Think about it
Phenomenal show of faith should be internalized
By Jun Velasco
“For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realm.” —– Ephesians 6:12
WE behold our countrymen’s phenomenal show of faith and love for the pope. We hope it would be matched inside, which is the Lord’s abode — and not the physical.
Filipinos’ overflowing faith was shown earlier during the Nazarene procession, sadly marred by the death of two and injuries to thousands.
We need to channel this show of overwhelming faith in Christ in defeating evil, the forces of Satan towards lifting the nation to spiritual glory. And to think this should be achieved by turning ourselves in gratitude and humility always!
* * * *
We saw a younger looking Art Lomibao last Wednesday at Midway Restaurant in La Union.
The former PNP Director, NIA Administrator and DOTC-LTO Assistant Secretary has maintained a safe distance from politics since the last elections which beauteous wife, the former Jacky Tiu, explains appropriate and necessary. She frowns on Ph politics’ low and pecuniary character.
We thought our cumpadre Art was so fortunate with a beauty ‘n brains wife who couldn’t understand people’s twisted view of things for not supporting the more able and competent leaders they should trust.
Our lively exchange in the company of Dr. Pepe Soriano, formerly of the DOH Region 1, Ramon Santillan, Jason and Joshua Velasco was a critical look at the country’s sisyphic struggle to craft a viable democracy to the chagrin of political idealists enshrined in Plato’s ideal Republic, which, alas, may not be achievable in our lifetime.
Art and another former national PNP stalwart – General, now Congressman Pol Bataoil, were our directors during one and a half years presidency of the Rotary Club of Metro Cubao — are among the fittest products of the Philippine National Academy.
One’s destiny is written in the stars.
If you have gone to Art’s house in Quezon City, you will be impressed at his vast library, the books coming from different countries, telltale of his well-furnished mind.
Art was a Toastmasters’ Club president in Quezon City for many years.
We hinted to Jacky Art may not be a politician but a political philosopher.
* * * *
Our meeting with Director Jojo Guadiz at his LTO office reminds us of his high school years at DCNHS when her ma happened to be our high school English teacher, Reveriana Estrada-Guadiz asked us to coach Jojo as an aspiring writer. Cathy, on the other hand, who was a University of Pangasinan debater and orator, tutored Jojo in oration.
We hope he will do something about LTO, said to be a haven of extortionists.
His father, the late former Councilor and RTC judge Teofilo “Lory” Guadiz Jr., was our buddy in the coffee shop.
* * * *
We are gladdened by the formation of the Volunteers Against Corruption for the Uprightness and Upliftment of Mangaldan (VACUUM) with Dr. Jose Soriano at the helm.
We like the acronym. We hope Dagupan will also have something like it.
* * * *
We are awed by the Pope’s physical presence.
The fact of the matter is one should be awed by our existence itself as a gift from God which the Pope’s visit enhances.
If so, we need to continually confirm and re-affirm this God-man linkage.
In our Pangasinan public, we should look for this linkage in what we think were our Christian or Catholic being.
In Dagupan, what’s going on in the much-criticized feud between Mayor Belen Fernandez and majority of the city councilors is not a very smart war on turf.
Unless they can submerge their narrow interests for the public good, the controversy over the snail-paced passage of the budget is doomed.
Our 10-centavo worth of advice: be in step with the mind-blowing show of love for Christ, thru His extremely popular representative, Pope Francis who, by iconic destiny, was on our beloved land.
* * * *
By the way, Director Roland Mejia of Region 1 Medical Canter, told us his five DOH teams were in the Papal entourage. RM knows deep in his heart that authentic health care comes from God. His RMC’s presence if the Pope’s visitation route shows this.
* * * *
NOTES: We most sincerely condole with the family of the late Pastor Antonio L. Rala who died last Sunday at age 67. Beloved husband of our niece, Belen Evangelista, Tony was an exemplary Christian. He was former copywriter of MacCann Ericsson. May he rest in peace.
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
