I remember during my school years I spent in a Catholic school, we used to have our regular retreat sessions. We were staying then for a couple of days in retreat or reflection houses. They were conducted by Augustinians brothers, sisters and priests. We were given some tasks each day to reflect on what things we have done in the past and were given a chance to evaluate them to make a change for the better in the future.

This is where we believe that we were become nearer to our Creator and Almighty Father. Because during those times, we had a chance to pray and felt that the Almighty was really there with us. Although it made me change at that time, it was but only for a moment. After the retreat, we’d go back to living in a worldly world full of temptation and trials. We can’t deny that we are only human and very vulnerable to temptation.

I remember also during those times, I felt I was born again by only listening to those religious programs on TV. I can also remember the time I watched the programs and maybe one of those people who was standing in front of tv stands followed preacher said. But I would stumble again and would back slide afterwards.

But I can feel that our Almighty Father Yahweh really loves me. He is doing everything to me just so I could go back to Him. He is not stopping from calling me. All of a sudden, I met a girl who suddenly became my wife. She was His instrument for me to become closer again to Him.

From that day until now, nearly seven years in marriage, I am still with Him. With all the temptations and trials, I am happy to say I have not stumbled again because I have a pillar beside me. Although trials still come our way I know I am called to be his servant and he will never leave me. His son Yahshua our Saviour sacrificed so much for us, so why can’t I embrace little sacrifices for Him?

Lots of Filipinos celebrate this week as holy but hopefully they also understand and real meaning of this season. Going to reflections or retreat houses can give you better understanding and message of what our Almighty Father Yahweh really wants.