Unpredictable Times

CEBU, Philippines — In Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 of the Holy Bible it says: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.”

To me, we are presently living in volatile and unpredictable times – as we have recently witnessed unfortunate and gut-wrenching events around the world. Last April 15, a fire broke out beneath the roof of the ancient Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France. The 850-year-old Gothic building’s spire and roof collapsed but the main structure, including the two bell towers, was reportedly saved. The blaze brought to my mind good and spiritually enriching memories of a visit to the beautiful cathedral many years back.

Then, the Easter celebration last Sunday, April 21, was marred by a bombing inside a church in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Many perished – sad and lamentable, to say the least. And then just a few days ago, on our very shores, the earth shook in Zambales, Pampanga, Samar and Davao causing several deaths in certain places. Minor quakes were also felt in other parts of the country.

All these events somehow make us realize that indeed there is a need to deepen our faith and trust in God, and to continue our devotion to the Lord Almighty. As what my parents always reminded us in the past, “Faith in the Lord is very important; it is what we need for our daily survival.”

I may sound like a broken record, but I am indeed very fortunate and lucky to have nurtured a deep devotion to my constant companion Señor Santo Niño, with the ever-protective arms of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the watchful eyes of Mama Mary, and the intercession of my brother, Servant of God, Bishop Teofilo Camomot, for all favors requested and granted.

Perhaps it is true what I believe that “kindness is the mother of all virtues” and that “being kind is better than being right,” no matter how highly debatable that is. Truly, it is better to be generous and not be greedy, to share without being mindful of what’s to be given with in return.  Saint Teresa of Calcuta once said: “It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” More so when you give, it pays to be humble.

Hope springs eternal to those who believe. At times, I whisper to my wife Nena that I hope and pray that in my life journey I will grow healthier and shine brighter, as I have yet to accomplish a lot of things – my life’s mission, one of which is being the keeper of my father’s legacy, the University of the Visayas, and my Uncle Paulino’s legacy of fair and fearless reporting, The Freeman, and together with Nena, as servant to Mama Pining’s services to the Lord.

With all these unfortunate events unfolding in our lifetime, we can only turn to God and Mama Mary and pray for a better future for our children. As we are all aware, children are so vulnerable today as they have been bombarded with the ill effects of technology, making them subject to all forms of exploitation, abuses and the like. May they be shielded by the loving grace of God and Mama Mary from all the evils of the world.

As parents, it should be our ultimate goal to ensure that our children develop a special, loving and faithful relationship with the Lord.