On POPE FRANCIS Visit: I AM A CHRISTIAN... But by way of religion, I am not CATHOLIC. And I still take pride having watched and listened to Pope FRANCIS in all his activities in his five-day visit here in the Philippines. I had jitters, I even cried. Same way that I respect our Muslim Brothers and Sisters when they observe their Ramadan and other Religious activities, the INCs in their Centennial Celebration and the same activities I involve myself into in the very Church which I attend to. And I see NO REASON to curse and utter negative words and express ill-feelings against anyone who believes in the Pope as the bridge between God and Man. Instead of maligning and criticizing devotees and those in the faith, I would rather see things in a brighter light and recognize the significance of the Popes visit. And there are words from Pope Francis which we all need to remember: (thanks for this Ms. Tina Abanilla) 1. Women have much to tell in today’s society; 2. Women are capable of seeing things from a different angle; 3. Let us learn how to weep; 4. Be courageous, don’t be afraid of crying; 5. Use languages of mind, heart and hands in harmony; 6. God reveals Himself through surprises; 7. Learn how to beg, receive with humility; 8. Reality is superior to ideas; 9. It is a sin to forget that we are children of God; 10. The ‘Santo Niño’ reminds us to protect our families; 11. We need to see each child as a gift to be welcomed; 12. Please don’t forget to pray for me. Let us not forget that the Pope came here for the lost, the last, the least. Again I saw that there are no rich and poor people in his gatherings and that all needed to be reminded and accept the fact that there is a greater God than him.. he has truly shown Christ in his ways and the experience of witnessing this was indeed very humbling. He assured the Filipino people (in Tacloban) that whatever happens, the real Christ will never leave you nor forsake you. Lately, the very busy life I live may not be enough to emulate what a real Christian must do but I am certain that I am trying my best indeed to share a piece of my faith and practice what I preach. I have to admit that I was deeply moved and touched by the words of Pope Francis. He reached out most to those of us who are lost, those who have unanswered questions and petitions, those of us who continue to sin. Such compassion and mercy is unfathomable. I can only cry my heart out, take such realities, and believe that there is indeed hope in Christ. And so I wonder why others cant seem to find the reason to appreciate this visit...in a period where Filipinos are LOST in their faith, FRUSTRATED by this countrys leaders and DIVIDED by hate, all we MUST do is to spend a bit of silence, search our hearts and forgive as we also ask to be forgiven... Here comes this Pope, in all humility gave HOPE by his presence in this WOUNDED and HURTING Nation. No one individual or religion has the SOLE CLAIM to righteousness and salvation. Religion divides us but SPIRITUALITY surely would UNITE us. His visit is all about mercy and compassion which definitely spelled out HOPE for the Filipino people. His arrival has awakened the long dead spirits of this countrys citizens. And so I am amazed how could other educated people cant seem to realize this. We condemn those who were stricken by his message in Malacanang and yet we choose who to point our fingers to selfishly serving motives of those dividing this Nation. As Pope Francis said. who are we to Judge (anyway)? Pope Francis came here for the hopeless, the down and stone hearted alike - for the SINNERS, just like what JESUS did. And why do we NOT condemn OURSELVES for hating those people who were the very reason of his visit/arrival? And so as I end this reflection, I cry for those who deprived themselves of the privilege of knowing the role and mission of this Pope and for those who still continue to sow hate in the midst of this countrys troubles and uncertainties. Let his message of hope embrace you. Let it enlighten you. Let it enliven the lost faith in you. Undeniably, he is a man of God living by his title, the Pontiff which means the bridge. Pope Francis to me is indeed (one of) Gods Pope - His Peoples Pope!
Posted on: Mon, 19 Jan 2015 06:01:34 +0000