Today, the second day after Epiphany, is Papang's 2nd Death Anniversary

I woke up early and dressed in white polo. I was not supposed to be the cantor-organist but since the assigned group could not be present, I volunteered yesterday to take care of the mass hymns. I offered the mass for my father's eternal rest. Epiphany has always been linked to my father's death. He died January 7, 2012, the day before the Epiphany celebration. Before his death, I was praying with him to follow the star wherever it could go for it shall lead his way to the Savior's place. Last year, his first death anniversary, was the first day after Epiphany. I recalled the homily of Bishop Joy in last Sunday's Solemnity of Epiphany that says about emptying something from ourselves to offer to the LORD. I realized that it was the very life of my father that our family had to let go. It was indeed hefty to be given out. But just like the Magi, we felt the ease of pain and sorrow having seen the end of our father's suffering from his illness. We continue to pray that he may be given the greatest gift of all - eternal life.