New Life

Even though I did not have anytime to rest and chill out over this long weekend, the past 3 days were meaningfully spent and it all summed up to one reason - Dan has finally said "yes" to the Lord's call and joined the big, happy family of God.

Dan, who chose Isaiah (which means God helps me; God is my salvation), as a new baptism named for himself, was baptised last night during the Easter Tridium. On Maundy Thursday when we attended mass to commemorate the Last Supper, the entire mood was solemn, our hearts were heavy and tears were shed as we remember how our Good Lord Jesus Christ lay down his life in exchange for our salvation. Yesterday night, the whole church came back to life and tears were shed again, but this time, they were tears of joy. Joy for the Good Lord has risen; Joy for Mercy conquered sin; Joy for Love triumphed over death.

It didn't take Dan a split second to decide to journey this road of conversion and it didn't help that the road leading to his baptism was gruelling too. For a start, he had to attended religious classes for one whole year every Monday and i'm pretty proud of his determination and perseverance. Even though sometimes the tolls of mundane life sets him back, he never gave excuses for skipping classes and ploughed on for the entire one year. I think it was truly a test of faith but i'm glad he made it to the finishing line.

I think God had a purpose when he put us both in each other's lives. His purpose was for us to truly experience what it is to love someone despite mistakes and misgivings, and in return, experience the fullness of receiving love from one another. Through it all, we found God - Dan receiving new Life through baptism and I, renewing my faith as i walked this journey with him.

Sure, Life is not gonna become a bed of roses from now on, but knowing that there is no greater love than the love of a friend who gave up his life for you, gives us the strength, courage and faith to accept whatever Life has in store of us.

Happy Easter, one and all!!! :)