General Admission

Even opportunists can have a good heart

By Al S. Mendoza

 

SINCE I reached my age of reason, I can’t remember any world crisis as cruel as this COVID-19 pandemic.

The world reels almost in eternity under the weight of the plague that claims victims practically in wild abandon.

It pains us no end as its catch comes into hundreds globally almost daily.

Has God abandoned us?

When will the scourge end only dear God knows.The virus has not only claimed 1.4 million innocent victims worldwide thus far.

As I write this, more than 20,000 have died in Europe, including more than a combined 10,000 in Italy and France.

Is it true that nearly 67 priests have expired in Italy alone?

Even the United States, the most powerful country in the world, is not exempt from the wrath of this virulent virus.

Already, the US has recorded more than 8,000 deaths as we go to press.

Closer to home, almost 200 of our compatriots have succumbed to this vicious virus that originated in Wuhan, China.

Sadly, among the dead were 12 doctors and two policemen.

There are 625 COVID-19 positive in my place in Quezon City—the most in Metro Manila.

It does not scare me that much though as my family strictly heed the rules on stay-at-home protocols and quarantine modes since March.

I pray for the safety of those fighting the disease, including our 569-plus overseas Filipino workers stuck abroad.

At least the government has been doing its best to attend to them, though they are far from us.

Already, President Duterte has released an additional P30.8 billion for virus victims, including the poorest of the poor who need help the most to mitigate social iniquities.

Call it a miracle if you will but Wuhan, which started it all, has become virus-free.

Starting last Holy Wednesday, the travel ban in Wuhan has been lifted, almost five months after the city of 11 million reported its discovery of the virus on Dec. 17, 2019.

Wuhan residents are known to visit our world-famed Boracay.

But the beach resort has become off-limits, with the lockdown still fully enforced during the Holy Week.

On a lighter vein, the lockdown in Metro Manila has jacked up the sale of bicycles in the metropolis.

With many Manilans heeding the enhanced community quarantine to the hilt, the streets have become virtually vehicle-free.

It has thus become most convenient to travel by bike in the city.

The good thing is, bikes don’t come pricey as one can pay as low as P2,500 each.

The difficult times have pushed opportunists to somehow start practicing Christian values?

Indeed, the good in us will resurface in times of trouble.

And besides, who needs uppity bikes in days of darkness?

Today being Easter Sunday, will dear God lift us out of peril—finally?

For sure, He will.

If not today, Pasko ng Pagkabuhay, soon.  Just you wait.  God does things in His own sweet time.

No whining, please?

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