I am happy to see that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in his first State of the Nation address, has paid attention to the problems of the agricultural sector as food is life. So even if the drought comes, the Philippines will not fall short of food supply but will have enough and sufficient on their tables. He also discussed many other issues, but this one has marked my mind.
Two days after the address, the nation is challenged by a magnitude seven earthquake that shook parts of Luzon. While the president is busy and working hard to meet and address the many problems of our country from the losses the pandemic has caused, here comes a natural disaster.
The devastating earthquake knocked down homes, buildings, and historic churches in seconds while infrastructures, roads, and lands were destroyed.
We are saddened by the fate of the affected Filipinos and the lives lost in this unexpected tragedy. Heritage buildings and historical churches preserved for centuries by the Spanish regime have been damaged and even collapsed into rubble. They witnessed many untold stories of Filipinos.
All storms of life have tested Filipinos, whether natural or man-made, but no storm can wither a Filipino spirit, and nothing can separate us from the love and mercy of God.
We cannot predict what will happen the next day. Life is uncertain. Sometimes all these uncertainties make us tired, worried and anxious about so many things. But at the same time, we are comforted by realising how God saved our day from previous storms of life. We are still here, solid and alive willing to take God’s mission.
We can only help restore our broken land if love and compassion exist in every heart. May we always see the goodness of God in others, and may others see God’s presence in us.
We pray that God strengthens us in our struggles in life. Forgive us our iniquities and failings. Heal us from our brokenness and protect our land from tragedies and sufferings. Above all, let’s pray for all the departed faithful.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
Lynn Salinas-Batoliño
The Philippines
