Japanese Christians

I like how the Japanese remain faithful in their culture while embracing a new one.

Last night, I joined the Bi-lingual Good Friday Service at the Sacred Heart Cathedral here in Yokohama. And yes, the sight of many Japanese, traditional and modern people, gathered inside the church to be with us on that service is something of a reminder for me that God has been planting seeds of faithful believers in the distant lands.

But what strucks me most, every time that I attend such (It is my second, the first one was during the Christmas Eve Mass) is that Japanese has a very wonderful way of venerating the Lord. I like when they bow there heads the traditional Japanese way (we called it the 90 degrees bow since it looked like there bodies are in right angle with their feet) during the most holy moments of the mass or service. We used to kneel down during the exposition of the Eucharist, but here they bow down. And I think that one is the highest form of their respect. I think the Japanese way are much more respectful than we used to.

And because I am here, last night, I venerated the Cross the way they do, the 90 degrees bow, my sign of respect to the Person - both Human and God in nature - hung on that Cross for me and you.

I am happy that Japanese embraced Christianity the way they embraced Buddhism many centuries ago. I am happy that I am enjoying both my Faith and the Japanese culture at the same time.

Can’t wait for the Easter Vigil later tonight.