State of Solidarity

I am sure that by now all of us have seen the extent of the calamity brought about by our visitor, Super Typhoon Yolanda. Despite all the warnings and past calamitous experiences, we just didn’t imagine that it would bring about so much havoc across so much area. I guess, as usual, we were thinking that we had prepared enough and hoping and praying to weather the onslaught of the typhoon. We were so very wrong.
So, the State of National Calamity had to be declared to respond more adequately and expeditiously to the aftermath of the devastation. And now, days after the most unfortunate event, the State of National Solidarity, as well as International Solidarity is becoming more manifest with the inflow and distribution of immediate aid for survivors from the generous responses of individuals, institutions and nations. Human and Divine solidarity at its best.

The Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines declared a National Novena of Prayer and Charity for the dead, injured and grieving families tapping and gathering whatever her flock can generously share. We have to care and share. “Caritas Christi urget Nos.” (The love of Christ urges us.) The Lenten Alay Kapwa spirit is, once again, tapped to immediately respond, as always to the brethren in dire need. Walang sino man ang nabubuhay para sa sarili lamang, Walang sini man ang namamatay para sa sarili lamang. Tayong lahat ay may pananagutan sa isa’t isa. Tayo’y tinipon ng Diyos upang magkaisa.

I cannot avoid but recall, that also here, in these trying times for many of us, we see in evidence the operation the Communion of Saints in heaven and on earth, hand in hand, inspiring and directing the actions of peoples towards what is right and good and noble, present in the heart of each of God’s children. God’s spirit working in us and through us, for the benefit of those who need our attention and care.

We surely will hear many more tales of Faith, not only tested during these times, but also strengthened and renewed by an experience of the mystery of salvation. There is a God after all. The blessed Mother Mary and the Angels and Saints can be counted upon to come to our aid.We have not yet finished contending with the aftermath of Yolanda, following at her heels, was Typhoon Zoraida. But we thank the heavens, it was slowly reduced to a low pressure area (LPA) upon reaching landfall.

When, we had our National consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary last June 8, 2013, our Holy Father Pope Francis had this message for us, reminding us of the necessity of faith and devotion that is translated into charity: “ May your devotion to Mary’s Immaculate Heart, that beats in unison with the heart of her Son, inspire you to an ever greater respect and care for all human life, from conception to its natural death, and that you may give greater attention to the needs of the poorest and the weakest, those who are closest to God.”

So, let us keep on praying, doing penance, i.e. simply accomplishing our daily duties, righting the wrongs, avoiding evil deeds, and renewing our faith in God by consecrating ourselves to God, through our Blessed Mother Mary. Continuing with our 5 First Saturdays of the month, in response to Our Lady’s own request through Sister Lucia would not only be helpful but also transformative f our personal and collective lives.

On Christ the King Sunday, November 24, 2013, the whole Church will bring to an end the Year of Faith. Let us all join in Publicly Professing our Faith on that day with our renewal of our baptismal promises, and the Consecration of our Families to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.