Rafael L. Oriel, Jr.
8 Mar 2008

 

 

Definitely, meekness will solve the problems plaguing the country. Fretting will not help at all; it will lead only to evil. Especially by those who cannot discern the truth, the word meek has been misunderstood by many to refer to weakness, passivity or powerlessness.

On the contrary, it is not. It will lead to general blessing and success for Filipinos for it is written, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth”.

It is widely believed by devoted Christians that the beatitude of meekness is the antonym of pride, rebelliousness, arrogance and cowardliness.

This is the main reason why I am greatly amazed by the attitudes of some Filipino Christians especially religious leaders who are acting more like politicians than clergies. Filipinos must refrain from anger and turn from wrath. We must not fret because it will only lead us to evil.

King David gives us the best explanation as it is written in Psalm 37:1-13.

“Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land. A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace. The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming.”