Misa de Gallo and Pagbabago

In last week’s Shalom I ended my reflection saying that the 2016 national elections, if it is held—which I doubt will not bring about a real, authentic Pagbabago. But this electoral process can do it if the candidates and the voters are transformed by the Misa de Gallo. How can this be done?

The most important truth in the Misa de Gallo is the Misa, the celebration of the suffering death and resurrection of Jesus Christ through signs and symbols of the liturgy. This transition process we call the Paschal Mystery. Living the Misa or the paschal mystery is a transformation process for the followers of Jesus. How?

In brief, the Church teaches that Jesus’ follower suffers voluntarily (carries his cross), and dies to sin (gives up sinful living), he is transformed (experiences rebirth), he is resurrected. This means that Christian life happens in terms of transition: from death to life, slavery to freedom, weakness to strength, darkness to light. This is due to the power of Jesus’ resurrection which has permeated humanity and nature.