Yesterday I was present for the First Holy Communion of my friend’s daughter. There were 18 children, well prepared by the Sisters and lay Catechists of the Parish. The children looked very happy and excited about receiving Jesus for the First time. Their joy could be seen on their faces…their eyes glued to the altar…very disciplined during the Mass and participating in the Holy Eucharist with whole heart and mind….i did not see any sign of distractions and disturbances…they were focused on what they were going to receive.
The first Holy Communicants were wearing expensive dresses for the Occassion and their parents were looking very proud and happy to see their children looking angelic....
I went back to my first Holy Communion day...good spiritual preparations...everyday in the evening for one year we were asked to be present for catechism and prayers....It was compulsory and obligatory...but it was joy because there used to be about 100 kids together.....the simplicity with which we learnt catechism and prayers....the sisters were focusing on the Childs all round growth ....along with the faith instructions we also received human instructions to be good children and citizens of the country.
The celebration part was very minimal or it was not on the agenda as poverty was rampart and majority of the families could not afford to have celebrations...the clothes were not new and expensive...most of us wore clothes which were passed on to us from our siblings....some of which were not bright and shinning ....but the joy of wearing them to receive Jesus was something different and exceptional....
Today the children know what is awaiting them after the Eucharist....at home 100 to 200 guests are invited for the party...there will be music and dance....expensive gifts given to the children.....the next day when they meet other kids...they begin to compare their gifts.....many receive tabs, mobiles, computers, cycles....etc....
Our days we received nothing....no party so no guests....we came back from the Church and there was no celebration at home....we took off our clothes and mother folded them and preserved for the next siblings....but the joy remained fresh....the growth in faith continued as the evening prayers at home, in the village and attending the Mass was encouraged by all...today it is not so....it is sad that it has become more a celebration than a moment to grow in relationship and communion with Jesus....prayers are forgotten soon...there is no baking of family prayers...
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