Featured photo by Olena Bohovyk from Pexels
This Christmas, I have been meaning to complete all the anticipated masses of Simbang Gabi. I completed them last year, so this year I came in with the same intention. But four days of being sick had other plans for me.
I was unable to go to church. For Days 4 to 7, I could only stay home, watch, and listen to our parish’s livestreams. Unconventional as it may be, doing so surprisingly had its merits. It allowed me to pause, rewind, and replay the parts that spoke deeply to me.
One of the things that I cannot seem to get off my mind is the prayer Fr. Jeck shared during the third Simbang Gabi. The readings and homily that night revolved around St. Joseph’s story. His silence, his obedience, and the quiet sacrifices he made despite uncertainty.
As a reflection, Fr. Jeck spoke about setbacks and challenges, about moments when life doesn’t go the way we had planned. Afterwards, he offered this prayer:
I got emotional when I heard this prayer for the first time, in person. It hit too close to home. And I remember telling myself that I had to replay the livestream later so I could take note of it fully, word for word.
And so I did. I replayed the prayer, this time alone, letting every line sink in. I wrote it down with pen and paper. Then I decided to type it out and publish it here, in case it finds its place beyond my own heart.
So if you’re reading this and feel like the prayer resonates with you too…
Let this be your gentle reminder to keep turning the page. 💚
from the archives 