The other week, many people in Batangas were living on open spaces. They were scared out of their wits due to several earthquakes and their aftershocks that destroyed some parts of old churches.
The other day, a weak earthquake in Baguio City sent shivers down the spine of many residents. Who could have forgotten the 1990 killer quake that ended the lives of thousands in this Summer Capital? It was a dark spot in the city’s history, as it was literally dark for weeks when the earthquakes happened. Repentance was what was in the minds of people at that time, more so on the destruction of the city’s environment. So many went on air to announce how the city should be rehabilitated and how we should rehabilitate ourselves especially on the way we had destroyed a beautiful creation like the Baguio City of yore. The root cause of course is greed. And it took the deaths of thousands during the killer quake—there was a shortage of coffins and other funeral needs that cadavers were literally lined up on the sides of the street in front of the funeral parlors—for us to be jolted from our having effectively forgotten what spirituality is about.
So the earthquake the other day should be a timely reminder for some introspection this Lent. Shouldn’t our heads be bowed in meditation or deep prayer this coming few days? Should we not actually do it every time we wake up and before we sleep?
Of course, but that will not be the case. The majority will be busy with their vices. The coming days would be time for merry making as if the pain Jesus Christ went through before His death had no importance to be appreciated and internalized.
Aside from drinking sprees, so many would be pre-occupied with white sand beaches and what resorts can offer.
Well, there will be some humanitarian activities but many of these will be just for show.
Surely we can do better as a Christian nation. Look no further. It has to start with you, with me, and with all of us. Right now.**