Reflection on Readings: Modern Bayanihan

(Makabagong Bayanihan Artwork by: Santiago Balase)

As with most Filipinos, this election period has rekindled the fire of my patriotic heart.  It lit the entire nation's patriotism.  And it's good!

But it has also sown seeds of division as we passionately rooted for our candidates. Now THAT is NOT good!

Amidst all the campaigning and FB "unfriending", I felt a nagging feeling that we're missing something vital.  I found my answer/s in the readings of the past days.

I.  It is Not a One-Man Team

From Sunday's 1st Reading
Acts 1:1-11
"When they had gathered together they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 

We want the restoration of the Philippines.  We want it immediate. And we are putting this on the shoulders of just one person (maybe two).

It is an unfair expectation.  

It is also not right.

"He answered them, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has established by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Simply put, Jesus is saying:  No, I will not do it alone.  YOU will help Me.  BUT I will enable you.

The same is true for any leader.  He sets the direction.  He enables.  But it's the whole team (him, included) that executes and delivers.

"They said, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky?"

We cannot just stand still and keep looking up, waiting for something to happen.  (That brings to mind the image of Juan Tamad, waiting for under a tree for the fruit to fall off vs. just plucking it off the tree).  

As recommended by Ignatian Spirituality:

"Pray as if everything depended on God; Work as if everything depended on YOU."

Nothing wrong with praying and entrust everything to God. We should do that. But we need to carry our own weight as well, and contribute to the overall growth and development of our country.

II.  The Leader/s Will Need Guidance

From Saturday's First Reading

Acts 18:23-28

"A Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, an eloquent speaker, arrived in Ephesus. He was an authority on the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the Way of the Lord and, with ardent spirit, spoke and taught accurately about Jesus, although he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue; but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the Way of God more accurately. And when he wanted to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him."

Assuming positive intent, all candidates come with a zealous and "ardent spirit" to serve the country.  All come with a set of knowledge, expertise and characteristics that are far from perfect nor complete.  Thus, regardless who the elected would be, he/she will need the guidance of the experienced and the experts; and the FULL support of the people.

"After his arrival he gave great assistance to those who had come to believe through grace."

I see no better way of explaining this than by sharing a favorite conversation from Kung Fu Panda (Yeah, you read that right).

Oogway: My friend, the panda will never fulfill his destiny, nor you yours, until you let go of the illusion of control.

Shifu: Illusion?

Oogway: Yes.

[points at peach tree]

Oogway: Look at this tree, Shifu. I cannot make it blossom when it suits me, nor make it bear fruit before its time.

Shifu: But there are things we *can* control.

[kicks the tree so that peaches fall]

Shifu: I can control when the fruit will fall!

[he slices a peach and throws the pit to the ground]

Shifu: I can control where to plant the seed! That is no illusion, Master!

Oogway: Ah, yes. But no matter what you do, that seed will grow to be a peach tree. You may wish for an apple or an orange, but you will get a peach.

Shifu: But a peach cannot defeat Tai Lung!

Oogway: [folding dirt over the peach pit] Maybe it *can*, if you are willing to guide it, to nurture it. To believe in it.

III.  He's Got This

From Today's (May 9) Gospel

John 16:29-33

"I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.”

It is not going to be easy, but He's got our back.  He's got this. 

The prayer should then be:  "Not my will, but YOUR will be done.  Let Your anointed candidate/s win."  

From Sunday's 2nd Reading

Hebrews 9:24-28; 10:19-23

"...let us approach with a sincere heart and in absolute trust, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water. Let us hold unwaveringly to our confession that gives us hope, for he who made the promise is trustworthy."

We just have to trust Him and do our part.  (Really, what is there to worry when the One who promised has so far delivered a 100% batting average?)

IV.  Keep the Fire Burning

"Do not go gentle into that good night,

Rage, rage against the dying of the light."  (Dylan Thomas)

Pope Francis said that one of the greatest disease of present society is Apathy.  As I said, one very good thing that this election period has accomplished is to wake all of us from our stupor, igniting a pure and burning love for country.

Let us keep the momentum.  Keep stoking the fire.

V.  Act!

From Today's Reflection

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing” (Edmund Burke).

Finally ... ACT!  If we won't move, then who will?

There is no other way forward, but TOGETHER - with God's grace.  This is Modern Bayanihan.