Day of Valor

Celebrating April 9 as a public holiday is to remember it as a day of “courage, tenacity and willingness to sacrifice.” The concerted effort of Filipino and US American armies, despite the so-called Fall of Bataan, is a sign of deep patriotism and selfless service to the country. As they say, the Filipino is not only worth dying for but also worth living for.

Today, some parts of our country experience shortage of food and medicine, like the experience of our brave soldiers 77 years ago, which became part of the cause of their surrender. Today, some parts of our country cannot afford to have healthy food and the needed medicine due to poverty and other related reasons. The lack of education, decent housing and even moral ascendancy are all part of the Filipino people’s challenge to be brave.

It is then a fitting time for us to gaze at the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. His valor to embrace the poverty of humankind impels us to be courageous in times of trials. Jesus crucified has saved us. Our fight for freedom from slavery of sin continues.