A RUDE AWAKENING (THE PAINFUL TRUTH)

It's been over a year since covid-19 became a global crisis.

Millions of cases, not to mention deaths, ensued in what could very well be the worst catastrophe the world had ever been confronted with. To this day, the surge  of people afflicted by the virus continues to escalate, and the sad part is, we seem to be helpless against an invisible enemy.

Since its onset, Filipinos had been relentlessly praying for an end to the pandemic. The oratio imperata, as well as daily recitation of the rosary for this intention had become habitual for Filipinos.

In addition, Pope Francis had consecrated the Philippines to Our Blessed Mother, and on two occasions, had delivered the "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and to the world), a rare apostolic blessing given  on solemn occasions. Our pleas however, had somewhat remained "unanswered".

Our country had gone through the worst (typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, etc.) and we would always hold out against them. We would pray for God's intervention and He would at all times see us through.

This time however is an all-together different situation.

It seems our prayers had been falling on "deaf ears" and we are at a loss as to the reason behind it. We even hear people asking, "why does God allow this to happen?"

Some religious sectors believe this is a form of chastisement. I would rather refer to it as a "rude awakening".

We know everything happens for a reason, and nothing would transpire if God did not allow it. Be that as it may, we also know for a fact that ours is not a vindictive God. In all probability, it could be an indication that He just wants to open our eyes to things we fail to see and appreciate.

A couple of days ago, I read the story of a 93 year old man in Italy who was inflicted with the virus and upon recovering, was asked by the hospital to pay the cost of the respirator for 500 euros a day. Upon being informed he cried, not because he can not afford to, but because he realized he had been breathing God's air for 93 years and never paid, much more thanked God for it.

This man opened our eyes to the painful reality that we had been taking for granted the air we had been breathing freely all this time.

On hind-sight, maybe God wants us to realize and understand the worth, not only of the air around us, but everything He passed on to us on his own free will.

It's about time we make a discernment or a personal reflection. Before we even ask Him to put an end to the pandemic, let us first thank Him for all the things He gives on his own volition, for He knows our needs even before we ask Him.

So next time we ask ourselves why we have to go through this difficult situation, remember GRATITUDE (or lack of it) is the answer.

After all, it takes so little to be grateful. A simple "thank you" is enough.

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.................

MEET DR. GODOFREDO GODOY, MAKATI MEDICAL CENTER'S " MOST APPRECIATED PHYSICIAN "

Most people get anxious or fearful at the sight of hospitals and physicians. Haven't we all experienced that at least once or twice in our lives? After all doctors had been tagged as the " bearer of bad news."

We also get intimidated by grouchy or irritable doctors every now and then, which makes us hold back and reluctant to ask questions that we need to be enlightened of. Some of them get displeased by too many questions, while others are too meager with their words or proper explanation.

It is for this reason that doctors should possess a very approachable and persuasive character, not to mention the highest amount of patience at all times. It is of vital importance for they are dealing with precious lives. Patients should be afforded "tender loving care" for it helps in their healing process.

It is in this regard that I would to like to bring into everyone's awareness that there is such a physician who breathes life not only on all of the above qualities, but so much more. He is Dr. Godofredo Godoy, an Internist Cardiologist of Makati Medical Center, (and my personal physician as well) who I am so blessed to have met.

Dr. Godoy had been awarded as Makati Medical Center's " Most Appreciated Physician " for 5 consecutive years based on votes gathered from the hospital's roster of physicians, employees and medical staff.

He is also known as MMC's "Poster Boy" as he was one of the models chosen for the hospital's "Malasakit" campaign which embodies compassionate care, service and sympathy not only to patients, but to anyone who feels the need to seek help. If you happen to drop by MMC, you will notice that posters featuring him abound in the hospital's various premises.

How did I encounter him? Well this is my story.

I needed to consult an Internist and not being aware of anyone from MMC's roster of physicians, decided to call their hotline to ask for details and suggestions. The receptionist gave me the name of Dr. Godofredo Godoy. At first I was reluctant because I preferred a lady doctor. I was musing over the thought of what if he turns out to be an old and grumpy doctor?

So I searched his name in the ever reliable Google and was led to various write-ups on him. I clicked on the first article which was one published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer. Upon opening the link, what readily caught my discerning eye was his picture with Cardinal Tagle. More than the picture however, what really left a mark not only in my mind, but in my heart as well, were the opening words of the article which quoted him saying " Lord, please add some of my life to my cancer patients."

