National Service Training Program (NSTP)

Reflection Paper

This Holiday Season, celebrations and gatherings are everywhere. We usually

rejoice together with our families and loved ones, having a nice meal and giving gifts.
Christmas is one of the best time of the year. But maybe, it may not be special for some
people like the prisoners of BJMP that we visited last December 11, 2019.

The inmates had their Christmas party on the said date which we are given a
chance to join. The event started with a mass. It was inspiring and energizing to start the
program hearing the sermon. The priest gave them words that are heart warming and
may help them to realize their mistakes and change.

The prisoners somehow became happy because of the event. During the party,
talents shine among them, they had fun playing games, winning, and receiving prizes. It
also feels good that we are able to provide them hygiene essentials that they greatly need.
The party may not include their loved ones but this is surely special for them knowing that
they don’t have the privileged of a normal person because they are locked in for violating
the law. Some people might hold hatred to them because of their crimes but they are also
humans. In God’s eyes, they are loved and forgiven. They can change and it will never
be too late. We all know that putting them in jail is for their own good and no matter how
gross the crime they had committed, we must still treat them right. Great things can
change lives.

This event taught me good things. The true spirit of Christmas is giving love. We
must help those who are in need and we must mindful of Jesus’ teachings. Let goodness
be always in our hearts. Learn to accept your mistakes, repent for your sins and start
living a good and new life. Christmas is also about forgiveness. God never closes His
door to anyone so don’t be afraid to confess for your sins. And the most important thing
is, always do and act good. Never violate the law. Be good and be honest even if others
are not, even if others will not and even if others cannot. Financial struggles are not
reason to commit a crime. Money has many way of earning. Just do your best and God
will do the rest. Don’t let evil enter in your life. Have faith and always have Jesus with us.