Step towards a God-sustained Philippines

“GINOO, PASAYLOA KAMI! KAY KAMI MAKASASALA …” intoned the roving Rosary leader. “AMAHAN NAMO,” … “Ang kalan-on namo, …” “MAGHIMAYA KA MARIA,” … “Santa Maria, Inahan sa DIYOS” in song, rang sweetly from the Coastal Road up to the San Pedro Cathedral.

Alongside us were three young people who raised their Rosaries as they sang in reply, one even in second voice.

“Kita korap pud …” in some ways, the toastmaster said. “Pinaagi sa maampuong pangamuyo sa tabang sa GINOO,” para sa kinasingkasing nga paghinulsol, kay “supak kini, ug dili kani kabubut-on sa GINOO. We pray for a faith that will move us to fight this evil corruption, … and bring back the dignity of the baptized as symbolized by our white garments … because we are GOD’s mirror, created in GOD’s image.

“This is not a protest rally,” Archbishop Romulo Valles said. It was a cry for GOD’s help. A heart song for mercy, a plea for GODly change.

Thinking back, the strong rain at midnight was the opening salvo, as if to wash the streets of physical dirt. Thousands in white attire came from 3 starting points (Coastal Road, Magsaysay Park, Dona Vicente Park), and converged outside the San Pedro Cathedral.

JESUS was in our midst for we were not only two or three, but thousands, begging for mercy. And with JESUS was our ever-present Mother Mary, our Guardian Angels, all Angels, Archangels, Saints, Holy Souls in Purgatory.

I believe that JESUS, with HIS people, kept in step with those who were physically slower, those in crutches and canes. Mother Mary looked after the babies in their mother’s arms and those in strollers, while Angels and Archangels stood protectively with the street marshals. Saints led their parishioners, and the Holy Souls interceded for all the living and the dead.

These penitents were not defiant, nor angry, nor unruly. There was a certain quiet all around – no useless chatter, no pushing, no shouting. More than being Davaoenos, more than being of a political party, more than being a part of an organization, each one was simply a child of GOD seeking mercy – humbled, begging, hopeful.

This desire for a personal and systemic change is a gift from GOD. We pray for an open heart and mind for the pruning that will come. Pruning will be painful as we confront our part in how our situation came to this. The office paper clips and bond paper I brought home for personal use is theft. The P50.00 pesos I gave the traffic aide to avoid being ticketed is bribery. The ice cream to my child for a promise not to tell Dad that I went shopping is lying. Small and venial, yes, but sin nevertheless.

True that “all have sinned and” fallen “short of the glory of GOD (Romans 3:23).”But The FATHER does not stop there, “for all are justified freely by his grace that came by the redemption in JESUS CHRIST (3:24).” By our walk, we opened ourselves up for GOD to enter into our situation. And our loving and merciful GOD is never ONE to turn HIS back on HIS repentant children.

We claim HIS promise that HE will “hear from heaven, forgive our sins, and heal our land, … if we humble ourselves and pray, and turn from our wicked ways (2 Chronicles 7:14).”

Let us cling to HIM, for only GOD can sustain our resolve to change for good. “MY thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways (Isaiah 55:8).” HIS plans are perfect, HIS will is perfect. Let us together trust HIS Holy Will.

Any step towards the will of GOD is a giant step to a better me, you, us. And to a GOD-inspired, GOD-protected, GOD-sustained Philippines.

TO GOD BE ALL GLORY!

(By Bella A. Sarenas)