. Benny Tuazon, Bahay Pari director of San Carlos Seminary Complex in Makati City, said “God is a God of second chances,” as the priest said Jesus Christ’s bloodline include sinners.

He explained that David engaged in adultery with Betsheba and murdered her husband. Rahab was a prostitute, and Tamar slept with his brother-in-law.

“Even the genealogy of Jesus did not consist of perfect, holy people. They were also sinners,” said Tuazon during the Mass at the Greenbelt Chapel, Sto. Niño de Paz.

“Even with these kinds of people, God’s plan would still be fulfilled. And he can write with crooked lines. God is a God of second chances,” he added.

The traditional nine-day Simbang Gabi is celebrated from December 16 to 24, concluding with a Christmas Eve Mass. — BAP, GMA Integrated News