IF GOD DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE, WHY SHOULD WE?

Of late, there had been a lot of skepticism about Pope Francis' stand on civil union among members of the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) community. He was criticized by some sectors who misconstrued his stand as being in favor of same-sex marriage.

The truth is there is a difference between the two.

Same-sex marriage, also known as gay marriage, is marriage between two people of the same sex entered into a civil or religious ceremony. This is not accepted or considered legal in the Catholic faith, who only recognizes marriage between a man and a woman. In the LGBTQ community, this union is referred to as a domestic partnership and not marriage.

Civil union on the other hand, is not marriage, but a legal relationship between two people (could either be of the opposite or the same sex)  that provides legal protection to the couple. It affords the couple rights, benefits, and serves as a means of safeguarding assets, property, etc., they acquired and own together as a couple. There are some LGBTQ couples, especially the affluent ones, who pool their resources to acquire property, set up a business, or make investments jointly.

Consequently, a legal issue usually arises in the event one partner passes on. In the absence of a will, assets that the couple owned or invested in jointly, would go to the heirs/relatives of the deceased partner and nothing to the remaining partner, which is quite insensitive considering half of said assets were acquired with his/her personal funds. This is where the law on civil union applies, by according the remaining partner what is due him/her legally.

Aside from this legal issue, Pope Francis was merely referring to gender equality or equal rights, responsibilities and opportunities, regardless of gender.

It is an open secret that the LGBTQ community had been the subject of discrimination, bullying, ridicule, over the years. Truthfully speaking, they are undeserving of the rancor inflicted upon them by some sectors of society, because they are among the most kind-hearted, hard-working, talented and compassionate human beings I know, apart from having contributed more to society than most "straight" people.

In addition, we need to commiserate with them because some did not choose to, but were merely born into that situation. That is why early on in their lives, a sense of perplexity usually ensues. They find themselves in a state of confusion and get baffled when as young boys they prefer dolls to toy guns, and vice versa for girls.

It's about time we accord them not only acceptance and understanding, but more importantly, respect which they rightfully deserve. After all, they are our brothers and sisters.

If God does not discriminate, why should we? 

AN AFTERTHOUGHT ON A PANDEMIC

Not once did it ever occur to me that I would be missing the tedious hours of traffic at EDSA, the long queues at restaurants, the hustle bustle inside malls, and the nitty gritty of everyday life. These seemingly disconcerting things of days past have transformed into momentous occurrences all of a sudden. 

Months of isolation have resulted into a separation anxiety, coupled with a yearning to re-establish a detached communication with the outside world.

Ever since the National Capital Region was subjected to a sixty day ECQ (Enhanced Community Quarantine), everything seemed to be at a standstill, especially at Metro Manila, which practically metamorphosed into a ghost town.

Religious advocates opine this is a chastisement sent by GOD, because man had been so engrossed with power, money and self regard that praying seemed to have been sidetracked.

There are two schools of thought on this viewpoint .

We might say GOD is not the vengeful type. He is merciful and would not allow His children to suffer. On the other hand, we must be cognizant that although GOD is indeed merciful, He is also just. He rewards those who are good, and punishes those who are not.

It is imperative that when we speak of GOD in this context, we are referring to the FATHER and not the SON.

The SON, as we are all so accustomed to, is gracious and sympathetic to all our needs and pleas. He answers most, if not all, our prayers. In fact, He is everybody's best friend.

It is a different case altogether with the FATHER, who is righteous, unrelenting and the adjudicator when the final judgment takes place.

JESUS and the Blessed Mother could only appeal to him for our sake, but the final verdict as far as salvation is concerned, is His alone.

In various apparitions, Mama Mary had been pleading for mankind to change their ways and repent. Likewise, JESUS had been doing everything in His power to save us, through His representative on earth, the Holy Father, and the church (Catholic or otherwise). It's about time we ponder on this seriously, and make an effort to amend our ways.

A positive impact brought about by the ECQ, is that people started calling on GOD once again and have been praying regularly.

Thanks to the wonder of social media, we are not amiss of our obligation as Catholics. Online streaming made it feasible for us to participate in masses, recitation of the rosary, and even the exceptional opportunity of being granted a plenary indulgence by the Holy Father.

We are extremely grateful to Pope Francis for imparting the rare apostolic blessing "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and to the world) coupled with the granting of a plenary indulgence on all who received the papal blessing. Days before, he also accorded the same indulgence to all Covid 19 patients, frontliners, including all who pray for them.

What a blessing to have him in our midst at this very critical time. Imagine the 83 year old Pontiff, himself certainly not at the peak of health, walking in the rain on a desolate St. Peter's Square, carrying the weight of not only Catholics, but the whole of humanity, on his shoulders.

Such a moving scene to see him praying in front of the miraculous image of the Crucified Christ which saved Rome from the 1522 plague, and giving mankind so much hope that this too shall pass.

Another worthwhile outcome of the "lockdown", is that it rekindled family ties and revived the Bayanihan spirit Filipinos are widely known for.

Big corporations (notably San Miguel Corporation, of which I am a proud alumni), and people who have more in life, generously shelled out their resources to donate food, medicine, face masks, personal protective equipment, and other essentials needed by frontliners, indigents, and daily wage-earners deprived of their livelihood.

As an afterthought when this pandemic is over, it is essential to make a reality check, take heed of the purpose of our lives, and call to mind things we seemingly took for granted.

May we realize the importance of prayer, cherish moments spent with family and friends, refrain from wasting food, be sympathetic to the sufferings of others, and take note of all things that matter.

More importantly, may we learn to appreciate the worth of human lives, the loss of which can come to pass at a time we least expect.

After having gone through one of the lowest points of our lives, may we never forget: our days of isolation, longing for family and friends, worrying about food on the table, unpaid bills, restricting family members from visiting at hospitals, and to a regrettable extent dying alone.

May we be constantly reminded of the "invisible enemy" and the days when the world "seemingly stopped".

May we learn our lessons and become the people God envisioned us to be.

One day (hopefully soon), we shall once again feel free to walk in the streets without restraint, delight on its warmth as we bask under the sun, openly interact with one another without the need for protective gear, and so much more.

Should we find ourselves under these circumstances again, we could probably say we have attained a certain degree of normalcy.

Until then, a lot of self-sacrifice is of the essence before we come to terms with the "new normal".

Admittedly, it would entail a lot of effort to go back to where we left off, if at all possible. It might take months or even years, we'll never know for sure.

One thing is evident though. By God's grace, and in HIS time, it is bound to happen.

I am optimistic that when that time comes, we would have made a lot of soul searching, shelved our old selves, and became better versions of one's own person.

Pope Francis once said, "See you soon when all this is over."

Yes Pope Francis, in time, this will be just a memory, (albeit a despondent one), with lessons learned.

For how can we appreciate the beauty of life once more, if we did not go through, and surpassed a distressing time in our lives?

God willing, see you soon, in better days.................