I received a letter from Nanay dated Nov. 11, 2004. In it she shares how she and Tatay discussed the prospect of death and their preparations for it. Tatay died May 23 last summer. Nanay shared that in her mind, she was prepared. But it was altogether different for the heart. The will and the emotions have to go through a grieving process. Letting go of a beloved one after so many decades of knowing and serving God together is extremely difficult. Tatay and Nanay got married in 1960, I think. She did not bare her soul casually.
November is especially poignant for us—Nanay and four brothers—because of All Saints’ Day and Tatay’s birthday on the 15th, and Thanksgiving on the last week. This is a first experience for all. Remember, ASD was observed to celebrate the lives of Godly men and women who have gone ahead.
We Filipinos have always believed that we retain a connection to those who have passed away, whatever our religion. So how do we who know Jesus as Lord celebrate those who died in Christ and are alive with God?
In our culture, we have always lighted candles. However, this act is invested with meanings that may be contrary to Scripture. Could we, as Christians, invest new meanings to old cultural forms? I believe we can. When believers light a candle to celebrate a loved one who is with Christ, they could give the following good explanations:
1. Life is short. Death is sure. Mauubos ang kandila. Tatay was allowed 74 years, and he applied himself to honoring his Lord and Savior once he became a believer. No vacations from faithfulness.
2. All of us will give an account to God for how we lived our lives. By the grace of God, Tatay finished well. Someone has said, 70% of Christian leaders don’t. I hope I will. May my life “burn well.”
3. Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. Life wasn’t always fair to Tatay. But he focused on letting the light of Christ shine in his life. The love of Jesus and gratefulness left no room for insecurity in him, allowing a single-mindedness of purpose.
Do everything without complaining or arguing. Then you will be blameless and innocent. You will be God's children without any faults among people who are crooked and corrupt. You will shine like stars among them in the world as you hold firmly to the word of life. Then I can brag on the day of Christ that my effort was not wasted and that my work produced results.
Philippians 2:14-16, God’s Word
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