Practicing Self-Discipline

Now that Davao City’s situation due to the pandemic that is Covid-19 is classified under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ), Mayor Sara Duterte has enjoined the public to self-regulate. As the city allowed businesses and churches to open, it lifted the use of food and medicine pass and lifted also the curfew. With that the mayor has been reminding every now and then, the public to go out only if necessary. We are indeed encouraged to practice self-discipline. It is said in Hebrews 12:11 “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Indeed, any kind of discipline is hard at first but if we look at the bigger picture, it is for the best.

As we follow the health protocols of using face mask, face shield, social distancing and frequent hand washing we are protecting not only ourselves but others too. Thus, we have to make sure that we follow the said health protocols always.

Moreover, with the plan of the city government to open the Roxas Night Market on the third week of this month, the vendors and the public are being reminded to follow health protocols to avoid the spread of the virus on the said area. The government’s aim to help the vendors of the Roxas Night Market to earn a living during these trying times, the vendors are likewise encouraged to fully follow health measures.

Although the government is slowly opening the city’s economy by encouraging economic enterprises to operate, the public are enjoined to follow the city’s battle cry that is to “Save money, Save lives and Stay at home” during this time. Thus, it is hoped by practicing self-discipline we can lessen the number of Covid-19 patients and help our government in fighting this pandemic.

Below is A Prayer for Our Uncertain Times that I would like to share with you by Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II that was posted at www.xavier.edu.

A Prayer for Our Uncertain Times

May we who are merely inconvenienced remember those whose lives are at stake.

May we who have no risk factors remember those most vulnerable.

May we who have the luxury of working from home remember those who must choose between preserving their health and making their rent.

May we who have the flexibility to care for our children when their schools close remember those who have no options.

May we who have to cancel our trips remember those who have no safe place to go.

May we who are losing our margin money in the tumult of the economic market remember those who have no margin at all.

May we who settle in for a quarantine at home remember those who have no home.

As fear grips our country, let us choose love.

And during this time when we may not be able to physically wrap our arms around each other, let us yet find ways to be the loving embrace of God to our neighbors. Amen.

“With self-discipline, most anything is possible.” – Theodore Roosevelt