Papal Visit’s Afterglow

Regarding the total effect of Pope Francis’ glowing presence with us for four days I can only share my own experience. As I wrote in this space just recently, the pope’s presence would prick consciences and inspire change. This is in a sense what I experienced.

I felt as if Our Lord is telling me:

“You have done many things in the past for the poor but they were not enough. You can still do much more even if you are 80 years of age – 54 as priest and 40 as bishop. This is why I have given you good health of body, soul and spirit…

Your disciplined lifestyle is not given to you to bask on your past accomplishments and enjoy the coming days and years.

You often spoke and wrote that the seldom-asked question during the Year of the Poor is, Why are they poor? How do you answer this? What are you doing to make others reflect on it?

At present you chair the national association of SOS Children’s Villages which give parental care by giving a home to the poor and abandoned in 8 cities in the country. In Barangay Catalunan Grande where your house is located you are the chairman of the foundation the gives breakfast to 50 undernourished Grade I kids in the public school.

But given your talents and closeness to generous benefactors you are not doing enough for the poor. Are you helping your well-to-do friends to be more generous in caring for the poor?

True, the National Transformation Council whose core group you are a member is meant to effect the change of political system through a change of government such that would bring about the liberation of the poor from bondage of poverty and inequality…

But you are slow and timid in convincing your fellow bishops and priests on the importance and urgency of this revolutionary enterprise.

You have to be poor, be with them often, and be inspired by them.”

The above thoughts and feelings may sound like I am beginning to have a remorse of conscience. No. I call it Afterglow because it is a soothing radiance that is shining like a light glowing within me. It is the glow from the Abiding Spirit.