Sendusout

Every Holy Week in the Philippines there is much ritual and attention to the life of Christ. Unfortunately most of this attention is in the area of his suffering and the penance that Catholics should endure in order to ensure their forgiveness. One activity that achieves this is the Alay Lakad (Gift Walk). This year I chose to experience Alay Lakad rather than observe it so I walked with millions of Filipinos on their pilgrimage to Antipolo Philippines culminating in a 3:00am Mass….and then….to walk back home.

As my friend Ricky, who used to participate in the Alay Lakad as a Catholic before his salvation told me, the majority of the millions who are participating in the Alay Lakad have no true understanding of what they are doing. In their mind the act of making the walk, attending mass, and returning cleanses them of their cumulative sins from the previous year. Each walker will “make a wish” or choose a special prayer they would like God to answer. If they are able to complete the walk and attend the mass, God will also answer this prayer.

Many groups and individuals are praying and working hard to share the message of freedom in Christ to the millions of devout who do not understand their faith. God did many great things last night. Nothing is too great for The Lord of Heaven and Earth. Continue to pray for the Philippines.