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It is not very difficult to conclude that our nation, or the world, is in chaos. We watch television, listen to the radio, read the newspapers, talk to each other and we know that the world is in chaos.
The world is in chaos because what used to be modesty is now called a sex hang-up. The world is in chaos because what used to be called discipline is now called unhealthy repression. The world is in chaos because what used to be called disgusting movies are now called adult movies. The world is in chaos because what used to be called moral responsibility is now called being free and liberated. The world is in chaos because what used to be called chastity is now called neurotic inhibition. The world is in chaos because what used to be called living in sin is now called living a meaningful relationship. The world is in chaos because what used to be called ethical anarchy is now called theology of liberation. The world is in chaos because what used to be called killing and aborting a baby is now called choice.
It is not very difficult to conclude that the world is in chaos. What is your response to this chaos? I’m afraid of our Filipino response. Some people are much too busy. They are much too blinded. They are much too deaf to listen to the chaos. They would rather read a book because they want io let themselves off from all the chaos there is in the world.
When it comes to praying for problems in the family, everybody rushes to church, when a comes to praying so that our problems would be solved, everybody goes to God. But when the priests ask us to pray for the nation, to pray for peace in the world, who comes? When we want to pray for our own personal needs, everybody rushes to God. But when we are asked to be more patriotic and nationalistic inside the church, we say, “I have many preoccupations.”
It is very difficult to call Filipino Catholics to pray for the nation, the country – for peace and order in our nation. On the other hand, if the Filipinos are not blinded, the other danger is that the Filipinos are becoming cynical. what do we mean by this? We say to ourselves; “There is really no more hope. Whatever we do, we will no longer prosper, No matter what we do, we are really a bad race. We could try all we want but we will just be another Vietnam, left behind by the world.” That is because some people refuse to be involved. They just say – “We are in a desperate situation.”
It is a danger signal. Chaos is not necessarily bad. Please remember that chaos preceded creation, the proclamation of the gospel and Easter Sunday.
In the face of the present chaos in the Philippines, in the face of our distorted values, of rising criminality, of negligence of the poor, of unjust taxes, what is our response? Our response can be found in the first reading. Ever heard of the rainbow? Of the promise of God? We might be distressed and faced with serious problems but the Lord offers us a rainbow of hope. Somewhere, there is a rainbow of hope waiting for us. We must not lose courage, not only for ourselves but also for our nation.
The gospel tells us about the Lord proclaiming to all of us; “The kingdom is in your midst.” This is the Good News: that God is with us and He will never abandon us. God’s message is a message of hope.
Life is difficult in the Philippines. Sadly, it is made more difficult by our fellow Filipinos. But we must take courage because there is the rainbow of hope. God is offering us HOPE.
Let us not lose heart, even if we are losing faith and confidence in the leaders of our land. There is still hope because God is our just and true Leader and He will not abandon us.
RAINBOWS, HOPES, DREAMS
Lk 17:21
Jesus In My Heart