For someone spiritual like me, those words were enough to dispel all my doubts and be assured that I was being led not only to the right doctor, but a man of God as well. I had initially prayed to the Holy Spirit (as I always do whenever I need to make a decision) to guide me in choosing the right doctor. For me this is another one of the many Divine Interventions in my life. I also believe that GOD puts certain people in our lives for a reason.

So I went to his clinic that afternoon and noticed that unlike most doctors whose patients wait in the hallway, his patients waited in comfortable sofas inside his clinic, just outside his private room. While waiting for my turn, I looked around and my mindful eyes saw plaques with "Most Appreciated Physician" embossed on them.

When it was my turn, his secretary ushered me to his private clinic and I was greeted by a good looking man in his white coat flashing a very cordial and warm hearted smile. In a soft spoken manner and toned down voice, he asked what my concern was. After discussing my concern, since I couldn't contain my curiosity, I asked about the plaques and what they represent. He explained that it is an annual award bestowed on an MMC physician who aptly embodies the title and voted upon by physicians and employees of MMC. He happens to be a Hall of Famer after having been voted and awarded for 5 consecutive years, which is no mean feat after all.

I told him that even if it was my first time to meet him, I honestly believe he truly deserves the award based on my experience and inter-action with him in such a momentary time.

He even joked that his name contains the word GOD twice, GODofredo GODoy. What a remarkable concurrence indeed, which probably ensues a message somewhere between the lines.

I have this gift of being able to sense someone's character based on a person's demeanor, words, body language, etc. I wasn't wrong in judging him after all. He truly is God sent not only to me but to all of his patients as well.

If only I could change the name of that award, I would add "Most Admirable and Ideal Physician" as well. Don't you all agree?

SOMEDAY WE WILL HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS

I often wonder what life would be in the "after life".

For Catholics like me, we believe in life after death. We believe that souls go to either Heaven or Hell (after being purified in Purgatory) depending on the gravity of the sins they committed while on earth. The ultimate judge is God the Father himself who will make the revelation to mankind on Judgment Day.

All of us have the so-called Book of Life, wherein all our deeds are recorded. In my grade school days, we were told that the caretaker of this book is St.Peter, who keeps track of all the things we do, good or bad. He also holds the key to Heaven.

I imagine God the Father as being very serious and unrelenting in the exercise of his authority. ( For this write-up, I would be referring to The Father as God, and to The Son as Jesus to avoid any confusion )

If I compare The Father with The Son, I should say Jesus is not as strict as His Father, or should I say more understanding and easier to approach. After all He is our best friend and had experienced what it's like to be man. He acts as our mediator and intercessor, but of course His Father has the last say on our fate.

I have a lot of questions for God (don't we all) and I hope I will be given the chance to ask Him if I will be blessed to come face to face with Him someday.

Questions like; why do people have to suffer, why does evil exist, why is it that when calamity strikes, it is always the poor who get affected, why do you allow some people to malign you, etc. I would also ask Him how would our souls look like after we had made the cross-over. Do we look like our age at the time of our death? Do souls continue to age in the next life? What if my mom died in her 40s and I die at 60, will she recognize me? So intriguing isn't it?

I could probably go on and on with the questions that had built up in my mind all this time. God would probably have to remind me that a lot of souls are in line after me and I'm taking too much of his precious time with my questions.

Someday, we will have all the answers to our questions. We will be enlightened on why a "blessing in disguise" happened to us. We will finally know the elusive reason behind "everything happens for a reason", etc.

Yes Someday........

CROSSING THE THRESHOLD OF OUR FAITH

Let me just make it clear that this is not meant to disrespect the President and his supporters. I am merely voicing out my sentiments and taking a stand as a Catholic Christian whose religious beliefs had been trampled upon.

In the past, I tried to turn a deaf ear to the negative comments of our President because I did not want to antagonize a few friends who are his avid supporters. I have always believed in respecting one another's choice/opinion on certain matters. I even refrained from saying my piece during his tirades against the Catholic Church, our Pope and the clergy, no matter how spiteful they were.

With his latest tirade however, I believe he has gone overboard and crossed the threshold of our faith by cursing GOD and I cannot afford to be silent anymore. 

