The Sign of Peace

Halfway through the second reading at mass today, a mother and her preteen son excused themselves and squeezed their way into my pew, where I was occupying the edge. The mother seated herself on my right and I paid her very little mind because I was trying to pay attention to the gospel. Although I did notice that she was somewhat agitated, worriedly looking at something on our left side.

I finally realized the source of her anxiety during the singing of "The Lord's Prayer". I usually don't initiate hand contact with strangers during this part of the mass. I'm thinking that I'd just give them the option of taking my hand or not, depending whether or not they were overly concerned about contracting the influenza virus or something like that. But the mother took my hand casually and addressed someone on my left and said, "Take her hand."

It was then that I noticed a boy, apparently the mother's other son - around eight years old - seated on the floor beside me. He stood up and obediently took my hand and unabashedly sang "Ama Namin" offkey. Oh, it was so endearing. His small hand didn't feel awkward at all and he knew all the words to the song.

When it was over, I whispered to him that we should switch places so he would be beside his mom. He moved over to my seat but hesitatingly said, "Pero andito po yung mga bags namin" - pointing to two backpacks on the floor where he was seated earlier. I told him they wont get lost but he hauled them nevertheless in front of the kneeler. The boys' mother told me that she would just ask her younger son to sit on her lap, I assured her that it won't be necessary and that I'd just stand during the rest of the mass. She quietly said something to the kid, maybe telling him to thank me for giving up my seat, but the kid just looked up at me curiously. I smiled at him but he just blinked back.

When the priest asked the congregation to give the peace sign - the boy immediately turned to look up at me, with both his palms flat against each other and under his chin and very formally gave me a small bow and said, "Peace po."

I actually laughed softly at his gesture. That was worth more than what I gave up for my seat. And it was the first moment that I actually felt the Christmas spirit this year. I've been dreading this season. I still am. A part of me doesn't want it to come. Or I just want it to pass by painlessly quick. Like stripping off a bandage in one quick motion.

But this kid - he reminded me that families are together, looking forward to the traditions. And although I'm never going to have that anymore, I've already had my chance at every joyful thing that Christmas has to offer, especially to the children - decorating the tree, getting presents, being allowed to stay up late, singing offkey to church songs and Christmas carols. And when I get this perspective, I do not feel deprived that it was taken away from me - the complete family and joys of Christmas traditions - but grateful that they were once mine, too.

Peace be with you, kid. Enjoy the holidays.