His impertinence to his Creator, the ONE who blessed him with the position and power he now enjoys, is very appalling. Since he does not seem to acknowledge the existence of GOD anyway, obviously gratitude is out of the question, but may I request him to please desist from maligning GOD. All the things he now delights in came from GOD, and can be taken back from him any time if he abuses such generosity. Blessings are bestowed on us to share with others, but never to be misused for greed or power.

Sadly, he committed the sin of blasphemy which is a very grave sin and a violation of the second commandment. It is referred to as an " eternal sin " because it can not be forgiven unlike venial and mortal sins. For this reason, it created an outrage not only on Catholic Filipinos, but earned the ire of all Christian religions as well, who believe and respect the same GOD. It likewise resulted in the unification of all Christian denominations in the country, defending the same cause and standing up for GOD.

In all sincerity, I commiserate with him because he probably doesn't realize the magnitude of his words or his acts. We need to pray for his clemency and conversion, because as we all know, he is not the type of person who admits mistakes and asks forgiveness for them.

May this public outrage lead to an examination of conscience on his part, humility to admit his mistake and ask forgiveness from GOD. It is not a preposterous suggestion because there is no iota of doubt that inside his heart which seems to be full of anger at times, there still exists an amount of goodness.

Let us not forget that the GOD he cursed is an extremely merciful GOD, and will unhesitatingly forgive him, for as long as he is sincere in being remorseful.

SUPERSTITION, FENG SHUI, et al. vs. FAITH

I find it quite appalling that although we are now in the 17th year of the 21st century, a lot of people still adhere to unfounded beliefs or fallacies such as: superstition, old wives' tales, feng shui, horoscope, et al.

These were practiced by old folks back then probably due to lack of proper guidance, or simply false information which cast a shadow over the truth.

Out of the many superstitions people observe, one of the most common is "pagpag", a Filipino tradition of not going straight home after coming from a wake or funeral, and instead going somewhere else first or partaking of a meal to supposedly "shake off" the bad luck or evil spirits they were exposed to and thus avoid attracting them to one's home. 

Another belief is that immediate family members of the deceased should refrain from escorting guests out of the funeral parlor or elsewhere, for the preposterous reason that by so doing, another family member would follow suit. Truth be told, but when my mom died, I walked with some guests not only to the door of the funeral chapel, but all the way to the parking lot (since I never believed in superstitions anyway) and only after a span of 43 years did my dad pass on. Quite a lengthy period of time for someone to follow, don't you agree?

There is also the perception that family members should desist from getting married within the same year, or "sukob" because it would bring bad luck. Another wedding myth is that a bride-to-be should refrain from trying on her bridal gown because the wedding will not push through. A friend of mine who happens to be a stickler for perfection, tried on her bridal gown three times, and to this day, she and her husband remain happily married and in fact celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary just recently.

The practice of Feng Shui (a Chinese philosophical system) is also quite popular among those who either had a new house constructed or moved to a new abode. So-called believers of this theory seek advice from Feng Shui experts (and even shell out a substantial amount) to guide them as far as proper positioning of doors and windows, arranging objects, etc. are concerned to ensure prosperity and a harmonious environment. This maybe true for the Chinese based on their ideology or religion, but I believe not so for Catholics.

Advocates justify their adherence to such beliefs or practices with the flimsy excuse that there is no harm in believing or practicing them, because they have nothing to lose anyway. That is where I disagree. Belief in these fallacies allow them to rule over your lives and thus make you willing victims of fear such that if these delusions are not adhered to, something bad will happen. 

What you lose is the matter of greatest significance which is FAITH, for God alone determines the course our lives will take. The only thing of utmost importance needed to cope with trials we encounter in life is FAITH, coupled of course with the power of prayer. No amount of positioning of doors or windows, or taking meals after coming from a wake can change what lies ahead. Our future, such as the path our lives will take and when and how we will leave this world, had already been laid out for us by our Creator the moment we are born.

People with lesser faith or worse none at all, are bound to adhere to these unjustified beliefs in supernatural occurrences. Besides by so doing, you become an easy prey to the evil one because you tend to lean more on his side rather than on God's.

If your FAITH is truly intense, you need not fear for you are assured that in times of adversity God will bear most, if not all of its weight. 

Bear in mind that there is no such thing as coincidence, everything is providential. There is no such thing as luck either, only blessings.

Keep the Faith.